Preserving roses with glycerin is a method that can give the flowers a silken and preserved look, maintaining their shape and color for many months, or even years, if done correctly. The process is quite straightforward, and I’ll guide you through it step by step.
Materials Needed
Before you start, you will need the following items:
- Fresh roses – preferably roses that have just fully bloomed
- 100% Glycerin – available at pharmacies, craft stores, or online
- Warm water
- A container or vase
- A weight or something to keep the roses submerged (optional)
- Sharp scissors or a knife
- Gloves to protect your hands (optional)
Step 1: Select and Prepare Your Roses
Choose roses that are at their peak bloom, as they will preserve the best. Remove any leaves from the stem that will be below the water line in your container to prevent rot.
Step 2: Create Your Glycerin Solution
In a container, mix one-part warm water to one-part glycerin. The warmth of the water helps the glycerin mix properly. Stir until the glycerin has completely dissolved into the water which may take a few minutes.
Step 3: Trim the Stems and Soak
Using the scissors or knife, cut the stems at an angle so they can absorb the glycerin solution more easily. Place the roses into the glycerin mixture. If the roses float, you can use a weight to keep them submerged. The stems need to be in the solution all the way, but it’s not necessary to submerge the blooms.
Step 4: Wait and Check
You’ll need to wait for the roses to absorb the glycerin solution, which can take a few weeks. Check the roses after the first week, and every few days after, to monitor their progress. The petals will gradually take on a more silky, slightly translucent quality as they absorb the glycerin. The color might darken a bit as well.
Step 5: Remove and Dry
Once the roses feel soft and have changed texture, remove them from the solution. Gently shake off any excess liquid and hang them upside down in a warm, dry place out of direct sunlight. This could take a few days to ensure that they are completely dry.
Tips for Best Results
Here are some additional tips to ensure the best possible preservation of your roses:
- Roses with thicker petals tend to preserve better with glycerin.
- The process can be affected by the humidity and temperature of the room—warmer, drier conditions tend to speed up the process.
- Once preserved, keep glycerin roses out of direct sunlight to prevent fading.
- The preserved roses will have a slight glycerin residue, so consider this if using them for crafting or displaying where they may touch other objects.
Remember, this is a natural process, and results can vary depending on the rose variety and environmental conditions. With patience and care, you can have beautifully preserved roses that last a long time.