Scented Rose Beads: The French Alternative

If your budget doesn't stretch to diamonds and pearls or if you have children who would like some jewellery, scented rose beads may be the way to go. Beeswax and roses can be combined to make scented rose beads. Threaded on dental floss they make a necklace that not only looks attractive but smells good as well.

Details

What you will need:

• Beeswax or a bees wax candle. Beeswax has a honeycomb-like appearance. Note: Don't use the wax from paraffin candles because it is too difficult to mould with your fingers.
• Rose petals, other fragrant petals or potpourri.
• Needle and dental floss.
• Perfumed or scented oil, if desired.

What to do:

• Take rose petals, dried or fresh, and tear them into small pieces.
• Break off a small piece of beeswax, enough to make a large bead, add some torn petals and begin kneading them together in your fingers. The warmth of your fingers will soften the wax and the petals will combine. Note: You can add a few drops of perfumed oil for extra fragrance.
• Mould the softened wax and petals into a round bead. It should take only about 10 seconds to make a beautiful bead.
• When you have made a few beads take the needle and dental floss and start to thread the beads onto the floss. They should be quite easy to thread while they're still warm. Threading will be more difficult if the beads are left to harden.

Care

Beeswax is a natural product. When heated by body warmth or on a hot day it will soften slightly and could mark fabric.

Availability and cost

Beeswax is available from good craft stores and is sold in sheets or by the kilo. Prices start from $2 per sheet 20cm by 45cm (8" by 18") up to $22 per kg. Beeswax candles cost about $1 each from gift shops.

Scented oils are available from craft stores, health food stores and aromatherapy outlets, with prices starting from about $3.00 a bottle.

Copyright CTC Productions 2006