Craft Ideas Using Dried Flowers, Herbs, and Vegetables

By Carrie Spoonmore for ParkSeed

Beauty from Nature and a Little Zhuzh from You: In a world dominated by technology and fast-paced living, there's something soothing about connecting with nature through crafts. One way to do this is by using dried flowers, herbs, and vegetables in your crafting. These natural elements not only add a touch of rustic charm to your crafts but may also infuse your living spaces with a gentle fragrance that invokes a sense of tranquility. Here are some crafts you can make using dried flowers, herbs, and vegetables, along with simple instructions on how to dry and prepare them.

Dried Flower Arrangements

Creating dried flower arrangements is a classic and timeless craft. You can arrange these preserved blossoms in elegant vases, shadow boxes, or even make your own potpourri blends. To dry flowers, follow these steps:

1. Select Fresh Flowers: Choose fresh, healthy flowers with few blemishes.
2. Bundle the Stems: Tie the stems together with a rubber band.
3. Hang to Dry: Hang them upside down in a warm, dark, and well-ventilated area.
4. Wait: Allow the flowers to dry for about two weeks, depending on the thickness of the petals.

Consider using strawflowers or Love-Lies-Bleeding amaranthus, both of which dry beautifully and retain vibrant colors.

Herb-Infused Candles

Enhance the ambiance of your home with herb-infused candles. Not only do these candles provide a soft, warm glow, but they also release the soothing aroma of dried herbs. Here's how you can make them:

1. Gather Herbs: Choose dried herbs like lavender, rosemary, or chamomile.
2. Melt Wax: Melt candle wax in a double boiler and add a few drops of essential oil for an extra fragrance boost.
3. Add Herbs: Mix in the dried herbs and carefully pour the mixture into empty candle holders.
4. Insert Wick: Place a candlewick into the center and let it cool and solidify.

Tip: Use German Chamomile for its anti-inflammatory and sedative properties, adding a therapeutic touch to your candles.

Pressed Flower Bookmarks

For bookworms and stationery lovers, creating pressed flower bookmarks is an easy and enjoyable craft that combines aesthetics with functionality. Follow these steps to make your own:

1. Select Flowers: Choose fresh flowers with flat petals.
2. Press Flowers: Place them between the pages of a heavy book, with parchment paper to protect the pages.
3. Wait: Press the flowers for about 1-2 weeks until completely dry and flat.
4. Create Bookmark: Glue the pressed flowers onto cardstock or thick paper.
5. Laminate: Laminate for durability, then punch a hole at the top and add a ribbon or tassel.

Herbal Sachets

Sachets filled with aromatic dried herbs can serve as natural air fresheners or sleep aids and make great homemade gifts. Here's how you can make them:

1. Sew Fabric Pouches: Create small fabric pouches, leaving an opening for filling.
2. Mix Herbs: Combine dried herbs like lavender, mint, or eucalyptus with a few drops of essential oils.
3. Fill Sachets: Add the herb mixture to the pouches and sew the opening closed.

Pro Tip: Use catnip in sachets to make a special gift for feline friends.

Dried Flower Resin Jewelry

Capture the timeless beauty of dried flowers in wearable art. Making resin jewelry with dried flowers is a fantastic way to preserve their delicate allure. Here's how you can do it:

1. Select Flowers: Choose small, dried flowers that fit nicely into jewelry molds.
2. Prepare Resin: Mix the resin according to the manufacturer's instructions and pour a small amount into the mold.
3. Add Flowers: Carefully place the dried flowers on top of the resin, pressing gently to avoid air bubbles.
4. Pour Remaining Resin: Cover the flowers and let them cure according to the recommended time.

Additional Ideas for Dried Vegetables

Softneck Garlic Braids: Create decorative and functional garlic braids using softneck garlic varieties. These braids can be hung in the kitchen for easy access and a rustic look. To make a garlic braid:

1. Harvest Garlic: Harvest when the leaves are 50% yellow.
2. Dry: Cure garlic in a dry, airy space for two weeks.
3. Braid: Use the pliable stems to braid the bulbs together, adding a touch of kitchen charm.

Dried Corn Decorations: Corn adds a touch of harvest elegance to your fall decor. Here's how to prepare it:

1. Select Ears: Choose ears of corn with intact husks.
2. Dry Corn: Hang the corn in a dry, dark place for several weeks until the kernels are hard.
3. Decorate: Use the dried corn in wreaths, garlands, or as table centerpieces.

Luffah Sponges: Grow luffah gourds to make natural sponges for bathing or cleaning. Here's how to prepare them:

1. Harvest Luffah: Wait until the skin turns brown and starts to dry on the vine.
2. Peel Skin: Remove the outer skin to reveal the fibrous interior.
3. Cleanse and Dry: Wash the luffah to remove seeds and impurities, then dry thoroughly.
4. Cut Sponges: Slice into desired lengths for use in baths or cleaning.

Squash Centerpieces: Dried squash can be used as unique and colorful centerpieces for fall. Here's how:

1. Select Squash: Choose varieties like ornamental gourds or small pumpkins.
2. Dry: Allow them to dry naturally by storing them in a warm, dry place.
3. Create Arrangements: Combine with dried flowers and herbs to make stunning centerpieces.

How to Dry Flowers, Herbs, and Vegetables

Drying these elements is a simple process that requires minimal effort. Here's a basic guide to get you started:

1. Harvest: Collect flowers, herbs, and vegetables in the morning when their essential oils are most potent.
2. Remove Excess Leaves: Trim any unwanted leaves and excess moisture.
3. Bundle Stems: Tie small bundles with string or rubber bands.
4. Hang to Dry: Hang bundles upside down in a dry, dark, and well-ventilated space.
5. Check Progress: Ensure no moisture is trapped and that items are drying evenly.
6. Store: Once dried, store them in airtight containers away from direct sunlight to maintain their quality.

Use these craft ideas and drying techniques to supplement the ways you use your fresh produce. You'll have nature-inspired pieces you can give as gifts that will bring joy to you and your friends and family. https://www.parkseed.com/blog/craft-ideas-using-dried-flowers-herbs

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