What to Do With Dried Flowers: 15 Creative Ideas

That bouquet on your shelf can do more than sit and fade. You can transform dried flowers into decorative items, gifts, or keepsakes that last far beyond their fresh days. 

With a little creativity, those petals can become something both valuable and meaningful.

You can make wreaths, candles, or framed art that brighten your space. You can also use them in simple projects, such as confetti, bookmarks, or homemade paper. Each idea gives your flowers a new purpose and keeps their beauty alive.

This guide will show you 15 creative ways to use dried flowers, plus tips to help them last longer.

Quick Insights: 

• Create a timeless dried flower arrangement or wreath.
• Craft unique home decor like potpourri, candles, or resin art.
• Design personalized gifts like cards, ornaments, and fragrance sachets.
• Press flowers for use in art, bookmarks, and jewelry.
• Use them for special events like confetti or wedding cake toppers.

❝Discover our dried pressed flower collection and start crafting stunning art pieces that last forever.❞

What to Do With Dried Flowers: 15 Creative Ideas

You can turn dried flowers into practical items, keepsakes, or home decorations. Simple projects, such as framed art, candles, or potpourri, let you enjoy their color and texture long after they fade.

1. Frame Dried Flowers as Wall Art

Framing dried flowers creates a lasting decoration that complements both vintage decor and modern spaces. Choose a shadow frame or glass frame that allows the flowers to stay flat and protected.

Arrange the petals or small blooms on neutral paper before sealing them in. You can group several flowers in a pattern or keep one large bloom as the focus.

Hang your framed piece on a wall or place it on a shelf. This method preserves your flowers while turning them into natural decoration for daily use.

2. Make DIY Scented Candles

You can add dried petals to homemade candles for both beauty and fragrance. Melt soy or beeswax in a heat-safe container and place a wick in the center of your jar.

Once the wax has started cooling, add dried petals and a few drops of essential oil. Lavender, rose, or chamomile work well for calming scents.

Let the candle harden fully before using it. The flowers will sit inside the wax, creating a soft floral look while the scent fills the room.

3. Create Resin Jewelry Keepsakes

Resin allows you to preserve dried flowers in small items that you can wear or carry. You can make pendants, rings, or keychains using silicone molds.

Place petals or tiny blooms in the mold, then pour clear resin over them. Let it cure until solid, then sand and polish the edges.

This method locks the flowers in place so they stay bright and safe. Each piece becomes a personal keepsake that holds memories in a durable form.

4. Homemade Potpourri Mix

Dried flowers work well for a natural fragrance around your home. Mix petals with herbs like lavender or rosemary and add a few drops of essential oil.

You can place the mix in bowls, fabric sachets, or small jars. Over time, refresh the scent with more oil if it fades.

This is a simple way to use leftover dried flower bouquets. It makes a budget-friendly alternative to store-bought air fresheners.

5. Pressed Flowers for Scrapbooking

Scrapbooks and journals look more personal when you add pressed flowers. Flatten blooms between heavy books or use a flower press to dry them.

Once pressed, glue them onto scrapbook pages alongside photos, notes, or tickets. You can also laminate them to prevent damage.

This works well for saving flowers from special events like weddings or birthdays. The pressed petals add color and texture to your memories.

6. DIY Resin Coasters or Bookmarks

Resin projects allow you to create valuable items, such as coasters or bookmarks. Arrange dried petals in a mold, then pour clear resin over them.

For coasters, use round molds that fit cups or glasses. For bookmarks, use flat molds with a small hole for a ribbon.

These items protect and display your flowers at the same time. They also make thoughtful handmade gifts that last for years.

7. Memory Shadow Boxes

Shadow boxes let you combine dried flowers with other keepsakes. You can include photos, invitations, or handwritten notes.

Arrange the flowers so they frame or highlight the other items. Use pins or glue to keep everything in place.

This works well for preserving wedding bouquets or flowers from milestones. The box protects them from dust while keeping them on display.

8. Relaxing Bath Salts with Petals

You can mix dried petals with bath salts for a simple spa project. Combine Epsom salt, sea salt, and a few drops of essential oil.

Add dried rose, lavender, or calendula petals for both color and scent. Store the mix in a glass jar with a lid.

When added to warm water, the salts relax muscles while the petals float gently. It makes a calming and natural bath soak.

9. Decorative Phone Case Inserts

Pressed flowers can be transformed into decorative phone case elements. Use a clear phone case with a removable back insert.

Arrange the dried petals between the layers, then close the case. The flowers stay flat and visible without being damaged.

This gives your phone a unique look that you can change at any time. It is an easy way to carry a small piece of nature with you.

10. Handmade Greeting Cards

Pressed flowers make greeting cards feel more personal. Start with plain cardstock and arrange petals or small blooms on the front.

Glue them down carefully, then let the card dry under a book to keep it flat. You can also add a short note or design around the flowers.

These cards work well for birthdays, thank-you notes, or weddings. They turn a simple card into a keepsake worth saving.

✿ Also Read: Pressed Flower Crafts Gift Ideas for Birthdays, Weddings and More

11. Floral Wreaths or Garlands

Dried flower wreaths and garlands add rustic charm to your space. Use a wire frame for wreaths or a string for garlands.

Attach dried blooms with floral tape or hot glue. Mix different flowers and greenery for texture and color.

Hang a wreath on your door or drape a garland across a wall. Both options create natural decorations that last longer than fresh flowers.

12. Herbal Teas (Edible Petals Only)

Some dried flowers are safe to drink as tea. Common options include chamomile, rose, lavender, or hibiscus.

Always confirm the petals are food-safe and grown without chemicals. Steep them in hot water alone or mix with black or green tea.

This creates a light floral flavor and aroma. It is a natural way to enjoy dried flowers beyond decoration.

13. Glass Jar Flower Décor

You can display dried flowers in simple glass jars. Choose clear jars so the colors and textures show through.

Fill them loosely with petals, small stems, or whole blooms. Seal the lid if you want to keep dust out.

Place the jars on shelves, tables, or windowsills. This style fits well with minimalist or vintage decor.

14. DIY Floral Photo Frames

Decorating photo frames with dried flowers adds a personal touch. Use a plain wooden or cardboard frame as your base.

Glue petals or small blooms around the edges. You can cover the whole frame or just highlight the corners.

This craft pairs well with photos from weddings, birthdays, or vacations. It creates a keepsake that combines both flowers and memories.

15. Natural Skincare Scrubs

Dried petals can be added to homemade scrubs for gentle exfoliation. Mix sugar or salt with coconut oil or olive oil.

Stir in crushed petals from roses, calendula, or lavender. The flowers add color and a mild scent.

Store the scrub in a jar and use it on hands, feet, or body. It leaves skin smooth while reusing flowers in a natural way.

How to Preserve Dried Flowers for Longer

Dried flowers can last a long time if stored and cared for properly. Simple steps help keep their color, shape, and scent.

Keep your flowers out of direct sunlight. Bright light makes petals fade faster and can make them brittle. A cool, dry spot works best.

Moisture is another problem. Humidity can cause mold or make petals soft. Use a sealed container or display them in a dry room.

To preserve their fragrance, store extra flowers in airtight jars or boxes. This helps lock in the natural scent for a longer period.

Handle them with care. Dried petals and stems break easily if squeezed or bent. Use light touches when moving or dusting them.

Quick tips for preserving dried flowers:

• Keep away from sunlight to avoid fading
• Store in airtight containers to hold fragrance
• Place in a dry, cool space
• Handle gently to prevent crumbling

You can also use a soft brush or a can of compressed air to clean dust. Avoid spraying water or cleaners, since this can damage the petals.

✿ Read More: How to Preserve Pressed Flowers Without Losing Color

Conclusion

You can keep dried flowers simple or turn them into useful items. A small bouquet in a vase adds charm, while pressed petals work well in frames or journals.

If you like practical uses, try making potpourri, gift wrap accents, or a table centerpiece. These options are easy and let you enjoy the flowers longer.

Here is a quick list of ideas:

• Decor: wreaths, wall art, shadow boxes
• Crafts: bookmarks, candles, resin keepsakes
• Everyday use: sachets, homemade cards, small gifts

By choosing what fits your space and style, you can keep your flowers meaningful and useful.

FAQS: What to Do With Dried Flowers

Dried flowers can last for months or even years if you handle them with care. Proper storage, display choices, and knowing which flowers dry best help you keep them looking attractive for longer.

How do I keep dried flowers from falling apart?

Keep dried flowers out of direct sunlight and away from humid areas. Handle them gently, since the petals and stems become brittle. A light spray of hairspray or floral sealant can also help hold them together.

How long do dried flowers last?

Most dried flowers last 1 to 3 years when stored properly. Their color may fade over time, but if you keep them away from moisture and strong light, they will maintain their shape longer.

What is the best way to display dried flowers?

You can place them in a vase without water, frame pressed flowers, or use them in wreaths and wall art. Keeping them in low-traffic areas reduces the chance of breakage.

Can I mix dried flowers with fresh flowers?

Yes, you can combine them in the same arrangement. Just be careful when adding water for the fresh flowers, since moisture will damage the dried ones. A good option is to keep dried stems higher in the design so they avoid contact with water.

Do dried flowers attract bugs?

If flowers are dried and stored correctly, they usually do not attract pests. However, keeping them in damp or dusty areas may increase the risk of insects.

What types of flowers dry the best?

Flowers with sturdy petals and stems, such as lavender, roses, hydrangeas, and baby’s breath, tend to dry well. These varieties hold their shape and color better than delicate blooms.