Are you a crafter looking for a unique and beautiful way to preserve and display your cherished roses? This Dried Rose Shadow Box is the perfect solution. Not only is it a lovely addition to any home decor, but it also allows you to hold onto those special memories associated with the roses.
Instead of simply placing your roses in a vase or using them for potpourri, this project offers a creative and beautiful alternative. Plus, it's easy to do!
I started with the roses photographed in this post. They were a sweet anniversary gift from my husband which was extra special because it isn't something he normally does.
So, I wanted to come up with a new way to save and display them instead of just sticking them in a vase or taking the petals off for potpourri. Been there done that.
Dry the roses
Before the petals could begin to fall I tied the roses and baby's breath gently together and hung them upside down in my closet where they wouldn't get damaged by a certain wild 8 year old.
Prepare the shadow box
I found a great shadow box on sale at Hobby Lobby (not a sponsor of the post). But, I didn't want the glass because it probably would have smashed the roses. So, a quick tap of the hammer over the garbage can and it was ready to paint.
This step is optional. If you like the glass to protect the roses and keep them from getting dusty, keep it.
Silver would have been okay, but antique white goes much better with where I plan to put this. A quick spray of matte white spray paint and it was ready to go.
Arrange the roses
Once the frame was dry I gathered the rest of my supplies: some pretty background paper, and my trusty hot glue gun.
Affix the roses
After I decided on the layout it was time to break out the glue gun. Luckily, I saw a display of glue sticks on an end cap just after I got the paper for the background because I was down to the evergreen scented sticks.
After I glued the roses down, I slipped in some of the baby's breath.
Then I added the leaves on top of the roses to cover up the stems a bit.
Final Shadow Box Rose Display
And DONE! Just how it was in my vision. I love it when that happens.
It goes perfectly in my "antique rose" themed bathroom.
April 2026 update: After 10 years hanging in my downstairs half bathroom the roses look pretty much the same. The bathroom gets no direct light so the roses have barely faded. And there is no shower or tub to steam up the room. Sunlight and humidity could damage the roses.
Sarah eliza @ devastateboredom says
Lovely! They dried beautifully, and I love the shadow box you made for them. 🙂
Audrey Humaciu says
Thanks, Sarah. I was pleased with how it came out.
Jess Powell (Babi a Fi) says
This looks so beautiful - the photo looks almost like a painting because of the colours!
Audrey Humaciu says
Thanks, Jess. It goes perfectly in my girly girl room.
Cheryl says
Wow, great job!! I never know what to do with my dried roses so I usually just hang them on something! Awesome idea and can't wait to see your finished bathroom.
Audrey Humaciu says
Thanks for your kind comment.
Lisa/Syncopated Mama says
You know I'm always a fan of using things you can find around the house for decorating projects! Love it! #FridayFrivolity
Audrey Humaciu says
MY house is starting to look refreshed now that I have done a few of these projects and rearranged pictures. But I still want to paint the walls... 🙂
Betty Ann says
It is beautiful. Do you have any problems with the hot glue coming undone? I have not tried it with flowers so are not sure. Thanks.
Audrey Humaciu says
I have had this hanging in my bathroom for over two years and it is still holding together nicely. But, I do know what you mean about hot glue not sticking all the time, I have had it happen more than once.
Katie says
Lovely! But doesn’t it collect dust without the glass over the frame? Seems too fragile to dust. What’s the strategy here?
Audrey Humaciu says
Yes, it does collect dust. I just use a light feather duster every month or so.
Ariel says
What sized shadow box did you use? Also when you mean it collects dust do you lightly dust the inside of the box too? Or just focus on the dust surrounding the shadow box?
Audrey Humaciu says
I actually dust inside by LIGHTLY running the duster over the flowers.
Michele says
My daughter got married May 28th and I hung her bouquet in the closet upside down on a hanger. I’m getting ready to visit her and have yet to master how I am going to arrange this in the shadow box and bring the color back. They were a light pink and now they are not the best looking. I’ve read that I can spray paint them but not sure how to do so with out taking it apart or getting it on each flower the wrong way. Your advice would be so helpful.
Audrey Humaciu says
I wouldn't have any idea how to bring the color back to dried flowers. I've read you can dye or paint them, but have never tried. I wish I knew more. Congratulations to your daughter on her wedding though.
Faye says
Hi,
I think this is so wonderful. Such a perfect precious keepsake for your darling loved one. Thank you so much for sharing
Is the box without glass now or is there any other covering to it?
I really want to make one in honour of my precious baby and I have blue roses left from his anniversary. I would love to try and make this as fantastic and special as you have
Audrey says
I left the glass off but it does collect dust. I use a light feather duster to clean the petals without damaging them. Keep the glass if you prefer.