Make This: 3 Unique Ways to Use Fresh Flowers

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I’ve shared a bunch of DIY ideas for fresh flowers over the last few months. But what about when those flowers start to wilt and die? Well, it turns out, that there are still a few cool things that you can do with flowers that are on their last leg, along with the ones that you accidentally cut to short for the vase, etc. And that’s what today’s projects are all about. Let’s jump in…

1. Make a flower ring.

This idea screams summer to me for some reason. And it’s my personal favorite. It’s just a super fun (and easy) way to dress up an outfit for a night out with friends or a picnic in the park.

Using short-stemmed (or broken-stemmed) flowers that you would otherwise have to toss, try this…Grab a ring blank, which you can find in the jewelry section at any craft store, and a glue gun. Cut the stem completely off from the bloom. Add some hot glue to the ring. Gently press the flower into the glue. Let it dry for a few minutes. And wear it out. NOTE: I used yellow mums for the ring and it lasted 3 entire days (with no water) before it started to wilt. So if you choose your flowers wisely, you can get multiple wears out of ’em.

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2. Make a tiny arrangement in an unexpected vessel.

mini creamer from Pigeon Toe Ceramics made for the perfect vessel for a few short stems that weren’t long enough for a regular vase. I keep these little arrangements on my desk whenever I have a few stragglers lying around from bouquets. 

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3. Make flower petal confetti.

You may remember this project from a few weeks ago. But, if not, here’s the gist…Before tossing flowers that have withered and wilted in the trash, pick off the petals and use them as flower confetti. This is a fun, eco-friendly alternative to other party confetti, especially if you’re throwing a party outdoors. More flower confetti photos here.

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So that’s it. Three super easy ways to extend the life of flowers, past the traditional vase stage. Have any other ideas for ways you can use flowers that are on their last leg? I’d love to hear ’em.

P.S. I came up with at least 3 more while writing this post, so I am willing to bet there will be a part II to this post someday soon.

Concept, photography and styling by Brittni Mehlhoff. Modeling by Amanda Toman.

21 comments | Click here to reply

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Love the ring idea. That little yellow mum is so sweet! Orchids also have a lot of staying power for DIY projects — it’s amazing how long a little dendrobium can go without water.

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Thanks everyone! Appreciate the sweet comments.

papernstitch

All of these are so cute!! I want to make flower rings now 🙂

Thanks for the inspiration.

Alex from www.polkadottedpixels.com

Alexandra Pettinato

The flower ring is absolutely beautiful! But the mini vases are so adorable too! Ohh, I can’t wait for the part II. Thanks for sharing your beautiful ideas 🙂

onel

Anotado!!! Me encanta!!! Lo voy a poner en funcionamiento seguro
Gracias
Confeti en los bolsillos

Confeti en los bolsillos

Hey Janette! Yes…good question. I found the ring blanks I used at Hobby Lobby… I just checked online and they available (in two sizes) right here http://shop.hobbylobby.com/products/14mm-silver-plated-circle-bezel-ring-700716/ and here http://shop.hobbylobby.com/products/silver-plated-round-bezel-ring-910323/ Hope that helps! P.S. I would love to see photos if you end up making these for your friends. Thanks for stopping by.
-B

papernstitch

Wow, I love this flower ring! I’m doing flowers for a friend’s wedding this summer (wish me luck!), and I’d love to make these with leftover blooms for a dozen or so girls in our group of friends. I just searched online for ring blanks and could only find flat ones, none with the nice border/ridge that yours has. Have you seen any like yours available online?

Janette Crawford

Thanks Becca. I’ll definitely be sharing more of these ideas in the future, so stay tuned. 🙂

papernstitch

The flower ring is a fantastic idea! I’d love to hear The other ideas you came up with!

-Becca

Becca

Thanks Juni! That one is my favorite.

papernstitch

oh I love the flower ring idea! it’s gorgeous

juni
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