M2-01 Rose Infused Plaster Surface

  • Photo by The New York Public Library on Unsplash
  • Room dried while rose petals used
  • The finished surface sample
Submitted by Jieling Xiao, 2025

Creator

Jieling Xiao

Other Contributor 

Sarah King

Year

2024

License 

CC101

Description

The rose inflused plaster surface is inspired by the Islamic practice using rose water in mortar to pave walls in mosques. The scent of the rose water will be activated when the sunlight hits the wall. 

In Islamic mythology and mysticism, the rose represents divine beauty. It is believed that roses are a symbol of the Prophet Muhammad, recalling the beauty of his face, and his grave is a “rose garden”.

Rose is one of the most important symbols in Islamic culture, and tradition and also a source of inspiration for Sufi poets. Rose is also considered a symbol of the Prophet Muhammad whose perspiration purportedly smelled of rose, therefore, rose oil and roster water are highly esteemed and used in religious ceremonies.

Scent Ingredients

Rose Petals (any type)

Other materials

Water and Plaster Powder

Tools

Blender, Mixing Bowl, Stirrer, Pitot Tube, Silicon Moulds

 

Scent Characteristics

Phenyl ethyl alcohol and orcinol dimethyl ether were the main constituents of the fragrant pink and white rose varieties. The material has a subtle sweet and floral scent. Because of the plaster, it has a bit earthy note. 

Difficulty

Rating: 2.5 out of 5.

Process

The proportions of material used are for a single mould sized 8 x 3 x 3cm. Please adjust the proportions to fit the size of your mould.

  1. Air-dry rose petals naturally

  2. Grind the dry rose petals into fine powder with the Blender

  3. Boil the water in the kettle

  4. 15 ml rose powder in 15 ml boiling water for 15 minutes in the bowl

  5. Add 15ml plaster powder into the bowl and add 5ml cold water to mix everything 

  6. Pour the mixture into the Silicone Mould

  7. Leave it to Air-dry for 3 days

  8. Remove it from the mould and put it on a cooling rack to dry for another 3 days. 

Reference / Acknowledgement

This material recipe is developed by Jieling Xiao. The copywrite stays with the creator. If you wish to use or adapt please contact and cite the creator.