Flower Shop Network has an interesting newsletter about dried flowers.  One of the dried flower concepts was to place them in a shadow box design.  A reader from North Carolina recently ask me how to attach the dried flowers to the back of a shadow box.

Although my experience is limited, I have created shadow boxes with dried flowers.  If I had the ability to permanently attach the dried flowers to the container, I used hot glue.  (There are also some spray adhesives that can be used with dried flowers).  I have known designers who have “picked” the dried flowers and inserted them into Styrofoam.

The key to using dried flowers is to make sure they are firmly attached either to the container or each other. (I have seen bouquets of dried flowers tried together with ribbon so that they stand on their own without a container.)  Dried flowers seem more fragile than fresh flowers, as a result most people are hesitant to use them.  The essential element in designing with dried flowers is to cover the mechanics.  When you use hot glue use it sparingly and don’t leave a trail.  If you choose to use picks make sure they are hidden.  Even with ribbon, I tend to use a little hot glue but use it conservatively.  Avoid products that will cause the dried flowers to become sticky — you don’t want dust to adhere to them.

Every day I learn a new floral design trick.  If you know a technique for attaching dried flowers to a shadow box that I haven’t mentioned or a tips on the techniques I’ve mentioned please post your comments.  Knowledge is the door to everything and sharing knowledge is the key that opens it.