While flowers are most commonly enjoyed in fresh floral arrangements, there are other ways they can be used to create gorgeous, creative works of art. Dried flowers last longer than their fresher counterparts by virtue of being dried, and this means they can be used in different creative ways. A longer shelf life means that you can keep a dried flower project for years without having to worry about it wilting. With so much potential, where should you start? Keep reading for information on several different ways you can use dried flowers to create gorgeous crafts.

1. Bouquet Arrangements

As with fresh florals, dried flowers can be made into gorgeous bouquet arrangements, with the best part being that they will last for a very long time. Some beautiful bouquet arrangements made with dried flowers can be found right here on ACA, including Earthy Goddess by Soul Sista Florals. 

This bouquet is handmade right here in Australia using real dried and preserved flowers and would feature perfectly in your home or as a gift. 

2. Shadow Boxes

Another delightfully unique idea for art using dried flowers is shadow boxes. Shadow boxes allow you to keep dried flowers in their original shape without having to press them. The end result is a display box that both protects the delicate stems, leaves, and petals while also showcasing the beauty of your carefully arranged dried flowers. 

3. Wall Hangings

Yet another creative use of dried flowers includes artfully stringing them up into wall hangings or mobiles. This also lets you use dried flowers without having to press them first. By attaching them to strings and attaching it to a branch, you can create a lovely, rustic focal point for any wall in your home!

4. Wreaths

If you’ve already got a collection of dried flowers and are looking for something to do with them, consider making a wreath. Some dried floral wreaths have a distinctly vintage look to them, while others manage to radiate the vibrant summery feel of fresh flowers. How you wish a dried flower wreath to look is entirely up to you!

Florart Inspired has a few wreaths made from dried flowers, including The Aussie Native Wreath, which features preserved florals of premium quality arranged into a beautiful piece that can be displayed all year round. 

5. Phone Cases

Once flowers have been dried and pressed, there’s no limit to what you can do with them. All you need are a few craft supplies, your choice in pressed flowers, and a plain phone case. You can create a case based on your choice of hues, using just the flowers or the stems as well, and you can augment your project by adding in glitter, stickers, or other embellishments!

6. Framed Pressed Flowers

Displaying dried flowers in a framed piece is both a simple and elegant way to showcase them. Encased within a clear pane, framed pieces will look just as lovely hanging on the wall as they will displayed on a mantle or end table.

Local artisan Florapeautic has several framed pressed floral pieces, including a DIY Pressed Flower Art Box that comes with everything you will need to make your own framed dried flower artwork. 

7. Terrariums

Terrariums have been the trend in home decor for a while now, and they run the gamut from preserved moss to live succulents. Dried flowers can also be used to make eye-catching terrariums, and quite easily at that. All you need to do is choose your filler of choice, along with whatever dried flower blossoms you prefer. Once you’ve finished, you have a very low maintenance centerpiece that can be put on display any time of the year. 

8. Resin Jewellery

Epoxy resin is a marvelous medium, and pressed flowers can be used with it to great effect. Whether you want to make a brooch, pendant, bracelet, or earrings featuring your favourite dried flowers, it can be done with resin. 

Roni & Poly have a few different pairs of dried flower resin earrings, such as the Dainty Daisy Resin Dangle Earrings. These would pair perfectly with any kind of outfit and exude a lighthearted, summery vibe.  

9. Coasters

Coasters are a wonderful project because you can make them in a variety of different ways. Similar to resin jewellery, you can make coasters out of resin and encase your favourite pressed flowers within. You can make a series of coasters to display flowers of a similar colour or you can make a bunch that are entirely different – it is up to you!

10. Wedding Bouquets

While wedding bouquets are traditionally made from fresh flowers, there are some brides that have gone the dried flower route. A dried flower bouquet will last beyond the wedding day and serve as a beautiful memento from such a happy occasion. 

Vicky Yao Home Décor has the Dried Cotton Flower Austin Roses Multi-Colour Wedding Bouquet, which has a rustic feel and bright shades and will perfectly compliment any wedding gown. Better yet, it will serve as a joyous reminder of the wedding for years to come!

Plenty of Potential

As you can see, there is plenty you can do with dried flowers, whether they are pressed or in their original form. Their versatility makes them a perfect material to work with for those with plenty of ingenuity and crafty tendencies!