Take growing orchids to another level by making gift items using orchids. Instead of buying, you can try creating your own items using your own creativity. Here are two ideas of gift making using orchids.

Using orchid fragrance
Orchid fragrances can be used in handmade soaps. For soap making techniques you can check the Bellaonline.com link given below. Another idea is to make scented candles.

Orchid pressed flowers
This is one of the easiest gift making options. Making pressed flowers is quite easy, children do it all the time, using their books. If you have a flower press, well... then go ahead. If that is not available, do not lose hope. A good fat book too can be used as a flower press. You can try this method also.

Take:
1. Fresh flowers
2. Paper sheets (newspaper sheets can be used)

Keep fresh flowers in between two sheets of paper. I use newspaper. Put some heavy weight on them (this is to squeeze the water out from the flowers). Change the newspaper frequently, until the flowers dry out completely. Changing the paper frequently helps to avoid fungal growth on the drying flowers. Fungus grows because of the moisture present within the flowers. Once the flowers dry out completely, they are ready to be used. Please remember that orchid flowers may or may not retain their original colour after drying. I will discuss that separately.

Dried orchid flowers can be used on homemade candles or can be simply put in a jar. You can paste pressed flowers on hard paper like the Ivory sheets or tiles and use it to make different gift/ craft items. Use it for gift wrapping. Frame it, make cards or bookmarks.

I came across this pressed flower site with lot of ideas on dried flowers on Pinterest. You can try these with dried orchid flowers. Some of the ideas here are easy enough even for children. Check out this great idea to decorate your iPhone cover.

To retain the shape of the flowers after drying, you can try hanging the flowers upside down. For a glossy sheen on the flowers there two products ‘Petal Porcelain’ from plaidonline.com and Crystal sheen from creative wholesale. Use these carefully and strictly follow instructions.

You are welcome to share your ideas on orchid craft with us.