Sheet metal roses return for Valentine’s Day

Students at Honolulu Community College are preparing to make the school’s signature metal roses for Valentine’s Day.

The annual “Forever Rose” sale by the Sheet Metal and Plastics Program at HCC started as a bet over 15 years ago.

“An apprenticeship student challenged me to make a rose out of sheet metal,” recalls Danny Aiu, Associate Professor of the program. “That night with a strip of sheet metal I molded a rose with my hands. Today, our students apply their skills by operating a plasma cutter, chemicals and other tools used in the trade to create each rose one by one.”

These one-of-a-kind sheet metal roses make a special Valentine’s gift for only $5 each, and a few copper roses will be available for $15 each. Customers will be limited to purchasing four sheet metal and one copper rose at a time.

The construction of the roses will take place February 11, 12 and 13 from 12:00 noon to 3:30 pm. There will be no sales during the construction days. Money raised from the project benefits the program.

For questions related directly to the sale of the roses contact Danny Aiu at (808) 845-9237.

• What: Annual Forever Rose Sale by the Sheet Metal and Plastics Program
• When: Friday, February 14, 2014 at 9:30 am until the roses sell out.
• Where: Honolulu Community College, Building 17