How to Make Single Silk Rose Boutonnieres

Make your own silk flower boutonniere.

Boutonniere is a French term meaning buttonhole. It refers to the small floral arrangement worn by men. It is similar to a woman's corsage in that it is a small cluster of flowers worn at special events. However, Boutonnieres are smaller and contain less flowers. Boutonnieres originated in the 1700s and were worn by slipping the stem of the flower through the buttonhole. Today, boutonnieres are pinned to the left lapel on a man's suit. They can be made with fresh or silk flowers.

Things You'll Need

• Silk rose
• Wire cutters
• Silk greenery
• Silk filler flower
• Floral wire
• Floral tape
• Boutonniere pin

Instructions

1. Cut the stem 1 inch below the base of the silk rose using a pair of wire cutters. Cut a small spray of silk filler flowers such as baby's breath or statice, leaving a 1-inch stem as well. Cut one to two stems of silk greenery such as rose leaves or leatherleaf fern to 1 inch in length.

2. Hold the silk rose in one hand with the best side facing toward you. Gather the stems of greenery and place them behind the rose. Position the greenery stems so the leaves are just above and to the right of the flower. Pinch the greenery stems and rose stems together.

3. Add the filler flower spray to the arrangement. Position the filler flowers on the right side of the rose so they are slightly sandwiched between the rose and the greenery. Pinch all the stems together.

4. Cut a 10-inch length of floral wire with the wire cutters. Fold the wire in half around the top of the clustered stems. Wrap each side of the wire once around the stems. Bend the sides of the wire downward so they run along the sides of the stems.

5. Wrap over the wire and stems with floral tape. Place the end of the tape at the top of the stems, and wrap the tape around this point two to three times. Begin pulling on the tape in a downward angle with one hand while you twist the stems repeatedly with your other hand. Repeat these motions until the entire length of stems and wire have been covered. Tear or cut the floral tape, and press the end to the wrapped stem.

6. Curl the end of the boutonniere's stem. Wrap the end of the stem around your finger or a pencil two to three times to create a spiral. Insert a boutonniere pin through the center of the wrapped stem.

References

• Gentleman's Gazette: The Story of How the Boutonniere Buttonhole Came to be on the Lapel
• Blue Bouquet: Boutonnieres and Weddings: The History and the Trends