(_Gloire de Dijon._)
Cut from pale yellow shaded paper, petals Nos. 1 (the outside petal) and
2, and from shaded paper of a lighter shade, but having pink in the
middle of the stripe, so placing the pattern on the paper as to bring
the pointed end of it to the darkest part of the paper, and so fold it
as to allow of eight petals being cut at once. Sixteen of each size will
be required. Cut off a proper length of the medium cotton wire, bend
over the top of it several times, so as to make a head to it about the
size of a pea, on this tie a few of the proper stamens, and around it
roll a small quantity of pale green wax. All the petals should be
treated as follows, as a preparation for other moulding. Take eight
petals of a size, place them on the palm of the left hand, so that they
can be held in their place by one of the fingers of the same hand,
holding in the right hand pin No. 1, so that it may revolve easily round
the edge of the petals, held as described in the other hand. The object
of this rolling of the edge is to overcome the hard or unnatural look of
the paper, and is _essential_ as a preparatory step to all other
modeling. This done, turn the bunch of petals, press them in the center
with the finger, after which roll over all parts of it excepting the
edge, with the head of pin No. 2, this will leave the edge of the petals
turned backwards, and this moulding must be continued until sufficient
roundness has been obtained.
Separate the petals. This is best done from the points, so as not to
disarrange the form already given to them. Take five of the smallest
petals, place each on the hand as before described separately, and with
the head of pin No. 2, indent it deeply down its center, _beginning at
the top_, so as to curve the petal, that when placed on the foundation
already prepared they will curl over and nearly conceal it.
These must be tied on with silk. To form the groups of petals, take two
of the smallest, and three of the next size; the smallest place in
front, the larger behind, and so arrange that each petal should be
slightly elevated above the one in front of it; hold them together by
the points, and then open the petals from the top, so as to be able to
insert the end of a fine gum brush; a mere spot of gum is all that is
required, as much as possible in the center of the petal, so as to leave
the edges perfectly free.
Place this bunch of petals on the hand, as before directed, and round it
in the same manner, only not to the same extent. Five or more of the
bunches or nests of petals are required. Each should be placed in its
proper position, and tied with floss silk. The two next sizes of petals
must be treated in a similar manner, and placed on behind the bunches
already fixed, so as, in fact, to give to the center of the flower the
appearance of being divided into five or more divisions.
Petals No. 3, require the same rounding as applied to the preceding, two
or three being placed together, giving them a more open form; fix these
round the petals already on. Elevate them, so as to produce the cup
shape observable in nearly all good roses. As the petals become larger,
the thumb is found more convenient than the finger, it more quickly
produces the roundness on which the beauty of a rose so much depends.
The larger petals must be treated in a similar manner, only the edges
require to turn back with more freedom and boldness, and the petals
gradually receding, so that those placed on last will stand nearly at
right angles with the stem, in some cases being even more bent
backwards. Two or three of the last may be slightly shaded with green at
the base, and carmine and burnt sienna at the edge, so as to give the
faded appearance of the outer petals. Frequent reference should be made
to the illustration of the flower or its parts as the work proceeds; the
calyx should then be passed up the stem, so as to fit close to the back
of the flower, and the stem covered with pale green stem paper.
Add a bud or two. These should appear close under the outer petals of
the flower. The leaves start from the junction of these stems, being set
round, each a little lower than the preceding. They should be colored
and polished as directed in “general observations,” to give them the
bold and waxy appearance seen in this deservedly popular and beautiful
rose.