Flowers not only beautify our surroundings, but have a great tendency to lift our spirit and brighten our appearance if we wear them. They are a principle accent in our attire for many occasions. A bride would look empty handed without her bouquet. There is a special glow in the eyes of a teenager when she receives her first corsage from a beau.

We need not always wait for an occasion to wear flowers. A dewy gardenia, bought on the spur of the moment can brighten an entire evening.

Corsages may be divided into two groups: Formal and Informal. Each has its place.

An informal corsage consists of a spray or two of flowers without floral tape or bow. This type is worn during daytime activities.

A formal corsage usually has a bow and is always taped. It is worn at formal affairs, holiday celebrations, and other gala occasions throughout the year.

To be a successful corsage maker, you must learn the proper procedure.

Though a rose in itself is one of the most beautiful creations in the world, here is a way to further enhance its beauty by fashioning it with several of its kind into an ornamental work of art.

This project calls for the use of seven roses. You may, however, use anywhere from five to nine.

Cut the roses in the morning and put them in water to the calyx. Keep them in the refrigerator on the second shelf to harden them up.

Roses may be selected from the garden, keeping in mind that the buds are the beginnings of the corsage, with a gradual gradation in size toward the center, which is a full open rose. Nature grows her roses with this same gradation. After making your choice of roses, select some of the foliage to set off the corsage. If you can not find the right sizes, you may make fuller roses by gently peeling back the petals at the bases, being careful not to bruise or tear them.

Procedure for making rose corsage

A - Select the roses

B - Remove stems just below the calyx. Cut some number twenty four wires in halves. Insert one end into the calyx of a rose and pull through to other side. Twist wires together, after bending them down away from the rose. This preparation provides a flexible and sturdy stem with which to work. An additional half wire may be used to strengthen the stem.

C - Taping. These procedures cover up the wiring process and leaves a smooth neat finish on the stem.
Select three perfect rose leaves; holding them stem inward against the calyx and starting with a small collar of tape, gently turn the rose and wrap the tape tightly and firmly around the stem with a downward motion.
Pipe cleaners may also be used as stems. Cut the rose in this case, to the base of the calyx, leaving no stem. Insert pipe cleaner upward into the center of the calyx. Tape on rose foliage.

D - Roses numbered one, two and three are grouped together making two separate units. Do not crowd the foliage. Next attach the full open rose, number four, to your upper unit. Attach the lower unit; completing the corsage.

If you would like to add a ribbon, place it in the focal point which in this design is the center of the corsage. The ribbon is an accenting feature. It should add, not detract from the beauty of the roses, be careful to select your ribbon colors to contrast pleasantly with the color of the corsage.

As a finishing touch, sprinkle a little water on the roses. This will give them a garden fresh, dewy appearance. Be careful not to wet the ribbon.
Now you can wear your beautiful corsage with pride.