Old-Fashioned DIY Rose Jar

In the days before store-bought potpourri, our grandmothers knew the value of gathering their rosebuds while they may. Any gardener worth her salt would clip the best sweet-smelling roses all summer long, carefully dry the petals, and tuck them away in jars to scent her home in the months and years ahead. I hope this easy DIY rose jar project will encourage you to do the same with your own rose garden this year.

Courtesy Jill Staake

DIY Rose Jar Supplies

• Jars with Lids – I used medium-sized corked jars I found in the dollar bins at Target
• Recollections Lace Stickers (available at Michaels craft stores; if you’re unable to find these, you can also create this look using Mod Podge decoupage glue and actual lace)
• Dried Rose Petals (see below)

Drying Rose Petals

My online research turned up a great deal of information about the best way to dry rose petals, including instructions for drying them in the microwave and using a dehydrator. I decided to dry my rose petals the old-fashioned way, but if you’re interested in other options, click here to learn more.

• Gather roses at their peak, before they start to turn brown. Roses that are already dying will continue to break down in the jars, leading to an unpleasant smell instead of the sweet scent you’re looking for.
• Pull petals from the roses when fresh, and discard stems.
• Lay petals in a single layer on paper towels, newspaper, or clean dry cloth.
• Place in a warm dry space for several days, until petals are crisp to the touch. Depending on the air flow, you may need to turn or stir them while drying.

Use the lace stickers (or Mod Podge and real lace) to decorate your jars as desired, and add your rose petals. My jars are only partly full, as I intend to keep adding to them as my roses blooms in the months ahead. Place them on a mantle or shelf, and open the jars when you want to get a whiff of summer!