How should I care for my dried floral arrangements?

First of all, the location of where your arrangements are in your home is important. Avoid direct sunlight or florescent lights because they both fade the flowers at an accelerated rate. High humidity also deteriorates the flowers. Eucalyptus and other glycerin dyed flowers may release their colors when absorbing high qualities of humidity. This may cause stains on the walls. Air dried flowers will work in a bathroom but avoid all glycerin dyed flowers in this area of the home.

Dust is another factor that can deteriorate dried florals. On a monthly basis have them "blown" clean with a hair dryer. Old eucalyptus can be renewed by holding a low-hot hairdryer near the leaves. Move the hairdryer around so one area is not hit more than another. Eventually, you will see the oil come to the surface, and the eucalyptus will regain the beauty it once had. However, it will have a shine to it that may not have been there before (from the oils).

You may also take your age worn arrangements into a designer and have them remove the damaged flowers and place new ones in. They may also use a DMP chemical to help clean your arrangement.

Can I dry my own roses?

Absolutely! The requirements of air drying flowers is heat, exposed wood, dryness, and darkness. An attic is a perfect place to do this. Be careful of garden flowers drying because there is a small insect called an "Indian Moth" that can attack your flowers and leave them dusty. If you are going to attempt a large amount of flowers, I would suggest that you use a flying insect spray. Many coops or elevators carry such items.

There are some flowers that dry better than others, but my recommendation is to experiment. The worst thing that happens is you will add an "unappreciated" result to the compost pile.

Matting and Framing. . . HELP!!

There are many questions about matting and framing. I will try to clear up some questions that you may have.

Should I put glass on needlework?

There are so many opinions on this one question. Experts will tell you that glass will help speed up the deterioration of the fabrics. Yet other experts will tell you dust will eat away your fabric also. I help direct clients with this decision with a few questions. Is your home dusty (gravel roads, etc.)? Do you live near high humidity conditions (lakes, oceans, rivers)? Do you have children? If the answer is yes to any of these questions, then you may want to consider using glass. I would suggest using conservation glass (it helps reflect 97% of UV rays) if the needlework is important.

How do I select the matting and framing?

A designer can help you in your selection. One thing to keep in mind is that the matting and framing is used to help accent and protect your artwork. It should not be the main focus. When you get down to a few final selections of matting and framing, look away. Walk around the store, and then approach your artwork with your selection. See if you notice the art or the framing and matting. That will help guide you in your decision. If you are placing the art on wallpaper, it is helpful to bring the wallpaper sample in. There are times when the wallpaper is busy enough that a wider mat is needed to help separate the art from the wallpaper because it gives your eye a "rest spot".

I have a problem wall in my home. . .

Heart 'n Home offers assistance with walls that are giving you a difficult time. We offer a free consultation with "Picture This". Bring in pictures of your problem and either we can help right then and there or we may ask you to leave the pictures, so we may have time to study the room and come up with a solution. If you bring in paint samples and measurements, we may be able to help you select items that will add that special touch to your home. It may be suggestions of florals, pictures, fabric treatments, or paint finishes. so try "Picture This" and see what our designer can come up with. (You may also e-mail pictures.)

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