Baseball boutonnieres

Some people don't like fresh flowers. You don't get to keep them forever (unless you want to press them, but it's not exactly the same) and they can wilt or fall apart during the wedding day depending on the flower type. Additionally, some beach venues won't allow fresh flowers.

That's why I think Mark Ellingson of the San Diego area has come up with a fantastic invention: bouquets and boutonnieres made from baseballs and softballs!

Each rose's petals are handmade from the leather from a baseball or softball. The baseball varieties come in white, but the softball roses come in yellow or pink. It's perfect for the couple who loves America's pasttime.

Football roses are expected to come soon, and who knows? Maybe Mr. Ellingson will expand to soccer balls and basketballs...although I have a hard time imagining how a hockey puck rose would work.

Check out the Baseball Rose website here. Boutonnieres start at $13.99, but you can save buy buying in bulk. Bouquets start at $34.99 for a three-stem bunch.