Does the arrangement have to stay brittle?

Question

I've dicided to dry flowers instead of having a fake arrangement. ( I haven't found plastic or silk ones that I like) But I don't want them to be dry and brittle. Once dried, is there a why to coat them so that they can keep their shape and be put in a vase? Or is fake the answer. In that case where to I find great realistic ones ( on the island of Montreal)

Answer 1

The technique of drying will make flowers stiff and brittle to the touch.
Maybe you want to Preserve your flowers. There is a process using glycerin that allows the flower to draw up the water/glycerin mixture slowly so the preserved material is more supple and the color closer to fresh.

Draw the flower stems through the holes, leaving the flowers face-up resting ... Flowers: borax - 5 days; Seed pods: glycerin - 24 hours or stand up to dry ...http://www.wvu.edu/~agexten/hortcult/flowers/preservi.htm

glycerin, anti-freeze and wax while preserving and pressing foliage, flowers and ... this with flowers but have never successfully waxed a fresh flower to preserve ...http://www.preservedgardens.com/glycerin-antifreeze.htm

flowers, air drying flowers, drying flowers in a microwave, making a flower ... A dessicant such as glycerin may also be used to preserve flowers. ...http://www.d21c.com/Sherry727/seasonal/pgs/preservingflowers.html

Answer 2

I believe they must stay brittle. At least, that was the condition of all I've previously seen at cemeteries. A dried flower reflects something of the one who receives it, yes?
Fake flowers usually attend the paupers and potter field.
An engraved flower on stone? Now, that is grand, lass.

Answer 3

What she said...