How to Make Handmade Beads from Dried Rose Petals

Handmade beads made from dried rose petals are a wonderful natural craft project for those who enjoy beading and jewelry making. When the beads are worn against the skin, the wearer’s body heat will activate the scent. Try wearing them during the summer months – their natural style is appropriate for accessorizing beachwear, and the fragrance of the dried rose petals is even more intense when the temperature rises!

The four cups of rose petals called for in this beading project should yield enough beads to make a long necklace.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A glass or enamel saucepan
• About 4 cups of rose petals
• Toothpicks
• Plastic wrap
• Nylon fishing line, narrow ribbon (or any string you like)
• Rose essential oil (optional)

1. 

   Start saving rose petals. This is easy for anyone with a rose garden, since the petals will be plentiful, (or anyone who is lucky enough to get roses often) but you can slowly gather petals over time, if you need to.

2. 

   Store the rose petals properly. While you are saving up enough petals for your handmade beads, keep them in a shallow, open container or basket. (A sunny location is ideal.) Toss the petals at least once a day to inhibit mold.

3. 

   Place your dried rose petals into a saucepan and fill with warm water until the petals are covered.

4. 

   Heat gently over low heat, and simmer (but do not allow to boil) for about an hour. Cover the saucepan and allow to cool overnight.

5. Repeat the cooking process described above 3 more times. Your dried rose petals should have turned into a soft, smooth paste after cooking 3 times – but if they haven’t – simply repeat the cooking process again. When you have the right consistency, let the paste cool completely.

6. Form your handmade beads. Moisten your fingertips with a little water (or essential oil), and pinch off the amount of paste that will yield the bead size you’re looking for. Roll the paste into a ball and pierce the ball (all the way through) with a toothpick. Continue making handmade beads in this fashion, and place them on plastic wrap to dry for about three hours.

7. 

   Remove the toothpicks from the beads (carefully). Once your beads have dried overnight, you’re ready to string a unique, fragrant and natural necklace or bracelet!

Tips & Warnings

• If you wish to add even more fragrance to your handmade beads, add a few drops of essential oil to the mixture just before the final cooking.
• You can make handmade beads from more than just dried rose petals – any variety of fragrant flower petals will work. Experiment!
• Try tinting the dried rose petal mixture with natural dye before you form your handmade beads.
• Never store your rose petals in a dark location or closed container. Instead of drying, they will mold.

[Magentaslb]

on 10/16/2009 That is too cool...giving this a try! 5*s

[konakai]

on 9/19/2009 Very cleaver and natural idea on making beads from dried rose petals. Thanks! 5*****

[mommyhen42]

on 9/1/2009 This is awesome, I never knew that you could do this! I have added this one to my favorites and given you a recommendation!

[Jolocol]

on 8/31/2009 Melissa, I love this idea! I have saved it to favorites and, next time I have roses, I'm looking it up and making some! Thank you so much for the idea.

[poyomi]

on 8/21/2009 This is an amazing idea, I'm passing this on to my aunt 5*