How to dry roses & display them in a shadow box?

I'm in the process of drying my bridal bouquet. It was all roses, and right now they've been hanging in the closet for about a week. I think in another week they'll be good to go.





I'd like to display them in a shadowbox, but I've never done this before. I've seen lots of photos, but how do I get them to be stable in the box?





Does anyone have a step by step how to guide?





Thanks!!

How to dry roses %26amp; display them in a shadow box?
so now just spray them with hairspray and put them out to show...
Reply:Drying Your Roses





There are three ways to dry roses





1. Air drying





2. Desiccant- Drying











Air Drying is the most common method of preserving roses.





This method is best for rose buds that are just about to open. Hang them in a warm, dry and dark place with good ventilation for a two weeks. Tie a string around the stems and hang them upside down. This will prevent moisture from becoming trapped between the flowers which can mold them.





Once they are completely dried be careful to handle them with care for they will now be brittle.





Display them tightly in a terracotta pot for the wonderful display.





For more complete information on air drying flowers see "Working with Dried Flowers" In the floral instruction section of this site.








Desiccant drying





This method is perfect for open roses.





You will need an airtight container that measures 1 inch taller than the roses you are drying and silica gel crystals (enough to completely cover your roses -standing on end) If you would prefer to save on silica gel crystals you can cut the stems shorter.





Put 1/2 inch of Silica Gel in an airtight container -place the roses so that the blooms face up.





Cover them very carefully with more silica gel crystals until every part of the flower is covered. Now seal the container tightly. Keep them at room temperature for 10 days before removing the lid of the container. After 10 days carefully remove them from the desiccant.





For more complete information on drying flowers with desiccants see "Working with Dried Flowers" In the floral instruction section of this site.