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The Glowing Rose Centerpiece

copyright Rachel Sanfordlyn Shreckengast of WedFrugal.com

This project proves that it is to your advantage to search for clearances. The roses I used for this centerpiece were found at my local super department center. They were silk with a small covering of felt. They were normally priced at $1.99 a stem, but I noticed that most of the last season's flowers were clearanced. These weren't marked, but I took them to be priced regardless. They ended up costing me 15 cents per stem and I relieved the store of their entire stock. I had enough roses left over to use in the bouquets (4) as well. Actually, I still have a dozen or so left.

Of course, you can use any type of silk rose (or flower) in this project, just make sure that the flower itself is medium-sized (comparable in size to a real rose). You will simply get a slightly different look if you use a different type of rose. If you want a more transparent look, go for the cheapest roses you can find as the petals are thinner. If you want a more subdued look, do what I did. Use silk roses that have fairly thick petals. I found the rounded votive cups at the same store and they were 2 for $1.00. The votive candles were found at the dollar store and I purchased 4 votives in a package for $1.00. Finally, I used a stand found at the dollar store ($1.00). Including paint (one $1.00 can of white spray paint - used for 10 centerpieces), it cost me only $2.00 total per centerpiece. Since these centerpieces garner a lot of compliments (and are relatively simple to make), I find that the cost is well worth the effort.

Glowing Rose Centerpieces

Supplies:

-One pair sharp scissors
-One medium-sized silk rose
-Glue Gun
-One rounded votive holder
-One rose leaf
-One stand (or square candleholder)
-One votive or tealight candle

Instructions:

First, you will need to take your roses apart. Seperate all pieces of the rose from the stem. Throw away all of the plastic pieces (unless you can find another use for them). If the petals are all attached to one another, you will need to seperate them. Cut them into seperate petals with your scissors. Once finished cutting, you will notice that your petals are of varying sizes. Seperate these by size and put into seperate piles. Put your rose leaves into another pile. Plug in your glue gun.

Once your glue gun is ready, you can start attaching the rose petals to the votive holder. Start at the top with the smaller rose petals. Place one petal next to another, with the sides touching slightly. Once your first row is completed, you can start on the next. Make sure to cover any bare areas at the bottom of the first row, and work your way down the holder until the rose petals cover the entire surface.

Take your rose leaf and attach to the bottom of the votive holder with your glue gun. To finish off the piece, cut a round piece of fabric from one of the left-over rose petals and attach using your glue gun. This will give the piece a flat bottom to sit on.

Place your centerpiece on the stand and insert the votive or tealight candle. Though this project takes some patience and time, it is actually very easy to do. I would not recommend it to people who lack patience, but it should be simple for the majority of people who try it.

As with any wedding craft, this one can also be customized. Instead of candles, you can use potpourri. You can use flowers other than roses and you can certainly change the look by using different types of stands. As a result of the gorgeous appearance of this project, it is one of my favorites. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Best Wishes,
Rachel Sanfordlyn Shreckengast

06042001

Best Wishes,
Rachel Sanfordlyn Shreckengast

WedFrugal.com
Personal Pages

Owner, WedFrugal.com (February 18, 2001 to present)
The Wedding Frugality Page (now at wedfrugal.com - December 1995 to May 2001)
-former About.com Weddings Guide (October 26, 1997 to April 5, 2001)
-former Wed Net columnist (October 1996 to December 1997)
-Dollar Stretcher contributor (Various Dates)

Copyright, Rachel Sanfordlyn Shreckengast 12/95 to present