T was William Shakespeare who first acknowledged that a rose by any other name would smell just as sweet.

The oft-quoted Bard has since been proved wrong ? presumably the money rose had not been introduced when he penned .

That is, however, exactly what is on offer to residents today ? flowers crafted out of dollar bills.

And, while it is likely some persons might prefer the smell of currency, that scent could never be confused with the bouquet of a traditional rose.

Local graphic designer and entrepreneur Carla Emery is creating the much-admired flowers, not from seed and soil but hard cash, specifically, US and Bermuda dollar bills.

It's a craft the graphic designer learned some two decades ago, under the tutelage of local shopkeeper June Augustus.

"I was working at Balloon-?ge on Court Street in the mid-Eighties and the owner, Mrs. Augustus, taught me how to make money roses," she said, in explaining how she came by the skill.

"I'm not sure how she learned to make them ? I think someone overseas, someone in the United States, may have taught her ? but we used to send them out with balloons on request."

No longer with the store, Ms Emery said she resumed selling money roses some time in the past four years.

As gifts, she said they had proved "perfect for any occasion", welcomed by recipients on birthdays, anniversaries, Mother's Day, Father's Day and even as a token of employee recognition.

She added that the approaching Valentine's Day provided an excellent opportunity ? the money bouquets a great complement or alternative to the traditional bunch of roses many send to loved ones on that day.

"It just adds an extra flavour," she insisted. "Especially for young men who frequently give their mothers money, this is just a better presentation. It's more attractive. It adds a special touch."

s Emery studied graphic design at the Savannah College of Art & Design in Georgia. Today she employs those skills full-time at Island Press, although she also offers her services freelance through her own company, I-Design.

"Money roses consist of four notes and clients can use any currency or denomination they wish, but the colourful Bermuda dollars always look best," she said.

"Newer notes also make a prettier rose, as the older notes give a withered look."

She added it was up to the recipient to decide whether to keep the gift as a memento or pick the flower apart and put the cash to use.

"Each consists of four notes in any denomination.

"The notes are curled and folded in order to construct the petals of the flower, but ? most important as far as the Bermuda Monetary Authority is concerned ? the money is not defaced in any way.

"Sometimes I give them a squirt of perfume to make them smell nice. My mom still has one I made years ago with the old Bermuda $1 bill ? so it can be a nice keepsake.

"Generally, people are dumbfounded. Many ask, 'Is that real money'?"

The flowers are accompanied by a poem. Penned to explain how "a rose by any other name is not the same", it makes a gentle dig at Shakespeare's quote: "Any other rose may wither and decay, but this is a memento to keep as you may. The choice is yours, I cannot say, for you may decide to use it on a rainy day!"

Asked whether her entrepreneurial attempt had been criticised as being materialistic, Ms Emery said she had received nothing but positive feedback.

"No one has said anything like that at all. Most people just see it as something different. It adds a special touch rather than just giving money."

Clients supply the notes and Ms Emery charges a $15 fee for labour and materials. Deliveries can be accommodated. Demand dictates how quickly the roses can be completed.