Preserved Flower Course

Lesson 1 • What Are Preserved Flowers

Defines preserved flowers and distinguishes them from dried and artificial alternatives. Establishes vocabulary used throughout the course.

Lesson 2 • Flower Selection Fundamentals

Covers criteria for choosing flowers suited to preservation, including bloom stage and structural integrity. Guides students in sourcing quality raw material.

Lesson 3 • History and Market Overview

Traces the evolution of flower preservation from historical practices to modern commercial use. Connects historical context to current market demand.

Lesson 4 • Workspace and Safety Essentials

Establishes safe, organised workspace standards before hands-on work begins. Covers chemical handling basics and personal protective equipment.

Lesson 1 • Hanging and Bundling Methods

Teaches correct bundling size, stem preparation, and hanging orientation for optimal results. Directly applies air drying principles to common flower varieties.

Lesson 2 • Flat Pressing Fundamentals

Introduces pressing as a complementary technique for flat botanical specimens. Covers press construction, layering, and paper selection.

Lesson 3 • Storing Air-Dried Specimens

Covers packaging, labelling, and storage conditions that extend the life of dried flowers. Prepares students to maintain inventory for later arrangement work.

Lesson 4 • Principles of Air Drying

Explains moisture removal mechanics and environmental factors that affect drying quality. Connects physical principles to practical technique decisions.

Lesson 1 • Burial and Drying Process

Teaches the step-by-step burial method, coverage depth, and sealing procedures. Students practise the full silica drying cycle from start to extraction.

Lesson 2 • Properties of Silica Gel

Explains how silica gel absorbs moisture and why it outperforms air drying for colour retention. Provides the chemical rationale behind technique choices.

Lesson 3 • Microwave-Assisted Silica Drying

Introduces accelerated drying using a microwave to reduce cycle time significantly. Covers power settings, timing, and safety precautions specific to this method.

Lesson 4 • Finishing and Sealing Dried Blooms

Applies sealant sprays and coatings to protect silica-dried flowers from humidity. Completes the silica workflow and prepares specimens for arrangement.

Lesson 1 • Evaluating and Finishing Glycerin Specimens

Identifies signs of complete preservation and addresses common defects such as stickiness or uneven colour. Prepares glycerin specimens for use in arrangements.

Lesson 2 • Total Immersion for Leaves and Petals

Applies full submersion technique to flat plant material such as leaves and individual petals. Expands the glycerin method beyond upright stems.

Lesson 3 • Stem Immersion Technique

Teaches stem cutting, conditioning, and immersion depth for upright glycerin absorption. Covers monitoring absorption progress and topping up solution.

Lesson 4 • Preparing Glycerin Solutions

Covers mixing ratios, water temperature, and optional additives such as dye for colour enhancement. Accurate preparation directly determines preservation quality.

Lesson 1 • Resin Safety and Waste Management

Addresses chemical hazards, ventilation requirements, and responsible disposal of uncured resin. Ensures students work safely and comply with environmental standards.

Lesson 2 • Mixing and Pouring Resin

Teaches precise ratio mixing, degassing, and layered pouring to suspend flowers at desired depths. Correct technique prevents bubbles and uneven curing.

Lesson 3 • Resin Types and Properties

Compares epoxy, UV, and polyester resins by clarity, cure time, and suitability for botanical embedding. Guides material selection for specific project outcomes.

Lesson 4 • Mold Selection and Preparation

Covers silicone, acrylic, and custom mould options and how to prepare them for clean release. Proper mould prep prevents surface defects and material waste.

Lesson 1 • Achieving Consistent Colour Batches

Addresses batch consistency through standardised dye formulas and process documentation. Prepares students for production-scale colour work in professional settings.

Lesson 2 • Floral Dye Types and Selection

Compares water-based, alcohol-based, and powder dyes for compatibility with each preservation method. Correct dye selection prevents damage to preserved specimens.

Lesson 3 • Colour Theory for Preserved Flowers

Applies colour wheel principles to floral design, including complementary and analogous palettes. Provides the aesthetic foundation for all dyeing decisions.

Lesson 4 • Dyeing Fresh Flowers Before Preservation

Teaches stem-uptake dyeing of fresh flowers prior to drying or glycerin processing. Integrates dyeing into the preservation workflow for deeper colour penetration.

Lesson 1 • Mechanics and Structural Supports

Covers floral foam alternatives, wire frames, and adhesive methods suited to preserved flowers. Correct mechanics ensure structural integrity without damaging delicate specimens.

Lesson 2 • Composition and Layering Techniques

Teaches placement sequencing from structural base flowers to accent and filler elements. Builds the hands-on skill of constructing a cohesive, layered arrangement.

Lesson 3 • Quality Evaluation and Refinement

Applies a structured critique process to assess and improve finished arrangements. Develops the self-evaluation habit essential for professional-quality output.

Lesson 4 • Arrangement Styles and Applications

Surveys bouquet, wreath, shadow box, and table centrepiece formats using preserved flowers. Expands students' repertoire to meet varied client and market needs.

Lesson 1 • Client Care Instructions and Documentation

Develops written care guides and maintenance schedules students provide to clients. Professionalises the handoff process and reduces post-sale complaints.

Lesson 2 • Inspection and Defect Identification

Teaches systematic inspection routines to catch defects before delivery or sale. Builds the habit of quality checking at each stage of production.

Lesson 3 • Environmental Factors and Display Guidance

Identifies light, humidity, and temperature conditions that degrade preserved flowers and advises on optimal display environments. Equips students to guide clients effectively.

Lesson 4 • Quality Standards in Preserved Floristry

Defines measurable quality benchmarks for colour, form, and structural integrity across preservation types. Aligns student output with professional and commercial expectations.