Artificial Roses Made from Water Hyacinth Leaves in Phranakhon Si Ayutthaya Province

Abstract

The purposes of this research article were 1) to study the process of creating roses from water hyacinth leaves, 2) to study consumer satisfaction with artificial roses made from water hyacinth leaves, and 3) to study the production cost of water hyacinth leaf-based roses in terms of commercial purpose. It was experimental research conducted by surveying satisfaction from two population groups: 1) 10 experts and 2) 100 students at Phranakhon Si Ayutthaya Rajabhat University and general people. The data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, consisting of percentage, mean, and standard deviation. The results revealed that water hyacinth leaves suitable for being crafted were between the third and fourth ones; 40 minutes at 70 degrees Celsius was the ideal temperature for drying the leaves; it was then pressed by a petal press machine for 3 minutes at 75 degrees Celsius; besides, the coated flowers were shinier and more durable than the uncoated ones. Concerning the expert satisfaction, all the experts had the highest overall preference for the coated water-hyacinth roses. The average scores of satisfaction characteristics – including suitability for use, durability, aesthetic, shine, color appropriateness, benefits of real usage, and holistic preference – were 7.80±1.23, 7.50±1.08, 7.20±1.14, 7.30±1.49, 7.70±1.34, 7.40±1.08, 8.00±1.05, and 7.50±1.27, respectively. These conformed to the consumer’s highest satisfaction with rose brooches made from water hyacinth leaves in terms of proper materials, aesthetic, and holistic preference, whose average scores ​​were 8.58±0.77, 8.71±0.64, and 8.65±0.58, followed by the high satisfaction aspects – suitability for use, color appropriateness, benefits of real usage – with average scores of 8.31±0.72, 8.42±0.79, and 8.44±0.85, while the aspect with the moderate satisfaction (average score of 8.35) was durability. As for the production cost of water hyacinth leaf-based roses, it was found that the total cost was 31.63 baht. When minimum wage, energy, and packaging costs were included, the price of one piece was 97.10 baht. The price of a bouquet with packaging was 125.- baht, making a profit of 15.- baht, whereas that without packaging was 108.- baht.