Making Rose Water and Rose Petal Beads

With so many rose petals available to me, its fun to find ways to use them. Of course there is making a potpourri, or rose petal beads. I have glued dried petals on a Styrofoam ball, added a ribbon to hang it from and put netting around it as a hanging pomander ball but the most fun of all is making rose water.
Here are the directions I use. This book is wonderful for soapmaking.

"The Complete Soapmaker"
by Norma Coney (Sterling PublishingCo., NY, published 1996).

"Method for Making Rose Water
"To prepare rose water, first gather fresh rose blossoms; do this duringthe morning, after the dew has evaporated. Place the petals in a glass,stainless steel, or enamel saucepan and cover them with distilled water. Weigh the floating petals down with a heat-resistant glass dish."
"Place the pan over low heat and allow the pot to release steam for atleast an hour. You should begin to see drops of rose oil floating on thesurface of the water. Do not allow the water to boil."
"When the water has taken on a rosy hue, feels thick and soft, and showsevidence of rose oil on its surface, strain the liquid through a teastrainer, using your fingers to press all the liquid from the petals. Store in refrigerator. (Note that rose water may be used as a skin toner;apply to the face with a cotton ball)."

If you are interested in making rose petal beads you can go to this site where you will find directions with pictures http://www.covingtoninnovations.com/cathy/rosebeads/index.htm
also this site has instructions
http://beadsforprayer.com/Rosary/petal_beads.htm