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Half-bushel of rose petals
Morter and pestle (or a much faster food grinder)
Cast-iron skillet or pot (be sure it has NO rust in it)
Soft board and pins
Button thread 1. Grind the petals until the mass resembles modeling clay (and your kitchen will smell of roses)
2. Put the ground petals in the cast-iron skillet or pot and regrind daily for 2 weeks. You will see the paste become thicker each day until it reaches a consistency where it can be formed into smooth, hard beads.
3. Roll the dough into small beads (smaller then marbles) between your hands in a circular motion until they are smooth and well-rounded.
4. Put a large common pin through the centre of each ball and stick the pin into the soft board. Continue rolling, piercing and attaching to the soft board (at least 1/2" apart) until you have as many beads as you need. Keep in mind that the finished bead will be half the size of the freshly made one. It will take about 60 for an adult-sized necklace.
5. Let the beads dry for at least 2 weeks -- longer if the weather is humid.
6. Remove the pins and polish each bead with flannel or other soft cloth.
7. String them on button thread, using a dark colour so it will blend with the mahogany tones of the beads.
8. Polish the entire string of beads (which highlights them and is easier then doing each bead)>
9. If the strand it long enough to slip over your head, you will not need a clasp. Otherwise, you will need a very plain clasp either from an old necklace or a craft-supply store.
As you wear the beads, they will continue to darken and polish and release their rosy fragrance. One note for the future: If you store them away, be sure to put a note with them so anyone finding them will know their age and what they are. You may very well be making your great-granddaughter's wedding necklace!!
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