I would never use a water based dye on flowers that are already dried. This site sells dyes specially formulated for dried flowers, It's alcohol based and easy to apply using an artists brush. I use these dyes with my pressed flowers after trying many other ways to color and it's so much better, like night and day. Get the dyes in the web store and there's a page that gives simple instructions to use. Here is a link that might be useful: Flower Dyes From Preserved Gardes

:) As I walked by my planter of gardenias this morning, I popped one bloom off and have been smelling it all morning. At the red light, I'd pick it up and sniffed. It sat on the top of my purse as I walked into work. At my desk, what's left of the brown bloom, I keep abusing by picking it up. I should put it in water, but then I could only enjoy what wafts my way. I like breathing it in deeply. Isn't it amazing what flowers do for a soul? I love your pictures.

tanpexoctics: I think mine smell a little citrusy and sweet. Some cleaning products do smell like that :-) Amanda: I'm a big fan of that flower stalk, too! Here's my last picture of July--where is summer going. Another Altman Lobivia--very red, flower is about 2"

Very pretty Hiroshige blossom!