BhavNil Chemicals Private Exclusive use silica gel to dry roses.

Have you ever tried to save a beautiful flower or rose bouquet from a reception, Valentine's Day, or some special occasion? You can dry them naturally by hanging them upside down, but I like to use silica gel to get better results and more accurate colours. It's also quite easy!

The first item you'll need is a large quantity of silica gel. If you're not familiar with silica gel, think about those small translucent balls that come in the box of your sneakers or appliances and are labelled "do not eat." This is silica gel, and its job is to absorb moisture from the air around it. You can buy silica gel in bulk or, if you're like me, save up those little packets. I chuck them into a plastic bag on my desk if I come across one, and they finally add up to a pretty stack that's ready for something crafty.

• To begin, take a flower that you want to keep and cut the stem off.
• Then, stand the flower upright in a pot that is as narrow as possible while also being large enough to accommodate the flower. A tiny little container would be ideal for anything like a single rose. If you have a lot of flowers to dry at once, a larger jar, mug, or tray may be better. Just make sure you choose something with a tight-fitting lid.
• Then carefully place the silica gel beads over the flower until it is coated halfway.
• Make sure the flower is upright and square, with the petals in the desired position. Then pour more silica gel on top, totally covering them, then secure the lid firmly.
• Now all you have to do is sit back and wait for the silica gel to work its magic. Depending on the kind of flower you are drying, it will take about 10 days. A thin flower, such as a daisy, will dry in a few days, but a thick rose may take the whole ten days.
• When you think they're finished, gently pour the silica gel and flowers into a new tub.
• Flowers that are light and delicate should be used. If they're either heavy or flexible, give them some more time to dry by re-covering them with silica gel and waiting a few days.
• They're able to save in a shadowbox or frame until they've dried fully. This will be a fantastic way to keep your bridal bouquet's flowers fresh!