Rose Wreath

Published July 20, 2012

Are you looking for something a little less traditional for your front door or over your fireplace mantle this year?

Rather than the traditional holiday greens, why not try making a rose wreath. Roses are rich and luxurious flowers that hold up beautifully in a wreath when accompanied by shiny baubles. You may use fresh, real roses or opt for an artificial version instead. The artificial flowers available today in retail stores look remarkably life-like and will last for many years. Alternatively, fresh roses in the grocery store or florist shops are very affordable and a more elegant option.

Materials (for a 14″ wreath)

• 5 dozen fresh roses (available at Safeway)
• Or: 5 dozen silk roses (available at Michael’s Crafts)
• Glue and Glue Gun
• 4 bunches of miniature, shiny baubles (with or without wire stems)
• Fresh Roses: 14″ wet floral wreath form (available at Craft Stores)
•  Artificial Roses:  14″ Styrofoam wreath form (the green Styrofoam is best)
• Sharp Knife
• Floral Preservative
• Wire for hanging

Fresh Wreath

Wrap a piece of wire around the wreath ring and make a loop for hanging.

The wreath requires only the heads of the roses so be sure to purchase the less expensive, short stem rose bunches available at the checkout counter. No need to purchase the long stem varieties. Clean the roses of any greens once you are home and cut the ends with a sharp knife. Soak the roses in floral preservative for 1-2 hours. Soak your wet floral foam wreath in the water at the same time. It should be thoroughly soaked.

Once the roses have been conditioned, you may cut the stem off the rose head leaving a 1.5 ” stem.  Carefully insert the rose heads into the wreath ring positioning them very close together. Be sure to only do this once, as it is difficult to re-insert the rose bud again. Continue to insert the roses into the wreath working in one direction from the inside out. Once the wreath is full, you may glue gun or insert the baubles randomly throughout the wreath. Displaying the wreath outside will allow it to last longer than inside. Be sure to moisten from time to time.

Artificial Silk Rose Wreath

Attach a wire to the wreath for hanging. Remove the rose heads from the stems. With your glue gun, dab a dot of glue on the wreath where the rose will be inserted and attach the roses. Work in a clockwise direction carefully gluing and inserting the roses very close together. Once the wreath is completed glue or insert the bauble into the wreath.

For best effect, choose baubles that are the same color as the roses or a striking complimentary shade.