Beyond the Bouquet: Turning Fresh Flowers into Forever Art

What if the flowers from your wedding day, memorial service, or special celebration could last forever? Andrea Cole, founder of Designs by Andrea, brings this possibility to life through her remarkable flower preservation artistry. In this captivating conversation, Andrea reveals how a Valentine's bouquet and the discovery of her husband's grandmother's pressed flower hobby sparked a passion that evolved into preserving thousands of meaningful floral arrangements.

Andrea walks us through the science behind flower preservation, explaining the seven different methods her studio employs to transform fresh blooms into lasting keepsakes. From silica gel extraction to microwave pressing, each technique addresses the unique characteristics of different flower types. She shares insider tips for beginners (hydrangeas are perfect starters!) while warning about the challenges certain blooms present (dahlias can be particularly tricky).

The preservation process Andrea describes is meticulous and time-intensive, taking two to three months from receiving fresh flowers to completing a finished art piece. This includes color restoration using five different techniques to ensure preserved flowers maintain their original vibrancy and beauty. Her thoughtful comparison of weddings to the Cinderella story—how everything disappears at midnight after months of planning—highlights why preservation has become so meaningful to couples wanting tangible memories of their special day.

With over 200 different design options and millions of customization possibilities, Andrea's studio creates everything from statement wall art to three-dimensional resin pieces. Her custom-designed "gem" pieces, which she developed with a moldmaker, represent her artistic vision and attention to detail. Whether you're considering preserving your own meaningful flowers or starting a preservation business, Andrea's advice to "not be scared" while respecting the craft's complexity offers the perfect balance of encouragement and realism.

Discover how these preserved florals become more than just decorative pieces—they transform into treasured heirlooms that tell stories and preserve memories for generations to come. Want to see Andrea's stunning work? Find her on Instagram @designsbyandrea, TikTok @dvandrea, or visit dvandrea.com to explore the magical world of flower preservation.

Find Andrea and schedule your bouquet preservation here:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/designs.by.andrea?igsh=M3kzNW9vcno5eXdn

Website - https://www.dbandrea.com/?utm_campaign=gmb

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarm/

Website: https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/

Hungry Root Code: FLOWER40
Hungry Root Link: https://www.hungryroot.com/?promo=FLOWER40&b=1084&utm_source=the-flower-files&utm_medium=partnership&utm_campaign=podcast

Garden Goal Planner: https://wildlynative.myflodesk.com/gardenplanner

Cut-Flower Guide: https://wildlynative.myflodesk.com/oyihkn1nwz