Making Rosary Beads From Flowers

By Janine Hughes


Many people save the flowers from a memorable occasion such as a birth, wedding, or even a funeral. Typically the flowers are dried or pressed to preserve them. A very unique way to preserve the petals is to make rosary beads from flowers. A perfect keepsake or heirloom to pass down to children and grandchildren is prayer beads made from flower petals.

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.

A ceramic bead is similar to a tiny stone and a polymer has some flexibility. Once the ceramic bead is put through the kiln it will last a lifetime. With the polymer bead, the number of years it will last is unknown. It is believed that the material used to make it will ensure at least a several hundred years but its color can fade.

The bead will not have the odor of the flowers it is made with but fragrant oils can be used to give the a smell. Because of potential allergies the fragrance is added only by request. Over time the odor can fade and will need to be added again. Oils for this purpose can be purchased at a craft store. Storing the rosary with a sachet will also help maintain the fragrance.

Prices for this rosary varies according to the kind of metal parts selected. You can choose from gold or silver plated, gold filled, 14kt gold, or sterling silver. Because the finish can wear off of the plated and filled metal you should keep in mind where you will carry your rosary. Carrying the rosary in a pocket or purse will cause the finish to wear.

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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