Everlasting Rose

1. Prepare the Leather for Cutting

   Cover the leather with painter’s tape before laser cutting. This helps prevent burning, soot marks, and discoloration during cutting or engraving.

2. Remove Tape

   Once all pieces are cut, carefully remove the painter’s tape from each leather piece

3. Dampen the Leather

• Dip each leather piece in water, fully submerging both sides for 10–20 seconds.
• The goal is to evenly dampen the leather so it becomes pliable—not soaked.
• If the leather feels overly wet or floppy, lightly blot with a towel.

4. Create the Center Bud

• Start with the smallest center petal.
• Roll the leather tightly around a skewer to form a cone shape.
• Wrap the next center piece around the first and secure with a rubber band.
• Set aside to dry partially while shaping the remaining petals.

5. Shape the Outer Petals

• Gently curl the edges of each petal inward toward the center using your fingers.
• For a more natural look, vary the curl slightly from petal to petal.
• Place the shaped petals into drying holders (cut paper towel rolls work well) to help maintain their 3D form.
• Allow to dry overnight for best results.

6. Assemble the Rose

• Once all pieces are dry:
• Skewer the petals onto the center stem, starting with the smallest and working toward the largest.
• Stagger each layer so the petals sit between the petals of the layer below.
• Add the green 5-point star leaf piece to the bottom of the rose.

7. Secure with Glue (Optional but Recommended)

• Apply a small amount of glue between layers as you assemble to ensure the petals stay in place.
• Avoid excess glue to prevent stiffness or visible residue.

8. Final Shaping

Gently pull back the tips of the outer petals to create a blooming, open-rose effect. Make any final adjustments before the glue fully sets.