I haven't tried much recipes yet as I only have a hand mixer (for now) but I want to know a good butter cream recipe that works well with making roses. Also I'm pretty new at all this how long does it last if you make the roses ahead of time? Thanks so much any tips for a newbie I'd appreciate it!

First off, Welcome to CC!! (Better known as your new addiction! )

For roses, any stiffer consistency buttercream will work. Roses will last quite a while made ahead of time, even out of buttercream. Just let them air dry on a cookie sheet. Hope that gives you a start.

Thanks! I actually just discovered this website yesterday and have been browsing all day! I'm very excited to learn and try different things. I haven't really done too much cake decorating only cookies/cupcakes. So I'm really anxious to learn all I can!! Do you have any preferable recipes for the roses or does any recipe work? I have tried a buttercream one that just wasn't stiff enough for roses but worked perfect for spreading.
Thanks again!!

Any buttercream recipe can be thinned out for spreading and thickened up for piping roses. I recommend you find a "crusting" buttercream recipe -- one that will develop a thin skin on it which will make it easier to smooth out. One of our members named Melvira has developed a technique for smoothing using a foam roller of all things! Sugarshack has an excellent buttercream recipe, as does Indydebi. Check the recipes forum and you will be pleasantly surprised.