How to Make Rose Potpourri

Potpourri in a decorative container can make a beautiful and fragrant centerpiece, especially if it is made with dried roses. Instead of throwing cut roses out after they begin to wilt, try drying them. Roses retain a little of their color when dry and still look great. Use a mixture of petals and whole rose heads in your potpourri for a beautiful look. Read on to learn how to make rose potpourri.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Roses in a variety of light and dark shades
• Essential rose oil
• Newspaper

1. Dry roses whole by using string or fishing line to hang them upside down. Clothesline strung up in a laundry room works great for this step. It will take longer for whole roses to dry than petals.

2. Sit out sheets of newspaper to dry rose petals. Scatter a layer of petals over the newspaper and come back every two days to turn them.

3. When the roses are completely dry, put them together in a sealed plastic bag. Add four to five drops of essential rose oil and shake the bag. After 24 hours, repeat adding the oil and shaking the bag.

4. Pour the rose potpourri into a decorative bowl and enjoy. When the potpourri begins to lose its fragrance, repeat Step 3.

Tips & Warnings

• Replace the rose potpourri often since dried roses will eventually lose all color and become brittle.
• Dry roses from special occasions as a way to help preserve memories.
• Rose potpourri makes a wonderful and inexpensive gift.

[dryad]

on 6/10/2009 DryadVery interesting article. I've been wanting to make rose potpourri for a long time.Thanks