Steel Rose Workshop - Valentine's Day

The Steel Rose Workshop was hosted by students at the University of Minnesota for Valentine's Day 2017. The event required no metalworking experience and attracted many people who might not typically complete DIY projects.

Many thanks to colleagues at the Georgia Tech Invention Studio for sharing their steel rose template and describing how the workshop is run on their campus.

Supplies (per participant):

• Rose petals: 6"x6" steel sheet, 0.03" thick (22gauge)
  
  • See template files below for shape of petals and leaves.
  • We cut these out with a water jet cutter. As a low-cost alternative, a few participants traced the shapes with a Sharpie marker and cut them out with snips.
• Rose stem: 1/4" diameter steel rod, 1' long.
  • We cut these to size with with a band saw.
• Epoxy, Quick Setting
  • Use an epoxy that sets in 10-15 minutes.
  • Clamps and vices are very helpful when adhering components.
• Stick and paper plate (for mixing and applying epoxy)
• 2 Pairs of Pliers
• Hand File
• Snips, also known as shears
• Mallet
• Steel Wool
• Safety Glasses
• First Aid Kit

Time Required:

• 1-2 hours

Purchases:

Approximately $110 for 60 roses

• Steel, 0.03" thick (22ga), 2'6"x2'6" sheet, shear cut. Quantity 3. $22 each. Purchased at Discount Steel.
• Steel, 1/4" diameter rod, 12' cut in half. Quantity 5. $2.50 each. Purchased at Discount Steel.
• Epoxy. Quantity 2. $16 each. Purchased at Menards.

Prepare petals and stem for each participant prior to the workshop. Create at least one rose in advance to use as an example.

Our petals were prepared using a water jet cutter. Three sheets of steel were stacked and cut simultaneously.

Participants can shape their roses however they wish.

Bend the stem by hand or with the help of a mallet.

Patience and creative clamping may be required while epoxy is setting.