Crafting Wedding Flower Ornaments: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding flower ornaments can be a fun DIY project for your big day. They can be used as decorations, gifts, or party favours. You can make pressed flower ornaments using homemade clay and dried flowers. The clay can be made by mixing cornstarch, baking soda, and water. You can also make dried flower ornaments by drying out flowers and carefully placing the petals into clear glass ornaments. If you're making a bouquet, cut the flower stems at a 45-degree angle and put them in water to keep them fresh. Pick hardy flowers that will last longer and store them in a cool, shady place.

Drying flowers

Choosing the Right Flowers

Not all flowers are suitable for drying. Select flowers with sturdy petals and low moisture content. Some flowers that dry well naturally include roses, lavender, baby's breath, strawflowers, statice, and celosia. If you're looking for a pop of colour, the purple shades of dried pansies are a great option.

Cutting the Flowers

Cut the stems of the flowers to your desired length. Keep in mind that you can always trim them shorter later, so it's best to err on the side of keeping them longer for now. Remove any extra foliage from the flower stems.

Bundling the Flowers

Gather the flowers together in small bunches. You can use elastic bands, jute twine, or floral wire to secure the bundles. This step helps create a uniform drying process and makes it easier to hang the flowers for drying.

Hanging the Flowers

Hang the flower bundles upside down in a dry, dark, and well-ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight during and after the drying process, as it can cause the colours to fade. A closet or a basement studio is ideal, as it provides the necessary darkness and ventilation while keeping the flowers away from direct sunlight.

Drying Time

Leave the flowers to dry for several weeks, or until the petals feel dry and brittle to the touch. The flowers will also visually appear dry. This natural air-drying method is the easiest and most cost-effective way to dry flowers.

Storing the Dried Flowers

Once the flowers are completely dry, you can store them in an airtight container to prolong their lifespan. Continue to keep them in a cool, dark place, such as a basement studio or a room with minimal sunlight.

Alternative Methods

While air-drying is the simplest method, there are other techniques you can use to dry flowers:

• Drying in a Vase: This method is particularly effective for hydrangeas. Remove the extra leaves and arrange them in a vase with about 1.5-2 inches of water. As the water evaporates, the hydrangeas will naturally dry out.
• Using Silica Gel: Silica gel is a desiccant that absorbs moisture, making it ideal for drying flowers while maintaining their shape and colour. Choose flowers with low moisture content, such as roses, daisies, and zinnias. Cover the flowers completely with silica gel and leave them for several days to a few weeks, depending on the flower type.
• Microwave Drying: This method is suitable for flowers with flat, thin petals, such as pansies, daisies, and cosmos. Arrange the flowers on a paper towel, cover them with another paper towel, and place them between two dinner plates. Microwave in 30-second intervals, checking the flowers each time until they feel dry.

Decorating with Dried Flowers

Once your flowers are dried and stored, you can use them for various decorative purposes:

• Flower Ornaments: Create ornaments using air-dry clay and dried flowers. Roll out the clay, cut out your desired shape, and use a straw to create a hole for hanging. After the clay dries, decorate it with Mod Podge and dried flowers.
• Potpourri: Air-dry fragrant flowers like roses and add essential oils like rose or geranium for a natural fragrance.
• Wreaths: Make a wreath with dried flowers from your garden to commemorate special memories.
• Vase Arrangements: Fill a vase with dried flowers for a simple yet elegant home décor piece.
• Clay Imprints: Use dried flowers to create imprints in air-dry clay, creating beautiful ornaments or keepsakes.

Choosing flowers that dry well

When choosing flowers to dry, it is important to select flowers that will retain their colour and shape. Flowers with a small calyx and tightly held petals are good candidates for drying. Here are some flowers that dry well:

• Ageratum (Floss Flower)
• Artemisia for its silvery foliage
• Cornflower (Bachelor's Buttons)
• Sea Holly (Eryngium)
• 'Limelight' Hydrangea
• 'Big Blue' Sea Holly
• Celosia 'Dragon's Breath'
• Strawflowers
• Lavender
• Roses
• Globe Amaranth
• Statice
• Eucalyptus
• Baby's Breath
• Peonies
• Yarrow
• Globe Thistle
• Gomphrena

Using dried flowers to make ornaments

Drying Your Own Flowers:

Start by selecting flowers that dry well, such as roses, lavender, baby's breath, thistle, or eucalyptus. To dry the flowers, tie the stems together with string and hang them upside down in a cool, dark, and dry place for at least two to three weeks. A closet or a dark room is ideal, as direct sunlight can cause the flowers to lose their colour.

Pressing Flowers:

Another method is to press your flowers. Place the flowers between two pieces of wax or parchment paper and put them inside a heavy book. Leave the flowers for a few weeks until they are completely dry and flattened. You can also buy pre-pressed flowers from craft stores or online.

Clay Ornaments:

One option for creating dried flower ornaments is to use air-dry clay, which you can make yourself or buy from craft stores. Roll out the clay to about 1/4-inch thickness and cut out your desired shape using a cookie cutter. Don't forget to make a hole for hanging the ornament before it dries. Let the clay ornament air dry for at least three days or bake it at a low temperature, following the instructions for your specific clay type. Once the clay is dry, decorate it by applying a thin layer of Mod Podge and gently pressing the dried flowers onto the ornament. Finish with another layer of Mod Podge to seal, let it dry, and then tie a string through the hole for hanging.

Glass Ornaments:

You can also create dried flower ornaments using clear glass ornaments. Simply trim the stems of your dried flowers and insert them into the glass ornaments. Use a small tool like a wooden skewer or chopstick to adjust the flowers' positioning inside the ornament. You can mix and match different types of flowers and botanicals to create a variety of natural colours and textures. Attach a ribbon or string to the top of the ornament for hanging, and your ornament is ready to display!

Making clay flower ornaments

Preparing the Clay:

Firstly, you will need to prepare the clay. You can either purchase air-dry clay or make your own at home. To make your own clay, simply mix cornstarch, baking soda, and water together in a saucepan over medium heat until it forms a thick consistency.

Shaping the Ornaments:

Once you have your clay, it's time to shape your ornaments. Start by rolling out the clay to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. You can use a rolling pin or, if you don't have one, the side of a drinking glass or mason jar will work just fine.

Use a cookie cutter to cut out your desired shape for the ornament. A round shape, about 3 inches across, is a good option, but you can also experiment with other shapes or sizes. Don't forget to create a hole for hanging the ornament by pushing the end of a drinking straw into the clay, ensuring the hole is at least 3/8 inch away from the edge.

Drying the Clay:

Now it's time to let your clay ornaments dry. If you are using air-dry clay, let them sit for at least 3 days, or until they are completely hard. The drying time may vary depending on the temperature, humidity, and the type of clay used. Alternatively, if you are using an oven-baked clay like Sculpey, place your ornaments on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 275 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes, or until hard. Be careful not to over-bake, as they may break.

Decorating the Ornaments:

Once your clay ornaments are dry, it's time for the fun part—decorating! Start by applying a thin layer of Mod Podge to the front of the ornament. Mod Podge acts as a sealer and gives your ornament a nice durable finish. You can also use diluted school glue, but keep in mind that it may peel and yellow over time.

Gently press dried flowers onto the layer of Mod Podge, creating your desired design. You can use a variety of flowers such as roses, lavender, baby's breath, or even pressed wildflowers. Groups of three, such as one large flower, some greenery, and a cluster of small flowers, tend to work well together.

Once you are happy with your flower arrangement, apply another thin layer of Mod Podge over the flowers to seal them in place. Let the ornament dry completely.

Finishing Touches:

To finish your ornament, cut a piece of twine, string, or ribbon, about 9 inches long, and push it through the hole in the ornament. Tie a knot to secure it in place, and your clay flower ornament is complete!

These ornaments are perfect for hanging on a wedding gift, displaying on a wall, or even using as a decorative mobile. You can also add a personal touch by carving the date or a special message on the back of the ornament before it dries. Enjoy creating these beautiful clay flower ornaments!

Using flowers to decorate a wedding cake

Flowers are a beautiful and elegant way to decorate a wedding cake. Here are some tips and tricks to achieve a stunning floral wedding cake:

Choosing the Right Flowers:

It is important to select flowers that are safe and non-toxic, especially if they will be placed near the cake. While the flowers are intended purely for decoration and not to be consumed, it is best to use flowers that are known to be non-toxic and food-safe. Some recommended flower choices include carnations, mums, roses, spray roses, pansies, lilacs, and lavender. It is also a good idea to choose organic flowers that have not been treated with pesticides to ensure they are safe and chemical-free.

Using Herbs as Greenery:

Herbs can be a beautiful and safe alternative to traditional greenery. They provide a variety of looks and textures to your cake design. Thyme has a delicate appearance, rosemary has a pretty colour and a stiffer structure, and bay leaves resemble rose leaves. Using herbs instead of cultivated greenery adds a unique and safe touch to your cake.

Methods for Attaching Flowers:

There are several methods for attaching flowers to a wedding cake. One popular method is to wrap the stems of the flowers with floral tape, which is a self-adhesive tape that comes in different shades of green. This helps to prevent any fluids from the stems from leaking into the cake or frosting. Another method is to use bubble tea straws, which are thick, clear plastic straws that can be inserted into the cake at an angle, and then the flower stems can be slipped into the straws. This is especially useful for positioning flowers at specific angles or attaching them to the sides of the cake.

If you want to avoid inserting the flower stems directly into the cake, you can use toothpicks. Cut the flower stem at the base of the bloom and insert a toothpick, then carefully stick the toothpick into the cake so that the flower is securely in place without touching the cake surface.

Design Ideas:

When it comes to designing your floral wedding cake, there are endless possibilities. You can go for a minimalist look by using just one variety of delicate flower, such as muscari, and place them asymmetrically on the cake. For a fuller design, create a lush garden effect around the base of the cake using a mix of flowers and herbs. You can also use a statement bloom, such as a rose, in the centre of the cake or cupcake, surrounded by delicate flowers and nonpareils or pearlescent sugar balls.

Remember, fresh flowers are perishable, so it is best to add them to the cake the same day they will be enjoyed to ensure they look their best.

Frequently asked questions