How to air-dry hydrangeas
Step 1 Cut hydrangea stems at an angle and completely strip the stems of their leaves. Drying out the blooms shrinks them so ensure you have enough hydrangeas to complete your wreath. Note: If using hydrangeas from your garden, you’re best to cut them in the morning before the day heats up and after any dew has evaporated. For best results, choose blooms that have started to change colour.
Step 2 Place the hydrangea cuttings in jars (or vases) filled with about 10cm of water. Aim for about 6 stems per jar and stagger the heights of the flowers to allow for good air circulation as the flowers are drying out.
Step 3 Place the jars in a cool spot, away from direct sunlight, and leave for about two weeks until the water has evaporated and the flowers are dry and feel papery.
Step 4 Trim each dried hydrangea stem to about 15cm. Angling the stem slightly, use mossing pins to attach it to a florist’s dried flower oasis ring.
Step 5 Positioning the next hydrangea stem at a slightly different angle, arrange the bloom so it covers the previously pinned stem.
Step 6 Using the same method, work your way around the ring, pinning the hydrangea stems in place and making sure your wreath looks full and the ring is concealed. When you’ve almost completely encircled the ring, manipulate the position of the last few blooms to ensure there isn’t a gap between the first and last blooms.
