I remember when I was a little girl, my grandmother used to press flowers and use them to make beautiful artwork. I was always fascinated by the delicate beauty of the pressed flowers and the way they seemed to capture a moment in time. Now that I am older, I wanted to try my hand at preserving flowers in the same way. After doing some research, I discovered that you can actually microwave pressed flowers! Intrigued, I decided to give it a try. In this article, I will share with you a quick and easy guide on how to microwave pressed flowers.
Preparing the Flowers
Before you begin the process of microwaving pressed flowers, you need to prepare the flowers themselves. Here’s what you’ll need to do:
Pick the right flowers
Not all flowers are suitable for pressing and microwaving. Choose flowers with thin petals that are not too thick or too woody. Some good options include pansies, daisies, and violets. Avoid flowers with big, bulky petals or flowers that have a high moisture content.
Remove the stems
Once you have selected your flowers, carefully remove the stems. You only want the petals for this process, so discard the stems.
Place the flowers between parchment paper
Take two pieces of parchment paper and place the flowers between them. Make sure the petals are arranged in a way that you like, as they will be pressed in this arrangement. Be gentle when handling the flowers to avoid damaging them.
Place the parchment paper between two paper towels
To absorb any excess moisture, place the parchment paper with the flowers between two paper towels. This step is important as any remaining moisture can cause the flowers to become moldy during the microwaving process. Make sure to press firmly to remove as much moisture as possible.
Microwaving the Pressed Flowers
Now that you have prepared the flowers, it’s time to microwave them. Here’s how to do it:
Choose the right microwave-safe container
You will need a microwave-safe container to place the pressed flowers in. Glass or ceramic plates work well for this purpose. Avoid using plastic containers as they may melt in the microwave.
Place the pressed flowers on the container
Carefully transfer the pressed flowers onto the microwave-safe container. Arrange them in a way that you find visually appealing, as they will be permanently set once microwaved.
Microwave in short intervals
Microwaves vary in strength, so it’s best to start microwaving the flowers in short intervals. Begin with 20-second intervals and check the flowers after each interval. The goal is to remove all the moisture from the flowers without burning or scorching them.
Check on the flowers regularly
While microwaving, keep a close eye on the flowers. You don’t want to leave them unattended and risk overcooking. Take them out if they start to turn brown or if you notice any signs of scorching.
Let the flowers cool
Once you have microwaved the flowers to your satisfaction, take them out of the microwave and let them cool completely. This will help them retain their pressed shape and prevent any moisture from accumulating and damaging the flowers.
Using Microwave Pressed Flowers
Congratulations, you have successfully microwaved your pressed flowers! Now it’s time to unleash your creativity and use them in various crafts and art projects. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
– Create beautiful DIY greeting cards or bookmarks by gluing the pressed flowers onto cardstock or thin cardboard.
– Make unique wall art by arranging the flowers in a pleasing pattern and framing them.
– Add a touch of nature to your phone case or laptop by decoupaging the pressed flowers onto the surface.
– Pressed flowers can also be incorporated into resin jewelry, such as pendants or earrings, for a whimsical and natural touch.
Remember to store your microwave pressed flowers in a dry and dark place to prevent them from fading or getting damaged over time. With a little bit of creativity and patience, you can turn your microwave pressed flowers into stunning works of art that will last for years to come.
In conclusion, microwaving pressed flowers is a quick and easy way to preserve their beauty and capture a moment in time. By following these simple steps, you can create your own unique artworks and crafts using microwave pressed flowers. So go ahead, pick some flowers, give it a try, and let your creativity flourish!