Preserve your garden’s beauty with this DIY flower art project! Dried blooms and an upcycled frame create a stunning display.
This past summer, I was lucky enough to stumble upon the most beautiful vintage frame at a flea market in Vermont. It was ornate and gold, with intricate details that whispered of a bygone era. I immediately knew it would be the perfect way to display some of the dried flowers from my garden, like zinnias and dahlias, in a unique and eye-catching way.
This project was not only a fun way to upcycle a thrifted find, but it also allowed me to bring the outdoors in and extend my gardening season just a bit longer. Every time I look at it, it brings me so much joy!
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Why Silica Gel?
Before we dive into the project, let’s talk about drying methods. There are a few ways to dry flowers, but for this project, I chose the silica gel method. Why? Because zinnias and dahlias can be a bit finicky. They lose their shape if you hang them to dry and I wanted to preserve the integrity of the blooms.
Silica gel is a desiccant that quickly absorbs moisture, which helps preserve the vibrant color and delicate shape of these flowers – perfect for creating art! This method ensures they hold up well and look their best in my DIY flower art. For information about how to dry flowers with silica gel, read this post that I wrote that explains the whole process.
To learn more about the different ways to dry flowers, I shared an informative post that details each method here.
Supplies
- Dried flowers: Zinnias, dahlias, or any other flowers you like (ensure they’re thoroughly dried using the silica gel method)
- Silica Gel: for drying your flowers
- Vintage frame: Thrifted or found
- Cardboard: To create a backing for the frame
- Duck Tape: To secure the cardboard backing
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks: For adhering the flowers to the cardboard
- Scissors: For trimming stems or any excess materials
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the frame
If necessary, clean the frame and remove any existing artwork or glass. Measure the frame’s interior dimensions and cut a piece of cardboard to fit snugly as the backing. I just used whatever we had in recycling. Secure the cardboard to the frame from behind using duct tape or something similar so it holds.
Step 2: Arrange the flowers
Before gluing, play around with different arrangements of your dried flowers on the cardboard. Consider the size, shape, and color of each bloom to create a visually appealing composition. Don’t be afraid to layer the flowers for added depth and texture.
Step 3: Glue the flowers
Once you’re happy with the arrangement, carefully start gluing the flowers to the cardboard using a hot glue gun. Work in small sections, allowing the glue to dry slightly before moving on to prevent any shifting.
Step 4: Clean Up Any Glue Frays on Your DIY Flower Art
After the glue has completely dried, carefully remove any stray glue strands or “fraying” around the edges of the flowers.
Step 5: Admire your creation
Step back and enjoy your beautiful DIY flower art!
DIY Flower Art Tips and Tricks
- Trim the stems of your dried flowers as close as possible to the base of the bloom. This will help them lie flat against the frame and create a smoother surface.
- Resist the urge to clean up any glue strands immediately. Wait until the glue has completely set to avoid accidentally disturbing your flower arrangement.
- Choose flowers in different sizes and colors to add visual interest to your artwork. I used smaller blooms to fill in gaps and create a more balanced composition.
- To prevent your dried flowers from fading, display your artwork in an area that’s out of direct sunlight.
- For extra protection and color longevity, lightly mist your finished flower art with hairspray. This will help seal the petals and prevent them from becoming brittle. You can also consider using a UV-resistant sealant.
- Don’t limit yourself to just flowers! Consider incorporating other dried elements like leaves, ferns, or even seed pods to add texture and dimension to your piece.
Final Thoughts About Making DIY Flower Art
I absolutely LOVE how this project turned out! It was such an easy and fulfilling way to use flowers from my garden before the season ended. And the best part?
It’s a fantastic way to upcycle thrifted décor and decorate your home on a budget with unique pieces that truly represent you. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different flowers, colors, and textures to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece that brings you joy for years to come.
Want more tips for drying flowers for future projects? Check out this article from the Missouri Cooperative Extension.
Happy crafting!
Thank you for visiting the blog today!
Enjoy your day! xo
