Experiment with different fruits for your craft projects.
Dried fruits and foliage have long been popular in arrangements and wreaths as well as objects to fill decorative containers. Silica gel is the fastest acting, moisture-absorbing chemical desiccant available. Since silica gel is fast acting, color remains more natural than through other drying methods. While more expensive than most other drying agents, it can be used over and over with proper care. Silica gel is marketed under a wide variety of brand names and can be found in craft stores, floral supply stores, garden supply stores and online. Some are specifically marketed for fruits and vegetables (see Resources).
Instructions
1. Spread one inch of silica gel on the bottom of a heat safe bowl. Heat on high for one minute in your microwave until the silica gel crystals turn blue. Even if you are just opening your supply of silica, this is a good measure to use.
2. Place your fruit on top of the silica gel taking care that pieces do not touch each other. Check to make sure each piece of fruit is dry and clean. Cover the fruit completely with silica gel.
3. Heat the fruit and silica-filled bowl in your microwave on high for one to three minutes.
4. Let fruit and silica-filled bowl stand 25 minutes. Silica gel will turn blue gray or pinkish gray as it absorbs moisture.
5. Carefully remove fruit from silica gel.
6. Spread the silica gel you have used onto a cookie sheet. Bake in oven at 250 degrees Fahrenheit for one or two hours until it turns blue. Immediately place into your airtight silica container for future use.
7. Mix equal parts of clear lacquer and water. Paint fruit to maintain color. Or, look for products like Fruit and Floral Glaze in craft stores, garden supply stores or floral supply stores to maintain color.
Tags: supply stores, craft stores, floral supply, floral supply stores, fruit silica-filled, fruit silica-filled bowl, garden supply
