Cornstarch Flowers Preservation
A calming and creative craft that preserves fresh petals using a simple cornstarch paste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 1 project
- Category: Craft
- Method: Crafting
- Cuisine: N/A
- Diet: N/A
Ingredients
- Cornstarch, 1 cup
- Water, about 1/2 cup
- White glue or natural PVA, 1/4 cup (optional)
- Glycerin, 1 teaspoon (optional)
- A few drops of clear glue or diluted Mod Podge for sealing (optional)
- Fresh petals, well-dried leaves, or small whole flowers
- A small mixing bowl and spoon
- A fine paintbrush or small silicone spatula
- Wax paper or silicone mat for drying
- Kitchen scale or measuring cups
- Clean scissors and tweezers (optional)
- Soft towel
- A shallow tray
Instructions
- Prepare your workspace and petals.
- Place a soft towel and mat on a flat surface.
- Lay petals out single layer to remove dust and let them air a few minutes.
- Measure cornstarch and water.
- Put 1 cup cornstarch in the bowl.
- Slowly add about 1/2 cup water while stirring to avoid lumps.
- Stir into a smooth paste.
- Mix in steady circular motions until the mixture feels like thick cream.
- Add glue and glycerin if using.
- Stir in 1/4 cup white glue for strength and 1 teaspoon glycerin for flexibility.
- Test with a spare petal.
- Press a small scrap petal into a dab of paste to see how it behaves.
- Arrange a working surface for pressing.
- Lay a sheet of wax paper on the mat.
- Spoon a thin layer of paste onto the paper where you will press a petal.
- Press petals gently into the paste.
- Use tweezers or fingers to lay a petal face down.
- Smooth paste lightly over the back with a brush so edges sit snugly.
- Shape and thin edges.
- Tap the edges with a damp finger or brush to remove excess paste.
- Let pieces dry slowly.
- Move the tray to a well-ventilated spot away from direct sun.
- Leave overnight or up to 48 hours depending on size and humidity.
- Finish with a seal if desired.
- When completely dry, dust lightly with a soft brush to remove loose starch.
Notes
Consider substitutions for fully natural ingredients and experiment with different types of petals for unique results.
Find it online: https://www.cozyhandsdiy.com/cornstarch-flowers-preservation/