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When Mr. Lox and I originally met with our officiant, she asked us if we’d like to honor our mothers by presenting something to them as part of our ceremony. Mr. Lox and I loved the idea. It’s a way to honor where we came from and make our moms feel important and a part of the day. I know it’s super important to my mother, and I’m guessing his mother will be touched. Mr. Lox’s mother never got to see his first wedding, so I think this wedding will mean a lot to her, and I want her to know how glad we are to have her here.
So our officiant drafted up the ceremony and put in a placeholder for the honoring of our mothers. The placeholder says we will give them roses, but of course that’s not necessary. And I got to thinking…wouldn’t it be better to give them something they can have forever? I mean, real roses are sweet, but they will eventually die. So what if we gave them something that wouldn’t die?
I thought of all kinds of things. Unfortunately, I can’t remember what they all were right now, while I’m trying to tell you about it. Typical! But the bottom line is that I kind of liked the idea of roses. And then, dear hive, I saw these by our very own hive member sunstar…
Coffee-filter roses. And look how real they look! They are clearly perfect. All the beauty of a real rose, with none of the short lifespan. I promptly sent Mr. Lox out for coffee filters and was happy to find I had everything else necessary already. I followed the link to the Martha Stewart tutorial and made up templates for the petals. I was so impressed with me. And then I made one. It was…OK. So I tried again. Still…OK. Not good. Not great. Not anything as awesome as sunstar made. Just…meh. See for yourself.
I mean, I get it. They’re not actually bad. But they’re not actually good, either. And when you figure into the equation the fact that I’m a menace with a paintbrush…well, you can see this just isn’t a good idea.
So now I’m back to the drawing board. Want to comfort me? Tell me if you’ve ever had a project get scrapped after you realized you’re just not going to be good at it.
You don’t have to use paint — RIT dye works really well. Just mix the powder with water, dunk the rose, and let it dry.
They would look perfect if you colored them and curled the edges of the petals under. Curling takes forever, though, because you have to do every petal. At my fastest, it takes about eight minutes per rose.
I don’t think its about not being good at it I think anyone can be good at something if they want to with a little practice! Usually when I start a project sometimes it takes me a few trys and some frustration to get it down, but generally I make changes to fit my style or what I think looks best!
I think they’d look better if you currled the edges and maybe you could pre dye the filters?
Just a thought!
Remember!
If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.
I made these too — they turned out great! Yours are only half way done! Paint them with some watercolors, let them dry and curl the edges, just like on the MS Tutorial. Seriously, they come to life.
Also, if you want to keep them white, the MS Tutorial addressed that as well: paint them white! You can even paint them white and just lightly “edge” the petals in a soft pink to make them really pop! 
Try again!! You have a great start!
And as far as being a menace with a paint brush, don’t let that stop you. Watercolor is easy and coffee filters just soak it up!
Don’t give up! Those looks so close. I think all you need is a bit of dye and to curl the edges of the petals. They look really good.
I think your flowers are nice! But I know how us brides can be our own worst critics! (hugs!)
I ended up having custom cabochon pins made on Etsy for my Mom, my FMIL and for my FI’s grandmother to wear for the wedding instead of a real flower corsage so they can enjoy it for the wedding and afterward. 
If you don’t mind me sharing…here’s the link:
http://www.etsy.com/transaction/34259293
Though as for being more comforting…;)
I certainly wanted to make a lot more things myself for my wedding, but realized I’m not talented to do it all..ha…so I ended up turning to Etsy for a lot of my wedding things.
I figured..hey - if someone else is talented at doing the craft I would like to have for my wedding - I may as well pay for them to do it…it’s at least handmade - even if I personally didn’t get to handmake it.
You may have read in your Monkey topper post..that I had a bunny caketopper made on Etsy, the cab. pins, some beaded tulips for my bouquet, BMs jewelry…and even perhaps another thing or two.
Though I digress….err….
I think your flowers are nice - as I said - but if you don’t like it - keep trying or find another way to make it yourself…
or would silk flowers be okay? or would that not be personal enough?
Whatever you do…good luck Ms. Lox!
I think they look great and you’re just being critical of your amazing job.
What about buying pewter rose and have it engraved with a verse or message from each of you. In Canada, we have a store called Things Engraved that you can buy that kinda stuff in. This link gives you an idea of what I’m talking about.
I really, truly, honestly think they look great Lox. Roll with it! When you have a bunch of them together, I think you’ll be happier with the end result
They will look much better if you roll them before you tape them on! I just rolled mine on a spare knitting needle. It gives them the right shape.
And make sure when you do the watercolors to use a lot of water, so the colors look more diluted and the filter soaks it up.
I read about a couple that had their last kiss as a single person from the person who gave them their first kiss. I think it’s cute.
I like the flowers:) I think they will be happy to be included!!
We are are own worst critics. They look good. But I agree with tifnicole–go with an engraved rose or something like that.
Or–instead of giving our mothers corsages I am looking for flower embelished bracelets. You could present them with their bracelet during the ceremony. It will last forever and they can use it again and think of your special day when she does
I made a few of these too, but found them to be quite time consuming. I do agree though that the painting really brings them to life.
Maybe try a coffee filter flower with something other than a rose shape? Mrs. meatball had a tutorial over on her personal blog. http://www.thebrokeassbride.com/2011/01/do-it-yourself-easy-cheap-wedding-diy-flower-bouquet/
I had also tried MS tutorial…and mine looked about the same as yours. Not spectacular! I had just about given up the dream when I found this post
http://diy.weddingbee.com/topic/coffee-filter-flower-pic-heavy-tutorial-with-tips.
It’s much easier to follow and they turned out beautiful!
Have you thought of gifting them with plants? Maybe a tree or rosebush that they can plant?
LOL, you should have seen my first attempt at invitations - totally laughable. I think I will leave those to the experts.
I think they still have potential! But I also hate it when you start a DIY project with such high hopes, only to have it bomb. Not that yours is a bomb, just in general.
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Mrs. Lox, Baltimore Age and Occupation: 33, Government Worker Fiance's Age and Occupation: 35. IT Consultant Engagement Date: May 8, 2010 Wedding Date: May 2011 Venue: Vandiver Inn About Me: I’m an East Coast gal born and bred and a suburban brat turned city rat for the last year. Now Mr. Lox and I enjoy walking all kinds of places, having the coolest things around in our backyard, and especially our garage parking. I love gadgets, toys, Ben & Jerry’s Chubby Hubby ice cream, monkeys, and our insane cats. I’m a blonde by birth and a redhead by choice. I’m that girl in the cubicle farm with all the cool toys and the file cabinet covered in magnetic poetry. I still use smiley faces in my emails, whether people like it or not. This is not the first rodeo for Mr. Lox nor me. And together, we are planning an intimate afternoon wedding on a budget we can afford by ourselves.
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