A common saying is that 'preserving flowers is preserving memories' and this is very true. There is a real tendency for people to want to preserve the flowers for funerals into items that remain for a long time to be kept at home. Preserving these flowers is not difficult at all, and some people really brought it to an art form. There are quite a few ways to preserve funeral flowers into beautiful pieces of art.
There are a few different methods that can be used to preserve flowers for funerals long after the service is over.
Preserving Funeral Flowers in Borax
First of all one part silica gel and four parts borax is mixed and placed at the bottom of a small holder, preferably a cardboard box. The flowers are placed in the box and the borax is sprinkled on the flower petals.
Next, the flowers are fully buried in the borax, with no air pockets in between. Finally the box is sealed with tape for approximately 2 weeks. After this period, the flowers will be removed from the box and dusted lightly with a soft brush.
Preserve the Flowers from a Funeral in a Candle
This is a very common method for keeping the funeral flowers for a long time around to be enjoyed. The flowers are given to the florist who will freeze-dry the foliage. The flowers are then placed inside a glass container that holds a candle. Once this is done, it can be used as a regular candle at home.
Creating a Shadow Box from Funeral Flowers
To create a shadow box, the flowers must be allowed to air dry (upside down) for a few days. While they are drying, they should not be touched as the petals may fall off. Once dry the stems should be snipped off (just below the flower bud) using sharp scissors. The buds are parts that will be preserved.
To keep them they need to be placed in a glass shadow box (or plastic) that is available at most craft stores. As a final touch, a matching ribbon can be placed around the box as an accent. If the funeral flowers are white and yellow, a nice satin or yellow ribbon will work perfectly.
Pressed Flowers as Bookmarks or Placed in Frames
One flower or one petal can be pressed to be used as a bookmark. A nice sturdy card stock piece can be used as background material. Once the flower is on the top the whole piece can be easily laminated.
Another very appealing way to preserve sympathy flowers is to place them elegantly around a scripture or a loved poem in a shadowbox frame.
Other Ways to Preserve Memories of Loved Ones
Another way of preserving memories of past away loved ones is having beautiful grave markers placed on the graves with a personalized text. Bronze grave markers look particularly appealing on graves and along with preserving funeral flowers, this is a perfect memorial or tribute example to hold on to a positive memory of a departed loved one.
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