12 Things to Make With Roses (2024)

Types of Roses to Use

Many people wonder if they can use regular roses from their backyard to make these projects. The answer is, yes!

When it comes to making medicinalhome remedies with roses, old-fashioned or wild types that are naturally fragrant are the bestoption.

However, if you only have access to modern-dayhybrids or something like knockout rose bushes – they’ll work just fine for any of the DIY bath and beauty projects below.

If you don’t happen to have fresh rose petals available, look for high quality organic dried roses from online vendors such as Mountain Rose Herbs.

Roses from the florist aren’t recommended for internal use – they’re often sprayed with chemicals to make them grow perfectly pretty, but they’re not approved for food or remedy purposes.

BeforeYou Begin

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How to Dry Rose Petals

Some of these recipes call for dried rose petals.

To dry roses, I usually just spread the petals out in a single layer on paper towels or clean dish towels and let them air dry for several days. You could alsous a dehydrator set to very low heat for a few hours.

Once completely dried, store your dry rose petals in brown paper bags or glass jars, out of direct heat and sunlight, which will fade the colors.

For more information on drying plants for crafts, soap, remedies, and skin care, check out my article ““.

Printable Plant Spotlight for Roses

Here is your free printable that I mentioned above!

It’s a helpful reference for tips for growing roses, their benefits, how to harvest and preserve, plus uses for rose petals. Clicking on the image below will open a pdf file that you can download and save to your computer, or print out.

Feel free to share with friends and especially the younger generation, helping to carry on the legacy of using what grows around you.

I share more plant and other types of printables in my newsletter! :)

(You may print copies of my free printables to share with scout groups, garden clubs, etc. Just make sure the copyright information stays attached at the bottom and do not sell them for personal gain.Links WILL changeas printables get updated over time – please link to this page when sharing, not the exact printable to avoid broken links.)

1. Rose Infused Oil

You can make your own rose oil to use insalves, lotions and creams, lip balm, and soap recipes.Shelf life of the strained, infused oil is around 9 months to a year.

To make rose oil,fill a canning jarabout half-way up with dried rose petals.Cover with about twice as much as your favorite carrier oil, or to the top of the jar.(Some oils I like to use include sunflower,olive and sweet almond.) You can buy high quality organic oils from Mountain Rose Herbs, or your local grocery or health food store may carry some as well.

For a quick infusion, or if infusing coconut oil:Set the uncovered jar down into a small saucepan filled with a few inches of water. Heat over a low burner for a few hours, keeping a close eye that the water doesn’t evaporate out.Remove from heat and strain.

For a slower, more traditional infusion:Cap the jar of dried rose petalsand oil and tuck away in a cabinet for around 4 to 6 weeks, shaking occasionally as you remember to. When the infusing time has passed, strain.

For a third option:You could also place the jar of dried rose petalsand oil in a sunny windowsill for several days to a week to jump start the infusion. (Don’t store for long periods in sunlight though, as it tends to fade flowers and herbs over time.)