DRYING METHODS | Breastmilk & DNA Jewellery

PRESSING METHOD

A tutorial on pressing botanicals can be found at the following link:

MICROWAVE METHOD

A tutorial on drying botanicals in the microwave can be found at the following link:

OVEN METHOD

Please note this method will decrease the colour and vibrancy of the botanicals.

Set your oven to a very low temperature (80 –90C)
Spread your botanicals evenly on a tray lined with baking paper
Place the tray in the oven. observe closely. Remember to leave door ajar during entire process - you can do this by slotting a wooden spoon between the oven door and handle
Depending on the types of botanicals, time to dehydrate could take anywhere between 2 and 20 minutes
Once the botanicals can be 'snapped' it is safe to assume moisture is no longer present

DEHYDRATOR METHOD

Please note this method will decrease the colour and vibrancy of the botanicals.

Adjust the thermostat on your dehydrator to a low temperature setting
Spread your botanicals evenly on baking paper, directly on the food dehydrator tray
Place the tray in the food dehydrator
Drying takes about 2 – 5 hours and you should check your flowers periodically but not too often to measure their progress.
Once the botanicals can be 'snapped' it is safe to assume moisture is no longer present

SILICA FLOWER DRYING CRYSTALS

This method will keep the botanical’s 3D shape and will keep most of the botanical’s colour

Pour a large amount of silica flower drying crystals to create one layer in an airtight container with lid
Place botanicals over this first layer of silica flower drying silica crystals
Cover (or sandwich) the flowers in silica flower drying crystals
Every single surface of the botanicals MUST be covered by the silica flower drying crystals. On or in petals - carefully ensure that every bit is completely covered
Silica flower drying crystals can be purchased at the following link: https://www.silicagel.com.au/flower-drying-crystals-500-gram-zip-lock-bag/

LITTLE HOLLOWS CREATIONS