How to Make a Rose Boutonniere

The goal of wiring a single, beautiful flower in perfect condition is to be able to gently manipulate the flower head and surrounding leaves into the perfect angles once the boutonniere has been attached to the lapel of a jacket.

Fine wires and green stem tape are used to replicate the slim, smooth flower stem. The tape also seals in moisture to help the flower stay fresher for a little longer. It's important to keep the lengths of wire as straight as possible to avoid creating unsightly bumps.

Materials Needed:

• florist's scissors
• silver rose wires
• stem tape
• 22 gauge wire

• pearl pin
• ivy leaves (3)
• rose

Prepare the Leaves

Choose three immaculate ivy leaves that will be large enough to cup the head of the rose. Turn each leaf over and insert a rose wire through either side of the spine (or midrib), making as small a stitch through the front as possible so the wire can't easily be seen.

Bend each side of the wire 90 degrees so the two lengths are parallel to the stem. Then twist one of the wires around both the stem and the remaining straight wire; this is known as a double leg mount.

Enlarge Photo+Shrink Photo-DK - Fresh Flower Arranging © 2011 Dorling Kindersley Limited

Prepare the Stem Tape

Split a long length of stem tape in half with scissors. Do this by running the slightly open blades of the scissors up the center of the length of tape. Using thinner stem tape ensures a finer and more delicate result.

Enlarge Photo+Shrink Photo-DK - Fresh Flower Arranging © 2011 Dorling Kindersley Limited

Attach the Tape to the Leaf Stem

Attach one end of the thin stem tape to the top of the leaf stem. Wind the tape around and down the stem and wires, keeping the tape taut and stretching it as you wind it. Wind the tape down to the ends of the wires and back up again slightly. Pull off the excess tape with your fingers and seal it down. Repeat the process with the other two leaves.

Enlarge Photo+Shrink Photo-DK - Fresh Flower Arranging © 2011 Dorling Kindersley Limited