Living with Flowers Roses

("A Gift" by Sweetblue on Etsy)

Who doesn't love roses? Probably the most recognized, loved and generally romantic of all flowers, roses are deeply ingrained in our culture and lives. Whether it's a floral print blouse, your grandmother's china, or your perfume, chances are you experience roses in at least some capacity every day.
In Victorian times, as well as today, roses symbolized love. Different colors, number, and stage of openness could change the connotation slightly, but the main theme of love was always there.
Here are a few different ways you can enjoy roses even more in your home..

Potpourri:
While potpourri can contain many different kinds of flowers, there is just something about a potpourri with roses in it that makes it so pleasing. You can put it in sachets to give as gifts or scent your linens, or put it in a glass bowl in your home as a lovely and aromatic decoration.

Here is a beautiful potpourri of rose petals from Marimakingsupplies on Etsy

Rose Teas:
Teas with roses in them are both delicious and have many health benefits, such as being high in vitamins and strengthening the immune and digestive systems. This article explains some of the properties of rose tea in more detail:
http://www.livestrong.com/article/71165-rose-tea-health-benefits/


Paulajeansgarden on Etsy offers this beautiful and delicious looking Sweet Heart Tea with rose petals.

Rose Hips:

("Yesterday's Roses" by Lynda Naranjo on Etsy)

Rose hips are so pretty, and don't get nearly enough attention as their blooming friends! They can be found in jams, teas, wine, natural remedies, and even soap!

This natural and vegan soap by CrowleyManor on Etsy is a gentle way to exfoliate for sensitive skin. The rose hip powder in this soap is high in Vitamin C and promotes collagen production!

Roses are Red....(and Pink, and Cream, and Orange....)

There is so much great stuff inspired by Victorian roses on Etsy, here is a sampling of a few I found particularly unique and charming!

These little rose soaps from FairyBubbles ooze sweetness and romance (and also shea butter and essential oil!). Perfect for a gift, wedding favor, or just a little indulgence for yourself. I love that she lists all the ingredients used for the soaps right in the listing, take a look!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/36149562/gypsy-rose-silk-and-shea-butter-soaps


I love this pendant from PrairieStarJewels because the rose is real porcelain and is set off so nicely by the little Swarovski crystals. I think this would look absolutely stunning layered with long strands of pearls.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/48471725/swarovski-and-porcelain-rose-pendant


Have you ever seen anything like this beautiful journal by BrittniKayne? A blank journal with a cover hand made out of clay featuring little rosettes, this would make a wonderful one-of-a-kind gift.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/23203470/anne-clay-cover-blank-book



The hand was a very popular motif in Victorian times, with different positions suggesting different meanings. Here is a lovely charm necklace by Lilruby which features a graceful hand, a dainty rosette, and cute little baubles.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/39755972/victorian-style-rose-and-brass-charm

I can't even fathom how much time and patience goes into something like this. Beaded rose bouquet by ArtisticLane features trimming in 24K gold beads and will last forever. It even comes with a vase, what more could you ask for!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/40976624/clarity-rose-bouquet

Tea Time!

This necklace from ABoxForMyTreasure lets you take the fun and charm of a tea-party with you wherever you go! I love the detail, from the little sugar pots right down to the teeny silver spoons.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/44245014/madhatters-tea-party-necklace

How nice would this sweet print from Aurorart look in your breakfast nook or above the tea table! So delicate and pretty, you can almost taste the warm tea.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/39785011/tea-time-refined-limited-print-of


I love this handmade tea rose bowl by InspirewoodStudio. The dainty pink rose petals are so lovely against the white curvature of the bowl. Fill it with your favorite tea time goodies!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/38985195/tea-rose-bowl


Look at these cute little buttons from ButteredParsnips! Just think of all the projects you could incorporate these into- jewelry, buttons for a little white shrug, or vintage inspired mixed media!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/46579421/four-fabric-covered-buttons-tea-time

Victorian Garden

"Who loves a garden still his Eden keeps,
Perennial pleasures plants, and wholesome harvest reaps."
Amos Bronson Alcott

I love when old things are made to look fresh and new. Take for example this lovely antique botanical print given new life by Concentric. So vibrant and fresh, yet nostalgic and Victorian!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/42719981/handmade-home-decor-antique-botanicals

Don't have much of a green thumb? This amazing stained glass conservatory from Firefallvisions allows you to have a beautiful Victorian garden inside! All you need is a plant or two!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/23570548/miniature-victorian-styled-conservatory

How beautiful is this photo print from Missquitecontrary?! Big pink roses contrasted against crumbling stone and arbor, taken with an antique camera. Check out the listing, that is actually her house, lucky!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/31509337/vintage-roses-8x10-photo-print



This Victorian garden necklace from Tzaddishop is SUCH a DEAL! Reversable so you get not just the image shown but another as well! There is so much thought in every detail right down to the chain and clasp.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/45149411/voyageur-victorian-garden-colletion