One of the biggest requests I get is how to make the topiaries that are in the back of my set. Actually, I didn’t make those topiaries, but I’ve figured out an easy way to make them out of ribbon roses. I showed how to make ribbon roses in a previous video. But these are slightly different and easier, because I use regular clear tape, and the bottoms of the ribbon roses have exposed tape that doesn’t look so hot, but is hidden when all the roses are squeezed together in the topiary. You’ll see on the video.

Step 1: Cut ribbon to about 30″. You’ll need about 25 of these ribbon lengths to make 25 ribbon roses.

Step 2: Add tape to the bottom edge of the ribbon, so about half is on the ribbon and half is off of it.

Step 3: Place a skewer at the far right end of the tape/ribbon and press against the tape. Then start rolling tightly to get a tight loop of ribbon. As you roll, squeeze the tape into itself and the skewer.

Step 4: As you go around, don’t roll it so tightly. Just as in real roses, the center’s petals are tighter, and the ones on the outside are looser, so let the ribbon roll around loosely, but keep pinching the tape into the skewer to secure it.

Step 5: After you’re done, you’ll notice that the bottom looks bad because the tape is exposed. Also, some of the tape might not have stuck so well to the skewer. Just add more tape, or use a glue gun to secure loose ends. Don’t worry about the exposed tape. It will be hidden when all the roses are placed together on the foam ball.

Step 6: Insert the ribbon roses into a small foam ball. The foam ball I used was about 3″ in diameter. You’ll need about 25 ribbon roses to cover the ball. When the roses are placed tightly together, you do not see the tape on the bottom.

Step 7: You can hang the floral ball, insert a dowel into it to make a standing topiary, and set it on a candle holder or small container. You can even add a bouquet handle to make a bouquet that will last forever. This is a great idea for parties, weddings, and ribbon manufacturing conventions. Okay, that last suggestion was kind of lame.