Home / Floral Design

35+ Unique Ways to Use Dried Roses 🌹

ByWendy Moulton Updated on

In this guide, I’m sharing 35 fun and unique dried roses ideas you can actually use — from simple home crafts to meaningful memory keepers and even homemade gifts. You’ll find options that fit into a lazy afternoon, a rainy Sunday, or those rare moments when inspiration strikes out of nowhere.

Dried Roses Ideas

Best of all, these ideas let you stretch the life of every rose — honoring the story behind it instead of letting it quietly slip away. Whether you’re saving rose wedding flowers, a birthday bouquet, or just a few stems from your garden, there’s something here to match your mood, time, and skill level.

Why let something beautiful end with a wilt?

As Claude Monet once said, “I must have flowers, always, and always.”

I believe dried roses deserve just as much love as fresh ones — maybe even more.

1. Frame Dried Roses Under Glass

A delicate arrangement of dried roses pressed under a vintage glass frame, softly lit on a wooden table, botanical art style, muted tones, nostalgic atmosphere.

A framed dried rose is like a time capsule you can hang on the wall.

You’ll need a few good-looking dried roses, a shadow box or glass frame, and some patience—little to no experience needed — just an eye for arrangement.

This project can be finished in an afternoon, coffee break included. It’s a wonderful way to keep a special bouquet around long after the petals would’ve crumbled.

2. Create a Dried Rose Wreath

A rustic grapevine wreath decorated with dried roses and sprigs of greenery, hanging on an old wooden door, natural sunlight, country cottage style, warm earthy colors.

Gather a grapevine wreath base, a hot glue gun, and a handful of dried roses—no fancy skills required. Expect to spend an hour or two making something that’ll outshine anything store-bought. It’s a brilliant idea for anyone craving a bit of rustic charm without needing a florist’s diploma.

3. Fill a Vintage Bowl with Dried Rosebuds

An antique porcelain bowl filled to the brim with colorful dried rosebuds, placed on a lace-covered table, soft natural lighting, shabby chic style, slightly faded colors.

Find an old bowl — flea markets are goldmines — and pile it high with dried rosebuds. You don’t need a plan, a Pinterest board, or a five-year degree. It’s easy-peasy and takes less than ten minutes. The payoff? Your table looks like it belongs in a Jane Austen novel. It’s beauty without breaking a sweat.

4. Make a Dried Rose Garland

Handmade rose garland with dried roses strung along twine, draped across a weathered wooden window frame, soft afternoon light, dreamy and natural atmosphere.

Thread a needle, grab some twine, and stab away at your dried roses (gently). Even if your sewing skills stop at reattaching buttons, you’re ready for this.

It’s one of those calming, repetitive projects you can do while binging old TV shows. After an hour or two, you’ll have something lovely to drape across a window or headboard.

5. Arrange in Shadow Boxes

A shadow box filled with dried roses, handwritten notes, and vintage keepsakes, softly illuminated, romantic and sentimental vibe, cozy warm tones.

Shadow boxes turn dried roses into little storybooks. You’ll need the box, a hot glue gun, your dried rose flowers, and a sprinkle of creativity. No high-pressure crafting here — just freeform design and whatever memory you want to bottle up. Best for sentimental types who love the idea of turning bits and pieces into art that whispers back at you.

6. Add to Glass Cloches

Dried roses arranged under a clear glass cloche on a rustic wooden shelf, surrounded by old books and candles, warm cozy lighting, soft focus vintage style.

Grab a glass cloche (or bell jar), toss in a few dried roses, maybe some moss if you’re feeling fancy. That’s it. Zero crafting experience needed. It’s the quickest way to make your home look like the backdrop of a fairy tale. Perfect if you’re short on time but still want something that makes your guests do a double take.

7. Craft Mini Dried Rose Bouquets

Tiny hand-tied bouquets of dried roses and herbs resting on a linen cloth, tied with natural twine, charming and rustic, simple farmhouse aesthetic, morning light.

Snip dried roses into tiny bunches, tie with twine, and you’ve got pocket-sized bouquets. Great for party favors, drawer fresheners, or just scattering around your house like botanical breadcrumbs. It’s a low-effort, high-charm project. Five minutes per bouquet, tops. If you can tie your shoes, you can definitely pull this off.

8. Incorporate into Handmade Candles

Close-up of handmade candles with dried rose petals embedded in creamy wax, sitting on a marble counter, artisan style, soft neutral background, warm inviting tones.

You’ll need candle wax, wicks, a mold, and dried rose petals. Melting wax can get a little messy, so it’s smart to read a quick how-to make candles first. Otherwise, it’s more about timing and placement than anything else. The end result? A candle that smells good even when it’s just sitting there, quietly showing off.

9. Tuck Into Photo Frames

Vintage photo frames with dried rose petals tucked behind the glass next to black-and-white photographs, soft nostalgic lighting, antique decor mood.

Take an old frame, open it up, and slide a few dried rose petals behind the glass along with your favorite photo. Basic framing experience is helpful, but not mandatory.

You’ll need tape, a frame, and a steady hand. It’s a small touch, but it adds instant sentimentality to photos, like a hidden whisper of the moment.

10. Glue onto Decorative Boxes

Handcrafted wooden keepsake boxes decorated with dried roses and lace, resting on a weathered table

Old cigar boxes, thrift-store finds, or even cheap craft boxes make a perfect base. Hot glue the dried roses on top — no blueprint required. It’s simple, a little messy, and all heart.

In under an hour, you’ll have a keepsake box that feels like something passed down through the family, even if you just made it yesterday.

11. Infuse Into Homemade Bath Salts

Glass jars of homemade bath salts mixed with dried rose petals, displayed on a marble bathroom counter

Mix dried rose petals with Epsom salts, a few drops of essential oil, and you’re halfway to bathing like royalty. No chemistry degree needed — just a bowl, a spoon, and a decent nose for scent. Takes maybe ten minutes, tops. It’s an easy way to turn your tub into a rose garden without the wasps.

12. Create a Dried Rose Facial Steam

A steaming bowl of water with floating dried rose petals

Boil some water, throw in a handful of dried rose petals, and lean in. Literally. You’ll need a towel, a bowl, and enough patience to hover over the steam without checking your phone.

Experience? Not required. It’s a soothing, old-school beauty trick that makes you feel like you just stepped out of a spa (without leaving your house).

13. Make a Dried Rose Petal Sugar Scrub

Close-up of a handmade rose sugar scrub in a small glass jar, surrounded by scattered rose petals and a wooden spoon

Grab sugar, coconut oil, and a handful of crushed rose petals. Stir it all together like you’re baking a very questionable cake. It’s simple, smells incredible, and leaves your skin smoother than a skipping stone. Expect to spend maybe fifteen minutes. Perfect for anyone who likes a little bit of luxury without the sticker shock.

14. Mix Into DIY Herbal Sachets

Hand-sewn fabric sachets spilling dried roses and lavender, arranged on a wooden crafting table

All you need is dried roses, little fabric pouches (or even old socks in a pinch), and maybe a few herbs like lavender or mint. No sewing machine? No problem. Tie it shut with a string.

Takes about five minutes per sachet, and they’ll make your drawers smell like a secret garden instead of a gym locker.

15. Grind Rose Petals into Natural Blush

A mortar and pestle crushing dried rose petals into powder on an old wooden table, surrounded by bits of petals and small glass containers

Use a clean coffee grinder or mortar and pestle to crush dried petals into fine powder. That’s it. Takes a little elbow grease, but the reward is a soft, rosy tint that’s about a thousand times prettier than anything from a plastic compact. Best for those who love homemade beauty with a side of nostalgia.

16. Infuse Into Oil for a Body Elixir

Glass jar filled with dried roses and golden oil, placed on a sunlit windowsill with greenery outside

Stuff dried rose petals into a jar, cover them with a carrier oil like sweet almond or jojoba, and let them sit in a sunny spot for a few weeks. Patience is your only real tool here. No stirring, no fancy gear. The result smells like a rose garden bottled up — and trust me, your skin will drink it up.

17. Blend Dried Roses Into Homemade Soaps

Artisan soap bars embedded with dried rose petals, stacked neatly on a linen cloth

If you can melt a chocolate bar, you can melt soap base. Stir in crushed dried roses before it hardens, pour into molds, and you’re done. Soap-making sounds intimidating until you realize it’s just controlled melting. Perfect for beginners who want something gorgeous but aren’t ready for full-on chemistry experiments.

18. Fill Clear Ornaments with Dried Rose Petals

Clear glass Christmas ornaments filled with colorful dried rose petals, hanging from a rustic tree branch

Clear plastic or glass ornaments, a handful of dried rose petals, and a little creativity — that’s all you need. No crafting resume required. You can knock out half a dozen in under an hour. They make thoughtful gifts or personal keepsakes that look a hundred times better than store-bought glitter bombs.

19. Tuck Into Handwritten Letters

Open vintage letter with a dried rose petal tucked inside, calligraphy handwriting, aged paper on a wooden desk

Slip a dried rose petal into a letter like a secret handshake between old souls. You’ll need some good stationery and a gentle hand. Zero effort beyond what you’re already writing. It’s a tiny gesture, but it leaves a giant impression.

20. Top Wrapped Gifts with a Dried Rose

Beautifully wrapped gift boxes topped with dried roses and twine bows, placed on a rustic wooden table

Skip the shiny plastic bow. A dried rose taped or tied onto a gift instantly makes it feel like you spent hours planning. You’ll need string, tape, and a little bit of flair. No wrapping wizardry necessary. It’s a five-minute upgrade that makes every gift look like it belongs in a magazine shoot.

21. Create Bookmarks with Pressed Roses

Handmade bookmarks with pressed dried roses laminated inside, placed on an open antique book

Sandwich dried rose petals between two strips of clear contact paper or laminate sheets, punch a hole at the top, and tie on a ribbon. No crafting degree needed — just steady hands and a good pair of scissors. It’s the perfect project for book lovers who like a little bit of nature slipping between the pages.

22. Make Dried Rose Petal Confetti

Scattered dried rose petal confetti on a white linen tablecloth

Crumble dried rose petals into small pieces and toss them into a jar. That’s it. No glitter, no cleanup nightmares. Perfect for weddings, parties, or spontaneous dance breaks at home. It’s easy, beautiful, and — bonus — biodegradable. Mother Nature won’t send you angry letters.

23. Craft Handmade Greeting Cards

Handmade greeting cards decorated with dried rose petals and watercolor accents

Glue dried rose petals onto cardstock in swirls, hearts, or any oddball shape that strikes your fancy. You’ll need basic craft glue, blank cards, and a bit of free-spirited creativity. No one expects a Picasso. It’s the thought — and the texture — that makes these cards feel so personal and unforgettable.

24. Use Dried Roses in Resin Jewelry

Close-up of clear resin pendants and rings with tiny dried roses embedded inside, displayed on a neutral linen cloth

You’ll need resin kits (easy to find online), molds, and a dash of patience. Carefully embed dried rose petals into earrings, pendants, or rings. Expect a little trial and error if it’s your first rodeo. But once you get the hang of it? You’ll have wearable memories that look like tiny, frozen gardens.

25. Blend Into Homemade Potpourri

Vintage ceramic bowl filled with homemade potpourri featuring dried roses, cinnamon sticks, and citrus peels

Toss dried roses into a bowl with cinnamon sticks, cloves, citrus peels — whatever smells good. Stir it like you’re making a magic potion. You’ll need zero experience, just a nose that knows what it likes. Best of all, it’s cheaper (and better-smelling) than anything you’ll pull off a big-box store shelf.

26. Sew Into Eye Pillows

Soft linen eye pillows filled with dried roses and flaxseed, neatly stacked on a rustic wooden bench

Mix dried rose petals with flaxseed and lavender, spoon into a soft fabric pouch, and stitch it closed. If you can thread a needle without poking your eye out, you’re qualified.

Takes about an hour. Great for calming frazzled nerves or pretending you’re at a five-star spa while your dog barks at the mailman.

27. Steep Dried Roses in Teas

Glass teacup filled with rose petal tea, steam rising gently, delicate dried rose floating on the surface

Use a teaspoon of dried rose petals in a tea strainer, pour hot water over them, and steep for 5 minutes. That’s all it takes. Mild, floral, and slightly sweet, rose tea feels like drinking in a quiet Sunday afternoon. Just make sure your roses were grown without pesticides — you want petals, not chemicals.

28. Infuse into Honey

Glass jar of honey infused with dried rose petals, petals suspended like jewels inside

Layer dried rose petals into a jar of honey, let it sit for about two weeks, then strain. Minimal hands-on time, maximum reward. A drizzle of rose-infused honey over toast or yogurt feels ridiculously fancy without trying too hard. It’s the kind of trick that makes weekday breakfasts feel slightly rebellious.

29. Decorate Cakes with Pressed Roses

Elegant white cake decorated with pressed dried rose petals, minimalist and artistic presentation, placed on a simple wooden cake stand

Gently press dried rose petals onto the frosting once your cake is cool and ready. No piping bags, no bakery skills needed. You’ll need clean, food-safe petals and a light touch. It’s one of those simple details that make homemade desserts look straight out of a glossy cookbook.

30. Create Dried Rose Sugar

Glass jar filled with rose-infused sugar, pink sugar crystals catching soft sunlight

Layer dried rose petals with sugar in a jar, let it sit for a few days, then sift out the petals. Easy as pie. You’ll end up with a subtly floral sugar that’s magic stirred into tea, coffee, or sprinkled on shortbread. Little effort, big flavor — kind of like cheating at baking, but prettier.

31. Blend into Homemade Herbal Blends for Cocktails

Flat lay of a cocktail setup featuring small bowls of dried roses, mint, and citrus peels

Toss a few dried rose petals into your favorite herbal mixes — think mint, lemon balm, or lavender. You’ll need a muddler, a little curiosity, and a decent cocktail shaker. No bartending license necessary. These floral touches make a basic gin and tonic feel like you’re sipping drinks in a secret garden somewhere far more fabulous than your kitchen.

32. Infuse Into Vinegar for Salad Dressings

Glass bottle of rose-infused vinegar, soft pink hue inside, placed on a farmhouse kitchen windowsill

Stuff a jar with dried roses, pour white wine vinegar over the top, and let it steep for a couple of weeks. Experience level? Beginner with a capital B. You’ll end up with a tangy, floral vinegar that turns any sad weekday salad into something you might actually want to eat without bribing yourself.

33. Create a Memory Jar of Special Dried Roses

Large glass memory jar filled with dried rose petals and small handwritten notes, set on a cozy bookshelf

Drop dried roses from anniversaries, birthdays, or random good days into a big glass jar. No glue, no scissors, no pressure. Just a habit of keeping tiny joys instead of tossing them. It’s a slow-build project, one petal at a time, and someday it’ll feel like holding a scrapbook in your hands.

34. Press Into a Journal

Vintage-style open journal with dried roses pressed between pages, handwritten thoughts visible

Crack open your favorite notebook, press dried rose petals between the pages with a bit of washi tape, and write around them. No artistic skills required, just a heart big enough to appreciate small things. Over time, it turns your journal into a living, breathing memory garden that grows without watering.

35. Scatter Dried Roses Into the Sea During a Celebration

Scattering dried rose petals into the waves at sunset, emotional and peaceful mood

Collect dried rose petals in a basket, walk to the water’s edge, and let them go. No tools, no lessons — just your hands, the breeze, and the moment. Whether you’re marking love, loss, or new beginnings, scattering roses into the sea feels both old as time and achingly right.

Interactive Rose Drying Flowchart

How to Dry Roses for Arts and Crafts

1 Select Your Roses

The condition and type of roses you start with will greatly affect your final dried product.

Best Practices:

  • Select roses at their peak: Choose roses that have just fully bloomed but aren’t starting to wilt.
  • Avoid damaged petals: Bruises and tears will be more visible after drying.
  • Consider color: Deep reds, pinks, and yellows tend to retain color better than whites or light pinks.
  • Ensure roses are dry: Start with dry roses (no water droplets) to prevent mold.

Pro Tip:

If harvesting from your garden, collect roses in the morning after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day.

↓

2 Prepare Your Roses

Before drying, properly prepare your roses to ensure the best results:

Preparation Steps:

  • Remove excess foliage: Strip off leaves and trim thorns from the stems.
  • Trim the stems: Cut to your desired length using sharp scissors or pruning shears.
  • Group similar roses: Sort by size, color, or variety if drying multiple roses.
  • Consider splitting thick stems: For faster drying, split thicker stems lengthwise.

Pro Tip:

For bouquets that will be hung upside down, secure stems together with a rubber band rather than string, as the stems will shrink during drying.

↓

3 Choose Your Drying Method

There are several ways to dry roses, each with different benefits and results:

Air Drying (Hanging Method)

The most traditional method that preserves the natural shape of the roses.

  • Hang roses upside down in a dark, dry, well-ventilated space.
  • Allow 1-3 weeks for complete drying.

Pros

  • Requires no special equipment
  • Preserves natural rose shape
  • Cost-effective

Cons

  • Takes longer than other methods
  • Petals may fall off if roses are moved during drying
  • Colors may fade more than with other methods

Silica Gel Method

Uses moisture-absorbing crystals to quickly dry roses while preserving color and shape.

  • Cover roses in silica gel in an airtight container.
  • Drying time: 3-7 days depending on humidity and rose size.

Pros

  • Excellent color preservation
  • Maintains 3D shape well
  • Faster than air drying

Cons

  • Requires purchase of silica gel
  • More hands-on preparation
  • Can be messy to work with

Microwave Drying

The fastest method, using microwave with silica gel for quick results.

  • Place roses in microwave-safe container with silica gel.
  • Microwave in 30-second intervals until dry.
  • Total time: 2-3 minutes depending on rose size.

Pros

  • Extremely fast (minutes vs. days/weeks)
  • Good color retention
  • Convenient for small batches

Cons

  • Risk of over-drying and burning
  • Limited quantity per batch
  • Requires close monitoring

Book/Press Drying

Creates flat, pressed roses ideal for bookmarks, cards, and framed art.

  • Place roses between absorbent paper in a heavy book.
  • Add additional weight on top.
  • Allow 2-4 weeks for complete drying.

Pros

  • Perfect for flat crafts
  • Uses household items
  • Good for beginners

Cons

  • Loses 3D shape
  • Can cause dark spots if moisture isn’t absorbed properly
  • Takes significant time

Decision Guide:

Choose Air Drying if you want to preserve the natural shape and have plenty of time.

Choose Silica Gel if color preservation is most important and you don’t mind spending on materials.

Choose Microwave Method if you’re in a hurry and working with just a few roses.

Choose Press Drying if you plan to use roses in flat craft projects like cards or framed art.

↓

4 Follow Method-Specific Instructions

Detailed steps for each drying method:

Air Drying Instructions:

  1. Gather roses in small bunches (3-6 stems).
  2. Secure stems with rubber bands.
  3. Hang upside down in a dark, dry area with good air circulation.
  4. Ideal temperature: 70-80°F (21-27°C) with 50-60% humidity.
  5. Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent color fading.
  6. Wait 1-3 weeks until roses are completely dry and crisp to the touch.

Silica Gel Instructions:

  1. Pour a 1-inch layer of silica gel in an airtight container.
  2. Place roses on top, ensuring they don’t touch each other.
  3. Gently pour more silica gel around and over the roses until completely covered.
  4. Seal the container.
  5. Check after 3-5 days by gently brushing away gel to examine one rose.
  6. When dry, remove carefully and brush off remaining gel with a soft paintbrush.

Microwave Drying Instructions:

  1. Place 1-inch layer of silica gel in a microwave-safe container.
  2. Position roses and cover completely with more silica gel.
  3. Place an open cup of water in the microwave alongside the container (prevents over-drying).
  4. Microwave on medium power in 30-second intervals.
  5. Check after each interval until petals feel dry (typically 2-3 minutes total).
  6. After microwaving, leave roses in the sealed container for 24 hours for best results.

Book/Press Drying Instructions:

  1. Place roses between absorbent paper (parchment paper or coffee filters work well).
  2. Position in the middle of a heavy book.
  3. Add additional weight on top.
  4. Replace the absorbent paper every few days if it becomes damp.
  5. Check after 2 weeks; continue pressing if not completely dry.
  6. When dry, carefully remove using tweezers to prevent breakage.

Pro Tip:

For all methods, handle dried roses with extreme care as they become very fragile once dried. Consider wearing cotton gloves when handling to prevent oils from your skin affecting the preservation.

↓

5 Preserve Your Dried Roses

Once your roses are dried, protect and enhance them for longevity:

Preservation Options:

  • Hairspray: Lightly mist dried roses with unscented hairspray to prevent shattering.
  • Clear acrylic spray: Provides stronger protection than hairspray.
  • Glycerin soak: For more flexible dried roses (different from the dry methods above).
  • Wax dipping: For enhanced preservation and a subtle sheen.

Storage Recommendations:

  • Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
  • Add silica gel packets to storage containers to absorb any moisture.
  • Avoid high-humidity areas like bathrooms or kitchens.
  • For flat pressed roses, store between sheets of acid-free paper.

Pro Tip:

If you want to enhance or restore color, consider using diluted food coloring mist before applying a preservation spray. Test on a single petal first!

↓

6 Create Your Craft Projects

Now that your roses are dried and preserved, use them in beautiful craft projects:

Craft Project Ideas with Dried Roses:

  • Floral Resin Jewelry: Embed rose petals in resin for pendants or earrings.
  • Shadow Box Displays: Create 3D memory frames with whole dried roses.
  • Potpourri: Mix dried rose petals with other dried flowers and essential oils.
  • Greeting Cards: Attach pressed roses to handmade cards.
  • Candles: Embed dried petals in homemade candles.
  • Bookmarks: Laminate pressed roses for durable bookmarks.
  • Rose Petal Bath Bombs: Mix dried and crushed petals into bath bomb mixture.
  • Floral Wreaths: Attach dried roses to a wreath base.
  • Botanical Wall Art: Frame pressed roses in floating frames.
  • Rose Petal Confetti: Use for wedding celebrations or table decorations.
  • Rose Sachets: Sew dried petals into small fabric pouches for drawers.

Handling Tip:

When incorporating dried roses into crafts, handle them gently and consider using tweezers. For added durability in projects, secure with clear craft glue rather than hot glue, which can damage delicate petals.

For more, see our guide to easy rose drying techniques.

Wendy Moulton Senior Contributing Editor

Senior Contributing Editor | wendy@petalrepublic.com | Full Bio

Wendy brings over 20 years of senior leadership experience in gardening magazine publishing. Today, she is the features editor for The Gardener magazine and Grow to Eat magazine. She is also the senior editor for Let’s Braai and Open Gardens of South Africa magazines, published annually by Lonehill Media.

Wendy has been involved in many aspects of the industry, including managing editorial and creative teams, writing and producing expert guides and articles on many gardening subjects, magazine design and photography, and developing recipes for publishing.

Wendy’s interests are very much in the arts – writing, design, cookery, and floral art. She also loves to spend time growing flowers on her small flower farm.

Spread the love

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *