Making The Stem

First, the stem is cut from a steel rod to about 12 inches or so -- I don't measure this, just cut it to a length that feels right. Sometimes, I cut this with a large cable cutter, sometimes with a hardy on the anvil, and somtimes, such as this, using a hacksaw.

Next, I use a hammer to texture the stem, trying to get some semblance of an organic shape. I don't try to make it look exactly like a rose stem with thorns, but I try to impart an impression of such. I'm wearing a glove on the hand that's holding the stem, because the texturing process causes the steel to become hot enough that it's painful to hold.

On the end of the stem, opposite where the flower will be, I flatten the stem so I'll have a place to sign and number the finished product. Generally, I do the flattening cold, but if it looks like it might want to crack, I'll heat it in the forge or with a torch and flatten it at a red heat.

The next step is Making the Calyx & Leaves.