As someone who grows and dries flowers here in Ontario, I can’t help but see them not just as wedding bouquets or decor — but as tiny treasures waiting to be turned into something beautiful and lasting. Over the years, I’ve experimented with dried flowers in so many ways, from rustic home decor to delicate keepsakes.
In this post, I want to share my favourite dried flower crafts, with step-by-step tutorials for each. Whether you’re looking for a rainy-day creative project or a meaningful handmade gift, I hope this inspires you to pick up a few stems and get started.
1. Shadow Boxes with Dried Flowers
Why I love them: Shadow boxes are one of the most sentimental ways to preserve flowers — whether it’s from a wedding, a special bouquet, or just blooms that you want to enjoy for years.
What you’ll need:
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A deep shadow box frame
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Dried flowers (I love using larkspur, strawflower, statice, and grasses)
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Hot glue gun or floral adhesive
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Tweezers for delicate placement
How to make it:
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Prepare your flowers by trimming stems short and removing any loose petals.
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Plan your layout before gluing. I like to place larger blooms first and fill in with smaller ones.
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Use small dots of glue on the back of each stem or flower head, pressing gently into place.
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Once your design is set, close the shadow box and display somewhere away from direct sunlight.
2. Resin Coasters and Jewelry
Why I love them: Resin makes flowers look like they’re frozen in time. Perfect for gifting or keeping as personal mementos.
What you’ll need:
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Two-part epoxy resin
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Silicone coaster molds or jewelry molds
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Dried flowers (smaller blooms or petals work best)
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Mixing cups and sticks
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Gloves and mask for safety
How to make it:
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Mix your resin according to package instructions.
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Pour a thin base layer into the mold.
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Arrange dried flowers face-down in the resin (this ensures they show from the front).
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Pour more resin to cover, removing air bubbles with a toothpick or heat gun.
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Allow to cure for 24–48 hours before removing from the mold.
3. Dried Flower Bookmarks
Why I love them: They’re flat, easy to mail, and make a sweet handmade gift for book lovers.
What you’ll need:
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Laminating sheets or self-sealing laminating pouches
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Dried pressed flowers
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Scissors
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Ribbon or twine
How to make it:
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Arrange pressed flowers between two laminating sheets.
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Run through a laminator (or seal with a self-laminating pouch).
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Trim into bookmark shape.
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Punch a hole at the top and tie with ribbon.
4. Rustic Wall Hangings
Why I love them: A quick way to add texture and colour to your home.
What you’ll need:
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A piece of driftwood or a branch
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Twine or jute string
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Dried flower bunches (like statice, wheat, or eucalyptus)
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Scissors
How to make it:
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Tie flower bundles with twine.
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Attach bundles to the branch with more twine, spacing them evenly.
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Add a hanging loop at the top and display.
5. Wedding Decor and Bouquets
Even if you’re not getting married yourself, dried flower arrangements make beautiful event decor that can be enjoyed long after the big day. I’ve made everything from boutonnieres to arch pieces with dried blooms, and they store perfectly.
Quick tip: For bouquets, start with structural stems (like grasses or sturdy seed pods), then layer in softer blooms. Wrap tightly with ribbon.
Where to Source Dried Flowers in Ontario
I’m lucky to grow my own flowers here at Harvest Hill Flower Farm in Port Perry, but not everyone has a field outside their door. Here are some of my favourite ways to source locally:
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My farm – Harvest Hill Flower Farm (Port Perry, ON) – custom dried flower orders available
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Dewhurst Flowers – Beautiful Ontario-grown dried flowers in rich, natural colours
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Other local farms – Search for flower farms in your county or on Instagram under #OntarioGrownFlowers
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If you can’t find something locally, you can also check Afloral or Michaels for basic dried stems and crafting supplies.
Why Source Local Dried Flowers?
Buying local isn’t just about supporting farmers (though that’s a big part of it) — it’s also about quality and sustainability. Locally dried flowers are often air-dried naturally, without chemical preservatives, and they have a more organic, natural look compared to mass-produced imported ones. Plus, you’re reducing your shipping footprint.