Make Use Of Old Flower Bouquets

Valentine's Day typically means lots of fresh flowers and bouquets. They're beautiful to have around the house, but they don't last for very long. Eventually, they will start to wilt, but don't throw them away! Try out one of these ways to reuse your leftover flowers.

Pressed Flowers

The most well-known way of keeping flowers beautiful is by pressing them! It can take a long time to be ready, but it is worth it. When pressing flowers, it's best to use just the head of the flower and cut off the stem and leaves. Make sure to wipe away any dirt or moisture. Now arrange them on a page of an old book. Close it tightly and add more books or weights on top. They will need to stay like this for at least a week, but most flowers will need up to two weeks.

Potpourri

Making your own potpourri is simple, and it's a great use for old flowers that no longer look perfect. Gather your flowers and cut flowers away from the stems. You can also use just the petals. Lay them out on a sheet tray with parchment paper and add thin slices of citrus fruits, herbs, or spices like cinnamon. Now, create a dilution of essential oils to use as a spray. Put 10 to 15 drops per tablespoon of water. Lightly spray the ingredients, then put the tray into the oven. Bake at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for at least two hours. Allow to cool, then place the potpourri in a bowl. You can keep using the essential oil spray to help keep the scent strong for longer.

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Soap

If you enjoy making soap, try incorporating flowers into your next batch! You can shred the petals, use the entire petals, or even use the whole flower head. However, it's important to dry your flowers first to prevent them from getting mushy. Another thing to worry about is that some flowers will start turning brown or black when mixed into the soap. While not harmful, it may make your soap look unappealing if the petals are the main focus. One option to prevent this is to place your flowers on top of your soap while it is setting.