Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Rose Beads

Susanna Reppert from The Rosemary House is doing a series on her blog about botanical beads and asked me if I had an entry about Rose Beads. At the time, I did not, but quickly came up with one. Here goes...
Making beads from plant materials is fun and very rewarding. There are several methods, and the following is one of the time-honored traditions amongst herbies. I think most people try this one at least once and the beads that result are really special.

Rose Beads
Adapted from Incense, Oils, and Brews by Scott Cunningham

3 parts fresh Rose petals from the most fragrant variety available
1 part fresh Rose Geranium Leaves
Rose Water

Remove the white stem ends from the rose petals. Cover the petals and leaves with plain water in a nonmetallic pan (editor’s note: some sources suggest using cast iron. We did, and the beads were lovely). Simmer, covered, for 30 minutes. Ensure that the mixture doesn’t actually boil. Turn off the heat and let soak until the next day. Repeat the simmering again for a half hour. Repeat this for three days in all, adding rose water when necessary (particularly using rose water instead of plain water on the last day). On the last day squeeze out all liquid until you have a fragrant mess. The mixture should be dry enough to hold its shape. Form into small, round beads with your hands, each about 1/4 inch long. Push a large needle or stiff wire through each bead while it’s still wet to form holes for stringing. Let dry for a week or so, moving them around to ensure even drying.
The beads will be black when finished, and when worn on the body they release a delicious rose scent. The fragrance can be refreshed by rubbing a tiny amount of rose oil into the beads. Rose beads have been made and handed down through generations.

If you're more inclined to want a simpler version, try our pre-mixed botanical bead mixes, or learn to do them with our book on herb beads. Either way, it's a wonderful project for a day immersed in herbs!

5 comments:

Patricia said...

I love rose beads and they do come out quite lovely. I grind up my petals though before the cooking process. The house smells wonderful during the whole process.
Pat
Patricia Rose-A Potpourri of Fabric, Fragrance and Findings
www.patriciarose-apotpourri.com
www.patriciarose-apotpourriof.blogspot.com

Eva said...

Is there anything you can do with all that liquid that you strain out? Would it keep well or is it not worth it.

Tina Sams said...

There isn't really much liquid left over. Sometimes you need to add liquid so it doesn't simmer dry. But I've never really thought about keeping it.

Loyce said...

I wonder if the liquid that is strained out could be used in soap? It seems that there is nothing that would be harmful and cold be added when the fragrance oils are added.

www.grandmaandmesoaps.com
Herbal-Soaps

Tina Sams said...

well yes, you certainly *could* add the liquid, but it isn't an attractive liquid, nor does it have any great fragrance. We make soaps here too - www.lancastersoaps.com - and have added all sorts of liquid. This stuff has been simmered for three days, though. It just doesn't strike me as something that would be a great additive, but you could try it.