Making Rosary Beads From Flowers

By Janine Hughes


Often, folks will keep the flowers from notable occasions like a funeral, wedding, or birth. On of the most common ways to preserve the petals is to dry or press them. A unique way of preserving the petals is making rosary beads from flowers. The prayer beads made from the petals of a special arrangement will make the perfect heirloom to hand down from generation to generation.

There are different processes that are used to create the bead. Typically, most processes boil a large amount of petals and mix them with different ingredients like polymer or ceramic clay. First the dried petals are chopped up and ground down, boiled and then made into a clay. Next the clay is rolled and fired. This creates a strong ceramic or polymer bead which is a product of the petals so the memory is preserved forever.

Although the fragments of the flowers are not able to be seen, there are surface irregularities that make them evident. The ceramic beads are pastel in color with a matte finish. The bead is never glazed. The polymer bead has bolder color and has a smooth polished look. Unlike the ceramic bead, the particles of the flowers are very visible.

A ceramic bead feels like a pebble that has been worn by the water in a stream and has a slightly rough surface. On the contrary, a polymer bead feels velvety smooth. Both types of bead are very strong and will not break unless purposely struck with a hammer or other similar object. Regular wear will not cause damage and they can even old up to the washing machine.

While the ceramic bead is like a small stone, the polymer bead has some flexibility. Once the ceramic and polymer bead comes out of the kiln they can last for year. The number of years a ceramic bead lasts is in the thousands. However, it is uncertain the number of years a polymer bead can last. Because of the material it is made with it is likely to be around for hundreds of years but its color can fade.

There is no flower smell to the beads, If you want the rosary to smell like the flowers they are made with they can be treated with oils. This is something that is added when requested. Over time the fragrance will need to be refreshed. The fragrance oils can be found in craft shops. Storing your rosary with a sachet will help maintain the scent.

The cost to make the rosary will vary according to the metal that you select. Folks can choose from 14kt gold, gold filled, sterling silver, gold plated, and silver plated for the metal parts of the rosary. Carrying them in your pocket or your purse can wear the finish off so this should be a consideration when ordering.

This is a very unique way of honoring an important event in your life. Regardless if the flowers are from a funeral, birth of a child, or a wedding, these prayer beads are a wonderful way to memorialize an occasion. Lasting a lifetime, they can pass on to future generations.




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