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margaret-ellis

Cornstarch Flowers Preservation

A calming and creative craft that preserves fresh petals using a simple cornstarch paste.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 1 project
Course: Crafting
Cuisine: Crafting
Calories: 50
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Cornstarch 1 cup
  • Water about 1/2 cup
  • White glue or natural PVA 1/4 cup (optional)
  • Glycerin 1 teaspoon (optional)
  • A few drops of clear glue or diluted Mod Podge for sealing optional
  • Fresh petals well-dried leaves, or small whole flowers
  • A small mixing bowl and spoon
  • A fine paintbrush or small silicone spatula
  • Wax paper or silicone mat for drying
  • Kitchen scale or measuring cups
  • Clean scissors and tweezers optional
  • Soft towel
  • A shallow tray

Method
 

  1. Prepare your workspace and petals.
  2. Place a soft towel and mat on a flat surface.
  3. Lay petals out single layer to remove dust and let them air a few minutes.
  4. Measure cornstarch and water.
  5. Put 1 cup cornstarch in the bowl.
  6. Slowly add about 1/2 cup water while stirring to avoid lumps.
  7. Stir into a smooth paste.
  8. Mix in steady circular motions until the mixture feels like thick cream.
  9. Add glue and glycerin if using.
  10. Stir in 1/4 cup white glue for strength and 1 teaspoon glycerin for flexibility.
  11. Test with a spare petal.
  12. Press a small scrap petal into a dab of paste to see how it behaves.
  13. Arrange a working surface for pressing.
  14. Lay a sheet of wax paper on the mat.
  15. Spoon a thin layer of paste onto the paper where you will press a petal.
  16. Press petals gently into the paste.
  17. Use tweezers or fingers to lay a petal face down.
  18. Smooth paste lightly over the back with a brush so edges sit snugly.
  19. Shape and thin edges.
  20. Tap the edges with a damp finger or brush to remove excess paste.
  21. Let pieces dry slowly.
  22. Move the tray to a well-ventilated spot away from direct sun.
  23. Leave overnight or up to 48 hours depending on size and humidity.
  24. Finish with a seal if desired.
  25. When completely dry, dust lightly with a soft brush to remove loose starch.

Notes

Consider substitutions for fully natural ingredients and experiment with different types of petals for unique results.