Some useful pages about dried flower crafts
I’ve been in the dried flowers business for twenty years now and have picked up lots of knowledge to share! Here is a list of stand-out topics around the subject, be it varieties of blooms, types of craft or useful materials. Other resources can be found under the menu headings in the top banner and right hand column.
Dried flowers and botanicals one letter at a time
Achillea
Aka the large yellow Cloth of Gold or small white Pearl Yarrow, these blooms are invaluable in floristry in different ways.
Aromatherapy
Many botanicals have proven health and wellbeing benefits such as lavender and chamomile.
Bunch
A bunch of dried flowers is often your starting point for a bouquet or arrangement, whether you’ve bought them in or dried your own.
Confetti
Dried flower petal confetti is natural and biodegradable and is the venue-friendly choice.
Daisy
The simplest and most beautiful flower shape.
Exotics
Think palms, cotton bolls, bright colours and unusual shapes that come from warmer climes.
Foliage
Greenery adds a sense of calm to an arrangement and is great for adding a level of informality.
Gypsophila
Baby’s breath is a staple for weddings and increasingly popular dry.
Hydrangea
A versatile bloom for home decor, wreaths, or even snipped up as a pressed flower or confetti.
Immortelle
Another word for Everlasting, these Helichrysums are great for flower crowns and wreaths and are easy to dry.
Jute twine
Use twine to tie boho and country bouquets.
Kangaroo-Paw
An exotic florist favourite that dries surprisingly well but should be used with care.
Lavender
It smells great, has aromatherapy properties and the bunches are inexpensive and versatile.
Marigold
Calendula petals can be used in bath products, potpourri or even confetti mixes.
Nigella
This cottage garden favourite aka Love-in-a-Mist can be dried in bloom or for its unusual seed pods.
Oshibana
The Japanese name for pressed flower craft – think cards, phone cases, resin jewellery or more traditional art pieces.
Potpourri
I love to make potpourri from natural botanicals and it has become increasingly popular recently.
Quaking grass
There are so many dried grasses available for floristry these days but Quaking is my favourite.
Roses
Petals for confetti, expressions of love, scented potpourri or rose stems in a bouquet, what a range!
Seed Pods
Floristry doesn’t have to be all about the flowers – use seed heads for architectural or seasonal interest in a bouquet or for home decor.
Twigs
As above, use twigs such as Birch or Pussy Willow in an arrangement, or display it for home decor.
Umbels
Flowers such as Fennel grow horizontally to provide a landing pad for pollinating insects. When dry they can add variation in form to a mixed bouquet.
Violas
Cute little pansy faces that I wouldn’t be without in my garden and they press beautifully.
Weddings
Not just confetti but bouquets (if it’s dry it makes a keepsake!), decorations and wedding favours too.
XL projects
In my dried flower business I deal with a lot of shops, crafters, market stall holders and Etsy sellers working on a larger scale.
Yarrow
Aka Achillea which usually has umbel flowers (see U).
Zest
Citrus is a go-to for home fragrance and potpourri. Zingy citrus botanicals include whole dried oranges or slices, or small pieces of naturally scented peel.