| How to Preserve Flowers in a Jar Posted: 17 Feb 2021 04:00 PM PST Cut fresh flowers only last so long before they start to wilt. You can save some of that beauty for longer by preserving fresh flowers. Air-drying flowers is a traditional method of keeping flowers around for a little longer, although it takes several weeks and the flowers will lose a bit of color. You can also dry flowers in the microwave using silica sand to speed up the process and preserve more color. If you're feeling more adventurous, try using paraffin wax to coat flowers and keep them looking bright and healthy for months. Once you have preserved your flowers, you can arrange them in a jar however you like. [Edit]Air-Drying Flowers for Display - Pick flowers that haven't fully bloomed yet. More mature blossoms are more likely to lose petals through air drying, so it's best to choose flowers that have just bloomed and haven't fully opened yet. If you are picking flowers from your own garden, go out in the morning after the dew has evaporated.[1]
- Flowers that air-dry well include marigolds, lavender, roses, cornflowers, and hydrangeas.
- Remove excess leaves and cut the stems down to size. The more leaves you keep on the stems, the longer your flowers will take to dry and the more likely your flowers are to attract mold. Cut the stems no shorter than .[2]
- Longer stems are easier to bind. You can always cut the stems after the flowers are dry.
- Bind your flowers together with string or a rubber band. If you use twine to tie a bouquet of flowers together, you can tighten it as the flowers dry out. However, rubber bands can work just as well.[3]
- Make sure the flowers are tied tightly enough so that they don't slip out, but not so tightly that you're crushing the stems. Crushed stems can stay damp and get moldy.
- Hang the flowers upside-down in a cool, dark place. Use a piece of twine or ribbon to hang flowers upside-down from a hook on a closet door or from a shelf.[4] A well-ventilated space will help the flowers dry out more quickly. Keeping the flowers out of direct sunlight will help them retain a little bit more color. The flowers should be dry in around 2-4 weeks.[5]
- The flowers will change color as they dry and become less vibrant.
- Take the flowers down when the stems snap easily. When the stems break cleanly in half, the flowers are done. You can leave them as they are to display dried bouquets, or you can snap off the blossoms and display them in a jar.[6]
- You can also gently spritz the dried flowers with hair spray to make them last even longer and keep from crumbling.
- Use florist's foam to keep your flowers even more securely in place.
[Edit]Drying Flowers in the Microwave - Pick fresh flowers and remove any leaves you don't want to preserve. For the best results, pick freshly-bloomed flowers after morning dew dries up. Cut the stem down to the size you want and remove the leaves from the stem, if you prefer.[7]
- Some good small flowers to dry include forget-me-not, buttercup, lilac, daisy, heather, sage, viola, and acacia.
- Some larger flowers to try could include rose, camellia, gardenia, marigold, peony, or hyacinth.
- Place the flowers in a microwave-safe bowl filled with silica sand. Choose a bowl made of a material like pyrex that is safe to use in the microwave. Fill the bowl 1/3 of the way with silica sand. Place the flower on top of the sand. You can buy silica sand online or at hardware stores.[8]
- Silica sand can be expensive, but you can reuse it.
- If you prefer not to use silica sand, you can use kitty litter or even just place the flower on a paper towel. Using only a paper towel, the flower will take longer to dry.
- Cover the flower with sand. Make sure the flower is completely covered in silica sand so that it dries out evenly. If you are drying small flowers, you can put more than one in the same bowl.[9]
- You can dry however many flowers fit in the bowl at the same time, but it may take longer for them all to dry.
- Microwave the flowers for 2-3 minutes for 30 seconds at a time. Place a glass of water in the microwave with the bowl of silica sand. Microwave the flower for 30 seconds at a time. Unbury part of the flower to check on it after each 30 second interval and rebury it if you need to put it back in the microwave. When the flower is dry to the touch, take it out of the microwave.[10]
- The bigger the flower is, the longer it will take to dry.
- Alternatively, you can leave the flowers covered in silica sand without microwaving them and wait for them to dry naturally.
- Leave the flower in the silica sand for a day. In order to completely dry out, leave the flower in the silica sand for at least 24 hours. Once the flowers are completely dry, you can place them in a jar to display them.[11]
- Microwaving flowers is a shortcut for drying them out, and can sometimes result in inconsistent finishes. However, it is fast and easy.
[Edit]Coating Flowers in Paraffin Wax - Choose freshly-picked flowers with separated petals. Hearty flowers with structure, rather than delicate and gauzy flowers, can support the wax the best. Choose flowers that are dry and light in color. Vibrant colors can look dull underneath wax.[12]
- Some good flowers to preserve with paraffin wax include camellia, gardenia, magnolia, hellebore, tulip, and daffodil.
- If your flowers are dewy or wet, the wax won't adhere.
- Set up a cold water bath and drying station. The drying station can simply be a piece of parchment or craft paper on a countertop. To make a cold water bath, add ice cubes to a bowl full of tap water. Wait until the ice cubes melt or remove them from the bath after it cools down so that they don't damage the flower petals.[13]
- Paraffin wax is extremely flammable, so it's important to have everything set up before you start heating the wax.
- You can buy paraffin wax at hardware stores.
- Create a wax melting station. A double boiler is a safe and gentle way to melt paraffin wax. Set one up by boiling water in a medium-sized saucepan. Place a metal bowl or another saucepan on top of the first saucepan where you will melt the paraffin wax.[14]
- You can also use a stainless steel, 1 liter electric cooker on the lowest setting to safely melt wax.
- Melt paraffin wax mixed with mineral oil in the boiler or cooker. For every of paraffin wax, use of mineral oil. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature of the wax and keep it around .[15]
- Most projects will need at least of paraffin wax, but you may need up to .
- Dip the flowers one at a time in the wax for 1 second. Hold a single flower by the stem. Dip the entire blossom into the wax for 1 second. Gently shake it so that any extra wax drips back off into the boiler.[16]
- Take care not to drip any hot wax on yourself or your counter.
- Place the flower immediately into the cold water bath. Leave the flower in the water for at least 30 seconds. The cold water will harden the wax.[17]
- You may need to cool down the water again after a few rounds of flowers.
- Allow the flower to dry on the parchment paper. After the wax coating has completely hardened, take the flower out of the cold water bath and place it on the parchment paper. Once the flower is completely dry, you can arrange it for display in a jar or vase.[18]
- Flowers will last for several weeks to months using this method.
- You can also use florist's foam to keep your arrangements securely in place.
[Edit]Displaying Preserved Flowers in a Jar - Spritz your dried flowers with a little bit of hairspray. The hairspray will help fragile dried flowers hold up better.[19] Coat the whole bud of the flower with a thin, even coat of hairspray.[20]
- Any hairspray will do. If you don't have any on hand, the cheapest hairspray you can find will work just fine.
- Fill a jar with different-colored buds for a simple, elegant display. Start placing the flowers into a wide-mouthed jar, like a mason jar. To make it easier to fit more flowers in the jar, trim the stems off. Look at how the flowers appear from the outside of the jar while you are working, and rearrange them if necessary.[21]
- Alternatively, you can arrange stemmed dried flowers in a bouquet for a rustic display.[22]
- Use a single color of flower for a monochromatic look. To get a color-coordinated display, try drying a bouquet of one type of flower, such as white daisies or red roses. You can also dry different kinds of flowers in the same color for variation in texture. Trim the stems off of the flowers to keep a monochromatic color scheme.[23]
- Alternatively, create layered or ombre look. Start by filling the jar 1/4 full of flowers in one color, then fill another 1/4 of the jar with another color, and so on until the jar is full.
- Place a single flower in a small jar for a minimalist look. Trim the stem off of a flower and place the dried bloom in a small jar or bottle. You can also try adding other natural decoration, such as pretty stones or shells, to add to your display.[24]
- Try an apothecary jar for a romantic effect.
- Pull the petals off of the flower to create a confetti display. Fill your jar with dried petals, rather than whole flowers, for a pretty keepsake. Dried rose petals are a good choice for a fragrant and pretty display. You can also add in dried lavender, cinnamon sticks, and whole cloves to make a delicious-smelling potpourri.[25]
- Go for a single color of flower petals to create a more understated look.
- Avoid over-filling the jar. To keep the flowers or petals intact, fill the jar loosely. When you notice that you have to press down on the buds to make them fit, the jar is too full.[26]
- If your display looks a little sparse, fill it in with smaller flowers like baby's breath.
- Finish your display off with a bow made of twine. Tie a bit of twine or ribbon around the mouth of the jar for a bit of extra decoration. Twine will make your jar look more rustic, while choosing a coordinating color of ribbon can make your display more vintage chic.[27]
- You can also add a pretty label or decorative stickers to the jar.
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Air-Drying Flowers for Display - Fresh flowers
- Scissors
- Twine or rubber band
- Ribbon
- Hook or shelf for hanging
- Hairspray (optional)
[Edit]Drying Flowers in the Microwave - Fresh flowers
- Silica sand (or kitty litter)
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Microwave
[Edit]Coating Flowers in Paraffin Wax - Fresh flowers
- Parchment or craft paper
- Cold water in a bowl
- Double-boiler or electric cooker
- Candy thermometer
- Paraffin wax
- Mineral oil
[Edit]Displaying Preserved Flowers in a Jar - Hairspray
- Mason jar or apothecary jar
- Twine or ribbon
- Label or stickers (optional)
- You can also try submerging your flowers in silicone. The silicone will slowly absorb the liquid inside of the petals. Because silicone dries flowers out slowly, it helps them maintain their color and hue.[28]
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Dress Casually in Winter Posted: 17 Feb 2021 08:00 AM PST Sometimes winter can drag you down into a fashion rut. But you don't need to give up on your sense of style during the colder months! Instead of wearing the same parka each day, you can opt for a smart casual look that will keep you warm and have you looking good! [Edit]Choosing Warm and Cozy Statement Pieces - Sort through your closet. It's always best to start by taking stock of what you already have. By sorting through your clothing, you may discover old favorites that are practical for winter. You can rediscover forgotten items and make them easily accessible for cool, casual outfits.
- Storing away your summer clothing will give you more space for bulky winter items.
- Select a few key statement pieces, focusing on outerwear and accessories. These pieces will be on heavy rotation throughout the colder months.[1] You can get a lot of mileage out of just a few pieces of outerwear and accessories which can be combined for different looks.
- Invest in a statement coat. Winter greys can really bring you down. But finding a big, colorful coat can top any outfit and make you stand out from a crowd! Consider a fun print, such as plaid, or a bright color![2]
- Belted coats draw attention to the waistline and are very flattering on any body type.
- Slip on some cozy boots. Shoes can make or break and outfit. Buying a pair of warm winter boots with rubber soles will keep your feet happy and dry, not to mention give your outfit an extra boost. There are many options for warm, yet stylish winter boots.[3]
- Furry, suede boots are the ultimate comfy snow day outfit.
- Combat boots can give your look a more punk feel.
- Wrap yourself up in a big scarf. Scarves are versatile accessories and add a burst of color and texture to any outfit. An oversized scarf for winter is the perfect outfit topper.[4]
[Edit]Styling a Business Casual Look - Pair your tailored pieces with a vest or chunky knit. Down vests give your outfit a sporty look, while vests made of fur or fake fur are more chic. A large knit scarf can also dress down a more polished look. These options will keep you toasty while still looking professional.
- Choose a fashion-forward blazer. Blazers streamline any look and add a layer of warmth. You can choose a blazer in a heavier fabric, such as velvet or tweet, to really stand out.[5]
- An eye-catching scarf can brighten up a dark blazer.
- Pair a midi sweater dress with warm tights. The midi length is an absolute must-have this season! Extend its life into the winter by layering thick tights or leggings to create a perfect, easy winter look that still looks polished enough for the office.[6]
- Experiment by pairing black and tan. Black and tan are a classic combination that always look chic. By pairing a black outfit with a tan coat, you'll be ready for a photo op! Alternatively, pairing a black top with camel bottoms is also a sharp look. [7]
[Edit]Putting Together Casual, Off-Duty Looks - Top your outfit with several different layers. Whether for a weekend hangout or a quick trip to the grocery store, you can experiment with different layers.[8] For example, you might want to wear a turtleneck under a blouse or shirt for a cozy outfit. Or perhaps throw a chunky cardigan over a lighter sweater for an on-trend look![9]
- A flannel shirt can be a great look to show off your more rugged side, or paired with combat boots, can be more grunge.
- Break out your warmest, furriest boots. You can comfortably wear suede booties and furry moccasins to create a more rustic look. Your feet will thank you![10]
- Top your outfit with a teddy coat. These big, comfy coats look like a stuffed animal and are on point this season. They are the ultimate elevated basic and can take even a plain outfit to the next level.[11]
- Try a monochromatic look with one accessory. Wearing a single color makes you look streamlined and chic, and a pop of color can brighten up your day. Beat the winter doldrums by trying out this fun outfit combination.[12]
- Wear a knit hat. A knit hat, or beanie, will keep you warm and give you a cool, off-duty vibe.[13] The best part? You don't need to worry about bad hair days!
- Layering is the key to winter dressing. Whether you're outside in a snowstorm or inside a heated classroom or office, you can peel off or add layers to stay comfortable.
- Consulting street style blogs can be a great way to see trends and get outfit inspiration from people in your city.
- You can buy waterproof spray to extend the life of your favorite winter boots.
[Edit]References |
| How to Recycle Old Pots and Pans Posted: 17 Feb 2021 12:00 AM PST Your old cookware can take a beating over the years, especially if you use it often. If your old pots and pans are looking a bit worse for wear, you don't have to throw them out—there are plenty of ways you can recycle or repurpose your cookware without tossing them in the trash. If you're looking to recycle your pots and pans, take a moment to figure out what they're made of before dropping them at the curb. If all else fails, you can always give your old cookware to someone in need, or transform it into something else altogether! [Edit]Recycling Program Options - Use a magnet to see if metal pots/pans are ferrous or nonferrous. Grab a spare magnet from your refrigerator and stick it to the side of your metal pots or pans. If the magnet sticks, then your cookware is made with ferrous metals, like iron. If the magnet slides off, your cookware is made with a different kind of metal, like copper, aluminum, stainless steel or something else.[1]
- Some recycling programs only accept ferrous or nonferrous pots and pans, so it's handy to figure that out and separate the pots/pans by metal type.
- Check pots/pans for a nonstick coating and put those in a separate pile. Search for a thin coating along the inside of your pot or pan—chances are, this layer may be chipping or flaking if your cookware isn't in great condition. Some recycling programs won't accept pots/pans with nonstick coatings, so separate these from the metal cookware and be sure to confirm that the recycling program accepts them.[2]
- Certain companies, like Teflon, are well-known for their nonstick cookware.
- Put aside non-metal cookware to donate rather than recycle it. Cookware without metal components, like ceramic bowls and Pyrex baking plates, can't be recycled with metal pots/pans. You also can't put these items with normal glass recyclables because they don't melt at the same temperature and contain contaminants. Most recycling programs won't accept these items, so plan to donate or give them away.[3]
- If your glassware is broken, place the shards in a sealed, labeled box and toss it in the trash bin.
- Review local recycling programs on your local government website. Run a search for local recycling options and check the program's requirements for acceptable materials. Unfortunately, are aren't standard rules about this, so be sure to cross-check specific materials with your local recycling program.[4]
- Check if your region has a curbside recycling program, which makes things a lot easier. Then, sort pots/pans according to the program's requirements so they can be picked up.
- If your area doesn't have curbside recycling, look for local recycling facilities that accept drop-offs. Drop off the pots/pans that meet their requirements at the facility according to the facility's instructions.
- Search for different recycling options here: https://search.earth911.com/?utm_source=earth911-header.
- Give metal cookware to a scrap metal yard if you don't have a program. Stop by your community's scrap metal yard and let the staff or volunteers know what types of metal cookware you have with you. Typically, scrap yards will accept a lot of different metal cookware. You might even get a little bit of money in return![5]
- The iScrap app can help you find your nearest scrap yard.
- Contact the cookware brand to see if they have a recycling program. Look for a brand or brand insignia somewhere on your pot or pan. If it comes from a more well-known brand, like Calphalon, you might be able to send it back to the original company. Check the brand's website for more instructions on how to mail back your pots and pans.[6]
- Use Terracycle if you don't have any local recycling options. Check out Terracycle's website and purchase a Zero Waste Box, which will be delivered to your doorstep. Place all of your old cookware in this box, then send it back to Terracycle. They'll be able to make sure all of your old odds and ends go to a good use![7]
[Edit]Donation Opportunities - List your old pans and pots in the "free stuff" section on Craigslist. Write out a short description about your cookware, so potential customers know exactly what they're getting. Attach a few pictures of your pots and pans for good measure, too. Post your listing and wait for an interested party to write in about your cookware![8]
- Include something like "only inquire if you're willing to pick up the pots and pans right away," which can save you some trouble later on.[9]
- Craigslist is a pretty safe site, but it doesn't hurt to be extra careful. If you end up meeting a customer in person, schedule the meeting somewhere public, and be sure to tell a loved one where you're going.[10]
- Give cookware to Goodwill or the Salvation Army if it's in good condition. Search online and see if there's a big donation center near you. Figure out when their hours are, and drop off your old pots and pans at some point during that window.[11]
- Always wash and dry your pans and pots before leaving them at a donation center.
- You can also donate your cookware to other helpful organizations, like women's shelters, homeless shelters, and churches.
- Post about your old pots and pans on Freecycle. Freecycle is a nonprofit website that helps people donate their unwanted things to other people. Search on the main website and see if there are any Freecycle groups in your area that can take care of your old pots and pans for you.[12]
- You can visit Freecyle's website here: https://www.freecycle.org.
- Freecycle operates through listings. Use the "offer" feature to post about the pots and pans you have within your local community, and wait for someone to contact you!
- Give away your pots and pans to a friend or family member. If your pots and pans are in pretty good condition and you know anyone who could use them, consider giving the items to them. You might try asking some of your friends or neighbors if they want it, or check with younger family members who are just starting out if they could use a decent set of cookware.
[Edit]Repurposed Pots and Pans - Reuse your old cookware for camping trips. Set aside any cookware that's still usable, like an old pot or pan. Place these with the rest of your camping supplies, so you'll have more cooking options on your next retreat.[13]
- Stick post-it notes and other decor on a ferrous pot with magnets. Place your ferrous (magnetic) pot somewhere in your home where a lot of people hang out, like your living room or eating space. Decorate the surface with magnets, pictures, and other decorations.[14]
- You can use this type of pot to leave notes for other members of your household, or post a mini calendar.
- Transform old pots and pans into wall art and centerpieces. Look for sections of open wall in your living area, whether it's in your bedroom, kitchen, or general living space. See if you can display or hang this old cookware as "tasteful" home decor. To spruce up your eating area, place your pot or pan in the center of the table as a nice accent.[15]
- For instance, you can hang up a variety of copper pans as a wall accent in your kitchen, or display an old skillet in your living room.
- Break down ceramic pots and pans for gardening. Take a hammer and smash your ceramic cookware into small bits. Once your pots and pans are broken down, scatter the small pieces into the nearby soil.[16]
- Try to grind your ceramic cookware as finely as possible.
- Repurpose your old pots and pans into toys. Toys for young children are all about harnessing creativity and imagination, and your old cookware is no exception! Once your pots and pans are clean, give them to a young child to use as a possible toy.[17]
- Always check that there's nothing small that a child could hurt themselves with or choke on.
- Hand out Halloween candy in an old pot. Old, rusted pots aren't good for much in the kitchen, but they can add a lot of ambiance to your trick-or-treating! Pour your candy into an old pot, and use it to hand out treats to the neighborhood kids.[18]
- Double-check your local government website to see if you can just throw out your pots and pans. For instance, some areas are okay with pots and pans being tossed in the trash.[19]
[Edit]References |
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