3 Ways to Repurpose Flowers and Expand Your Business
Picture this: You’re coming down from the rush of creating your floral masterpiece, and you look around. Stems and leaves surround you; you realize there are several beautiful blooms left-over.
But don’t throw them in the compost just yet—put them to good use! Here are a few ideas on how to make the most of these bonus blooms.
Funky Photoshoot
Save your flowers for a funky photo shoot. Get creative and try something new with your blooms. Think outside the box and take quality photos to use on social media and web pages. Something new and unique is sure to grab attention. Be sure to use tags #floralart #art #flowers. Who knows, you might even pick up a few new fans!
Take Team Flower’s How to Photograph Flowers online class and enjoy an in-depth explanation taught by Heather Payne (Floret’s photographer!), or partner with a local photographer and do an entire photoshoot with your artwork. Don’t forget to #SupportLocal.
Make Someone’s Day
Donate your blooms to a local charity. Take the opportunity to do some PR for your business and deliver the flowers to first responders, emergency teams, or medical workers to thank them for serving your community.
Spread a smile and distribute bonus blooms to a women’s shelter, hospital, or senior care center—or deliver a surprise arrangement to your biggest fan and thank them for their support. Fresh flowers are guaranteed to put a smile on anyone’s face! (Pro tip: If you donate your blooms, ask for a receipt and use the donation as a tax write off!)
Dry Them
No time to run around or do a photoshoot? Dry your blooms to give them a second life. Dried flowers are all the rage, and there are a ton of fun projects you can do with preserved flowers. To dry your bonus blooms, lay petals out flat with open airflow for one to two weeks. Below are a few ideas on what to do once your petals are preserved.
Flower Confetti: They are light as a feather and flutter down beautifully for a confetti moment. Flower confetti is biodegradable, beautiful, and unique, and brides love the idea of dried blooms being tossed after the big “I DO.” Simply dry petals and put them in a container of your choice. (Pro tip: delphinium, wildflowers, hydrangea, and roses work best!)
Floral Bath Salts: Like a spa in a jar! Flower baths are a huge fad for their medicinal and magical nature. Combine one part dried petals, one part Epsom salt, and one part coarse grain pink Himalayan sea salt in a mason jar. Feel free to add some essential oils for extra relaxation and a pleasant smell! You can sell the floral bath salts as an arrangement add-on, gift to a bride, or use them to de-stress and unwind when you need a little R&R!
Coasters: A perfect way to preserve special petals forever! You can purchase the silicone mold, epoxy resin, and hardener online. Mix equal parts hardener and resin for three minutes; the longer you mix, the fewer bubbles. Fill mold halfway with resin mix and add petals. Your coasters will be ready within 48 hours! Enjoy. (Pro tip: Suggest preserving flowers from a big event for your clients in coasters for great memorabilia and an easy way to make a few extra bucks.)
Most importantly, have fun! No matter how you choose to use leftover blooms, know you are helping to make the floral industry sustainable and create real art for others to enjoy. Leave no flower behind!
