How to Make a Rose Boutonniere

Create a gorgeous rose boutonniere for any special occasion by following these simple step-by-step instructions. This approach uses wire to keep the rose maleable. You can experiment with using other flowers.

Excerpted from Fresh Flower Arranging
Filed under: Roses, How To

Prepare the Rose

Bunch several rose wires together. Fold them over the scissor blades at one end to create a small "U" shape in each wire. Snip off these folded ends to make staples. Press these staples into the sepals — the small green leaves immediately below the petals — so they are held in place.

Wire the Rose

Trim the rose stem at an angle to 1 inch long and push a 22 gauge wire up through the base of the stem. Then use a thin rose wire to pierce the side of the stem. Push this wire halfway through the stem so you have an equal length of the wire at each side. Bend each side of the rose wire 90 degrees so the two lengths are parallel to the stem. Twist one of the rose wires around the rose stem, the 22 gauge wire and the remaining length of rose wire in a double leg mount.

Tape the Rose

Wind another length of thinned stem tape around the stem of the rose and the wires. Wrap 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 cleanly.