How to Easily Dye Dried Blue Hydrangeas in 3 Easy Steps

With our easy-to-follow guide, you can unleash your creativity and add a personal touch to your home decor. Learn how to dye-dried blue hydrangeas in three simple steps. Discover the best dyes and techniques for vibrant, lasting colors to enhance your home décor.

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Today is our Handcrafted Society post, and we were all challenged to use dried or pressed flowers in our projects. Since I love dried flowers, this was an easy choice for me.

Don’t forget to check out all of the girls’ posts at the end of this post. There are so many unique projects.

Introduction to Dying Dried Hydrangeas

Using dried hydrangea flowers in home decor is a timeless choice. They retain their beauty for years, although they can fade over time. But what if you’re ready for a new color scheme? Surprisingly, you can transform them right at home with a simple DIY process. This guide will walk you through dyeing dried hydrangeas in just three easy steps, offering a refreshing update to old blooms or a chance to create a custom color palette for your home decor.

Supplies Needed to Dye Hydrangea Blossoms

Hydrangeas are a popular choice for drying and dyeing due to their sturdy stems and the delicate nature of their petals, which can hold their shape well and create beautiful dried arrangements.

Preparing Your Dried Hydrangeas for Dyeing

Hydrangeas are beautiful flowers to dry. I cut flower stems from my Annabelle hydrangeas using sharp shears when they are in full bloom. This is typically late summer or early fall. This type of hydrangea creates beautiful dried hydrangeas. 

When it comes to preserving hydrangeas, there are two main drying methods, each with its advantages.

Vase Drying Hydrangeas:

• This is the more straightforward drying process and is ideal for those wanting a more natural, vintage look for their dried hydrangeas. You cut the hydrangea blooms at the right time (when the florets feel slightly papery) and place them in a vase with several inches of water. Let the water evaporate naturally in a cool, dark location. The blooms will dry slowly, taking a couple of weeks, and develop softer, muted colors. (This is the method I use) Over time, they lost their color and turned off white. 

Air Drying Hydrangeas: 

• This method offers faster drying times and potentially more vibrant color. You cut the stems and remove the leaves, then hang the blooms upside down in a cool and dry environment in a dark area with good air circulation. You can use a clothesline or tie the stems together. This method can take 1-2 weeks for the blooms to dry completely.

Regardless of the drying method you choose, patience is key. Keep the blooms out of direct sunlight to prevent fading throughout the drying process.

Choosing the Right Dye for Your Hydrangeas

It is very important to choose the correct dye for your dried blooms. I tried three different methods before I found one that worked. 

Here is what I tried. 

• A bucket of water adding acrylic paint. I then dipped the flower head in the bucket and allowed it to soak. However, the dried flower did not soak up the paint much. It did give a hint of color, but not what I was looking for. 

• The second method I tried was spray paint, which gave a very interesting look, but again, it was not what I was looking for.  Maybe I should of tried floral spray paint, but I did not have any in my cupboard. 
• Third, I tried making a dye bath using acetone and oil-based gourd dye. I then soaked the flower head in this solution, but I did not have success.
• Lastly, I tried dipping the flower head in acetone and then dropping the ink dye onto the flower. I found the best dye (gourd master dye) for dried hydrangeas; it was the best way to get the perfect watercolor look of a realistic hydrangea bloom. 
• I am thinking that you could also try alcohol inks. They are the same type of ink as the gourd inks and are easier to find.

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Wrapping Up

In just three simple steps – choosing your drying method, selecting your dye, and letting the magic happen – you can transform your dried hydrangeas into vibrant works of art! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors to create unique pieces that perfectly complement your décor. The possibilities are endless, whether you want to recreate the original hue or go for something entirely unexpected. So grab your dried blooms, unleash your creativity, and prepare to add a colorful personality to your space!

See the links below to all the other creative projects our Handcrafted Society has created.

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