How to Wire & Tape a Rose
Learn to easily wire and tape a fresh flower rose with this step by step picture tutorial. Wired and taped roses are essential for a corsage or boutonniere. #rose #roseflower #diyflower #easyflower #flowertutorial #howtowirerose #howtowireandtape
When it comes to learning how to arrange flowers there are some basic skills that are really helpful to master. Wiring and taping flowers is one skill that is important, especially for creating wearable flowers such as boutonnieres and corsages. There are some different methods of wiring different types of flowers (such as Carnations and Mums); this tutorial is going to focus solely on a rose.
First, Why Wire and Tape Flowers?
You may be wondering, why on earth would you cut a flower from its stem just to make an artificial one? Well, the purpose of replacing the stem with wire is to create a flexible stem that is thin and easy to bend or work with. This is really important when making boutonnieres and corsages. The wire is covered with floral tape to make the stem look as natural as possible and hide the wire.
A little about Roses...
Roses are a little more difficult flowers to wire and tape. They have a pretty thick and tough stem, so it can be hard to pierce with wire. The stem is also pretty smooth, so it is also a little more difficult to get the taping started on them and takes a little bit of practice.
Full size roses and smaller roses (Spray and Sweetheart Varieties) are both used in corsages and boutonnieres. It is important to think about desired size and style of the project when selecting larger or smaller roses.
Wiring and Taping a Rose...
Materials Needed...
flat lay of tools and materials needed for wiring and taping a rose
using pruners to trim rose off of stem
Trim the rose below the calyx leaving only about 1/2 - 1 inch of stem.
Pierce calyx with wire...
putting wire through stem of flower
Carefully push the wire straight through the flower. I usually try to place the wire closer to the base of the rose where the small leaves (sepals) are.
wire in bottom of rose stem
Fold wire down...
Fold the wire down to create "stem". Be careful not to pull the wire down too hard or it could tear the flower.
Stretch floral tape out...
stretching floral tape out for rose
Floral tape is not like any other kind of tape. It becomes slightly sticky by being stretched out. You MUST stretch it out to use it to wrap stems so that it will stick to the stems and itself. Some people stretch it as they go, I like to stretch out what I need before I start wrapping.
A rose can be more difficult to get the tape started on, but be sure to be patient and get it on properly. If you do not get the tape on tightly it will fall off eventually.
Wrap stem with floral tape...
wrapping wire with floral tape
Start wrapping as close to the stem as you can. Wrap smoothly and tightly, overlapping as you go. Continue wrapping all of the way down the stem.
If you want some practice taping before working with real flowers check out my tutorial for making Flower Pens! I used to do this project with my students to help them learn taping skills.
The flower is ready!
finished rose with wired and taped stem
Make as many as needed to create a corsage or boutonniere or other flower project!
pink rose with wire and tape and petals
Check these out these Flower Design tutorials to learn more:
