Fresh Ideas in Dried Flowers

by Terry L. Rye and Rye

Dried flower arrangements are again becoming popular home accents, as fresh designs spark renewed interest in this classic craft. This inspiring project book features step-by-step instruction for... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1581805691
• ISBN13: 9781581805697
• Release Date: January 2004
• Publisher: Northlight
• Length: 127 Pages
• Weight: 1.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 8.5" x 11.0"

Customer Reviews

Dried flowers in the hand are worth two deadheaded on the ground

Much as I admire art, artists and nature, I'd be hard pressed to work with floral foam. For example, all too often artificial plants stick out from foam that ends up crumbly, discolored and dusty. So why would I have anything to do with a book promoting its use? The front and back covers of Terry L Rye's FRESH IDEAS IN DRIED FLOWERS got my attention! And her reasonably priced book is current, published this year by North light Books. The first part of the book tells what you need and where you get the materials and equipment. The second part walks you through over twenty-five dried flower arrangements. The projects are grouped into classic centerpieces, gallery of gifts, hanging arrangements and seasonal favorites. I have four favorite hanging arrangements. A "country kitchen" cluster alternates dried apple, lime and orange slices with galax leaves. A "palette of color" puts peonies and yellow marigolds on a mulberry-papered wall canvas. Manzanito twigs wreathe hydrangea, lavender, peonies and roses. Grapevine wreathes cockscomb, echinops, hydrangea, mint, statice, strawflower and tansy. My fifth favorite is from seasonal favorites. "Autumn wheat" clusters meadow, dune and mountain grasses; myrtle; sea oats; and ti tree stems, into freestanding holiday decorations. The cluster is held together by a ribbon. The ribbon can be changed according to the season: orange for Halloween and Thanksgiving, red for Christmas, green for St Patrick's Day, pink and blue for Easter.... The other projects are beautiful. But they use...floral foam! However, the "heaven scent" glass vase of potpourri could easily include flowering oregano, lavender and green artichokes, pods and spray roses...without the foam ball! The author writes in a straightforward way and backs everything up with clear pictures and a good index. She ends with a guide matching the six ways of drying with the common flowers best handling airing; drying with glycerine or silica gel; freezing; pressing; or watering. So the book is an enjoyably quick learning experience or review. And its idea reduces garden waste, by recycing into, and reusing as, art what you'd otherwise deadhead and toss.