Preserve Roses and Valentine Memories Too

Valentine's day and roses are a classic combination, and drying roses is really very easy.

I've had dried roses last in an arrangement for up to four years. The clustered petals keep layers intact. Only an occasional petal drops from time to time.

Colors can vary in results. If you're a person who has to have really bright colors, this isn't for you. I like subtle colors, and some really nice burgundies come through.

The overall effect of dried roses brings to mind Victorian times. In turn, the sinewy stems and poetic feeling encapsulates a kind of erotic imagery. The Victorian Era gets wrongly blamed for prudishness!

The sentimental value of preserving roses is key. Valentine's Day is only one special day for romantic memories out of many. Learning how to dry the roses enables you to keep a misty memory of every Valentine moment.

Here's How:

Very simply - leave the roses in a vase or container of water. If they came from a florist, usually a package of preservative comes enclosed. If the roses are from the garden, add Seven Up to the water.

After one week, check the water to see if it's getting too stale. If it isn't, keep it in the vase for as long as possible. Check on it every couple of days.

Another cue for when to remove them from the water is when the flower bows it's head. When this begins to happen, remove them from the water.

1.) Blot the stems with a paper towel.

2.) Next, wrap the stems tightly with a rubber band.

3.) Then hang the whole bouquet upside down, and out of direct sunlight.

Usually baby's breath is included with a bouquet, so it's a good idea to save this also. Just hang it upside down somewhere away from sunlight. Don't be afraid to experiment with various complimentary flowers. Throw out the ferns as they get ugly and crumbly.

Hanging the roses upside down keeps them in an upright position. When the drying process is over, the roses are ready to go into the design of your choosing. Add them to a wreath, or create a swag. Or just leave them in a pretty vase.

Many craft stores sell natural forms for arranging flowers. Access to wild grapevines really increases design potential. You can make wreaths, garlands. Add silk ribbons or lace. I've incorporated sexy lace gloves into a swag arrangement.

Maintain your arrangement by occassionally removing any dust that gathers on them. This can be done gently with a blow dryer set on low at a cool setting.

Memories with roses from Valentine's Day, or any nostalgic event sow the way for more romance as well as sentimental memories.