
Floral Preservation



Floral preservation is the process of taking fresh flowers and using different techniques to dry them and turn them into art or other keepsakes in order to keep them on display forever.
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Taking a bouquet, drying and pressing each flower, and then making unique arrangements is a process that takes practice and a lot of patience. Working with live botanicals can be tricky and there are a few things that you should know ahead of time in order to understand what to expect and how to ensure the best results.
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Hopefully I can help you understand some of these things and answer any questions you might have below.
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Frequently asked questions
Fresh flowers create the best results, but a few days old is ok! I can often still preserve flowers that are a bit wilted, but the condition affects the outcome. If you send me a photo of your flowers showing what they currently look like, I can usually let you know right away if they would preserve nicely or not.
I'm always very honest about what I think can realistically be saved and how it would change the final piece. Through the drying process, if I find that there is something that I know I can't work with, I will let you know.
If I'm not already booked, then absolutely! However, last minute bookings can be tough and are not always guaranteed. I will do my best to fit your bouquet in, but due to the time it takes to start the drying process and the need to start the process as soon as possible, it may not always work out. I want to be able to give my full attention to a bouquet to ensure the best outcome.
If you are trying to contact me with last minute bouquet, text me! I will see a text much sooner than an email or message through my website. I will text back much faster! 267-461-9933
At the time of booking, I ask for a $150 drying fee as well as the pickup fee ($25) if you choose that option. After that will be an additional charge starting at $250 and up depending on the size and complexity of your final piece.
There are additional fees for color correcting and bouquets that have orchids, succulents, berries or other more time consuming or difficult flowers/pieces.
Ideally, within 1-2 days after your event. If you would like me to pick the flowers up from the venue at the end of the night, I'm happy to do that too!
The sooner they arrive, the better the final result. Flowers naturally begin to dehydrate and brown quickly, so timing is very important. The fresher, the better!
There is a common misunderstanding that allowing flowers to start drying on their own is helpful in the preservation process. In fact, the exact opposite is true. Flowers dry best when they are fresh. So, at the very least, keep your bouquet in a vase with water and out of the sun after the event. If you have the option of using a refrigerator to keep it in, even better, but not a requirement.
If we made plans for me to pick up the bouquet, then I will contact the venue and let them know and you won't have to worry about anything else! If you decide you would like to drop it off to me in Doylestown, then we will plan a drop off time when you secure your booking date.
Floral preservation is a slow process.
In most cases, the entire process from start to finish will take 2-3 months, depending on the season, the size and design of your piece, and types the of florals in your bouquet. During a busy season, I may need more time.
There are certain flowers that I dry in individual petals and then reassemble them one petal at a time, so these can add time to the process. Other flowers may just need more time to dry before they are ready to work with.
Yes and no. Some flowers really hold their color beautifully and will look the same. Other flowers may darken or lighten during the drying process.
A few examples:
white roses become ivory or "antiqued"/cream
red roses get darker, often becoming more of a purple shade, sometimes a dark purple
Pastels will typically become warmer or bolder
Also, a lot of flowers, like roses, are closed in your bouquet, only showing their outer color. When I dry a flower as thick as a rose, I open it up flat, showing the middle of the bloom which in most cases is a lighter color.
Color correction is the process of using paint, pastels or other mediums on flowers to recreate the colors on the petals if the turned brown or lose their color during the drying process. People also color correct flowers to ensure they will always be colorful and won't show the fading. There are many different methods that people use to do this. I personally use pastels. I only do this if the client asks me to or if it is completely necessary in order to use a particular flower that turned brown when drying.
I definitely prefer to keep everything natural and I think that in a lot of cases adding color to a piece is not necessary, but I do offer it to anyone that would like it for an extra fee.
The different frame sizes I offer are 8x10, 11x14, 16x20 and 18x24. I do all of my work on paper and then frame it. I don't offer the glass-on-glass frames (or "float" frames). I offer either white or black for the frame itself unless you have something else in mind. I can always special order a particular frame color or if you have a frame that you would like me to use that is ok too. I just ask that it has real glass and that the back of the frame does not slide on.
If you have a specific idea or style in mind, please don't hesitate to send me inspiration photos!



"You preserved the flowers that were part of such a special moment for my daughter, and you did it in an artistically beautiful display. Now, the memory of these flowers will continue to live on and be enjoyed long after her special day."
Linda M.