Dry Flower
Other crafts
History
The dry flower industry was introduced in India by British colonists in Calcutta and has been practiced for nearly a decade. It was initially concentrated around Kolkata (West Bengal) and Tuticorin (Tamil Nadu), where a variety of flowers are naturally available. Today, the industry is expanding into other states such as Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, and more.
Raw Materials and Tools
Raw materials: Fresh flowers such as straw flowers, statice, bougainvillea, and paper flowers.
Tools: Wire mesh, vases, string or clips for vertical and hanging drying; flat surfaces like paper or straw mats for flat drying. Optional: silica gel or absorbent paper for moisture control and better preservation.
Process
Flat drying: Remove flowers from stems and place them on a level surface (e.g., paper or straw mats). Suitable for straw or paper flowers.
Vertical drying: Keep flowers upright using wire-mesh stems or vases (e.g., statice, paper flowers, straw flowers, bougainvillea).
Hanging drying: Hang flowers upside down to dry naturally.
Design and Color
Designs vary with technique. Flat-dried flowers retain delicate shapes for framing and craft applications. Vertical drying maintains natural upright forms for bouquets, while hanging drying preserves full structure, lending a rustic, vintage look. Colors may soften slightly over time, creating an antique aesthetic.
Product Range
Bouquets, greeting cards, handmade paper, and resin crafts (e.g., jewelry).