Valentine rose petal heart wreath

Hands-on time: 30 to 45 minutes.
Skill: Easy.
Cost estimate: $14 per heart wreath.

Materials & Tools

• Dried rose petals (packaged petals are available at craft stores, or use the roses petals from a Valentine’s bouquet)
• Heart-shaped wreath
• Gold wire ribbon
• Natural or coloured raffia strands
• Eucalyptus sprig or any dried flower for accents
• Glue gun & sticks, or spray adhesive
• “Preserve-It” by Krylon (to preserve the rose petals' appearance and colours)
• Rose-scented room fragrance or rose oil (optional)

Roses are red, violets are blue, make this whimsical project with dried rose petals, a heart-shaped wreath and some glue. This project is an enchanting way to make the roses you get from your sweetheart last a little longer. Rose petal heart wreaths are simple treasures with an aromatic charm.

Place your rose petals in a disposable foil tray. Holding the heart wreath, apply glue with a glue gun (or spray adhesive) on half of the wreath. Press the petals to fit the wreath’s shape until it is completely covered. Repeat for the other half.

Adorn the wreath with accents like a gold wire ribbon, a sprig of eucalyptus, a raffia bow, or any dried flower that you fancy (fastened with a dab of hot glue).

To preserve the colour and the appearance of the roses, apply a coat of “Preserve-It” by Krylon. Shake the “Preserve-It” can for two to three minutes. In a well-ventilated area spray the rose-covered wreath in a steady motion to apply an even coat. It dries within 10 to 15 minutes, but wait at least one hour before handling it.

To stop and smell the roses, lightly spray the wreath with rose-scented aromatic room fragrance or add a few drops of rose oil to the petals prior to assembling the wreath.

Tips

• Wearing gardening gloves will prevent contact with the glue and powdery residue from the dried petals.
• Always work in a well-ventilated area when using spray adhesives.

Variations

• There are other ways to recycle Valentine rose petals. Incorporating them in homemade soap will leave you smelling like a rose. The subtle overlay of fresh rose petals in a glass bowl filled with water will add a romantic touch to any room.
• Add rose petals and a few drops of rose oil to bathwater to create a relaxing aromatique experience. (Roses are commonly used as ingredients in skin astringent and stress-relieving, products.
• Let’s not forget an old Victorian favourite: potpourri sachets can easily be made with lace remnants or handkerchiefs to add a touch of romance in the air.