Operating instructions

Your dehydrator can help satisfy your creative cravings by shortening the drying times for ceramics, dough art or decoupage. It’s a boon

for the impatient! You can even use your dehydrator to dry photographs.

Potpourri

Nearly any garden blossoms, leaves, herbs, spices or cones can be used for potpourri. Fixatives must be added to the potpourri to prevent

the fragrances from evaporating. Orris, benzoin, calamus and oak moss are common fixatives. Flavoring oils can usually be purchased

from a craft supply shop or catalog. Using scissors, cut only unblemished herbs and flower heads; one decaying leaf or petal can destroy

a whole potpourri. Spread the petals or herbs sparsely over the drying trays. Try to avoid drying both at the same time to prevent the

distinctive fragrances from mixing. Dry for 6 to 8 hours at 110°F/43°C until dry and brittle. Let cool.

Making the Potpourri: Use 1 quart (4 handfuls) of herbs and flowers, 1 to 2 tablespoons of mixed spices, and 1 to 2 tablespoons of fixative.

If adding a flower oil, use it sparingly to avoid concealing the other aromas. 3 to 5 drops is more than enough. Place the dried flowers

and herbs in a large glass or stainless steel bowl and toss them gently with your hands to mix. In a separate small glass dish, combine the

spices, fixative, and flower oil and blend well. Take the combined spices and sprinkle them evenly over the flower mix, gently crushing

some of the herbs as you do.

Sachets: Your potpourri mix can also be sewn into sachets to be placed in drawers and closets or on the backs of chairs and sofas for a

sweet aroma.

Drying Flowers

You’ll definitely have “flower power” when you start making your own dried flowers with your dehydrator. The controlled conditions of

the dehydrator make sure that all parts of the flower dry quickly and evenly. Flowers tend to darken as they dry, so select ones that are

several shades lighter than the desired final product.

Photographs

Treat and wash as usual; then shake or blot off the excess liquid. Place on the dryer trays. Dry until no wet spots remain. Note: Dry only

photographs that have been printed on resin-coated stock; other paper types will crinkle unless pressed flat.

Pomander Balls

These charming, old-fashioned aromatic delights dry quickly and easily in a dehydrator. For each pomander, select a ripe, attractive

apple, lemon, lime, or orange. Using an ice pick or awl, punch holes evenly all over the skin of the fruit and push a whole clove in each; the

skin should be completely covered. Roll the ball in a mixture of 1/2 oz ground cinnamon, 1/2 oz ground allspice or nutmeg, 1 tsp powdered

orris root, and a sprinkling of glitter. Thoroughly coat. Let it stand in the mixture for several days, turning occasionally. Next arrange on a

Paraflexx® sheet and place in Excalibur dehydrator with the thermostat set at the lowest temperature. Dry till shrunken and lightweight;

then tie a long ribbon or cord around it for hanging..

Dried Macrame Beads

With a little ingenuity, you can dehydrate vegetables for use as beads in macrame and other crafts.

Dough Art

Dough art is a fun craft for children and adults. It’s inexpensive and requires no special equipment beyond your dehydrator. Roll the

dough, coil it, braid it, stamp it, or press it to make wall plaques, napkin rings, jewelry, figurines, small sculptures, and even Christmas tree

ornaments.

POTPOURRI, ARTS & CRAFTS