To hang dry flowers, cut the stems to the desired length of the flowers you wish to dry. Remove most of the leaves and bunch like flowers together (i.e., roses with roses, lilies with lilies, etc.). Tie the bunch with string. Hang the flower bunches in a warm, dry, and dark place, such as an attic or an enclosed porch. The drying process will take a minimum of three weeks depending on the type of flower. After the third week, check daily to see if the flowers have dried. When dried in this manner, the flowers do lose some of their shape and color, but they are still pretty and usable. This is a fairly long process, which is why some people use the other method: silica gel.

The best way to dry flowers that retain their color is to use silica gel. Silica gel is not a gel at all, it is a soft, sandlike material. It can be purchased by the box or can at craft stores or florists. The gel absorbs the moisture from the flowers and gives them a crisp, dry, delicate feel. They do retain a lot of their color.

Using any air-tight container, fill it with silica gel halfway. Gently put the flower head into the gel. Be sure to completely cover the flower, especially between the petals. You can use your fingers (preferably while you're wearing gloves) or a small plastic spoon. Pour some additional silica gel over the flower to completely bury it.

The drying process with this method takes 3-4 days. Be sure to check daily after the third day. You do not want it to get over dried as it may make the flower break.

After the drying process is complete, you should store them in a dry, air-tight container. These dried flowers can be used in many different crafts. They can be attached to wreaths or gently glued onto invitations and cards. A special way to display your dried flowers is to mat and frame them.