button flowers {tutorial}

Today’s flower is the simplest of them all {perfect for a mid-week spurt of creativity}.

I saw this project in the April 2008 issue of FamilyFun magazine {yep, I still have the tear out in a binder}. I didn’t changed much from the original how-to, other than using silver wire instead of florists’ green.  These are super easy and a great craft to do with kids.

Here is what you’ll need:

:: buttons in various sizes {I went monochromatic, but you can be as crazy as you want}

:: 26 gauge wire {or whatever you have that is easily bendable}

:: scissors or wire cutters

STEP ONE: select your buttons

Choose three buttons in varying sizes and stack them up

STEP TWO: cut wire to desired length {mine are approximately 6 inches}

STEP THREE: thread wire through holes in buttons

STEP FOUR: loop the wire up through the hole and down the opposite button hole

{oh good heavens, don’t judge my hands}

Thread the wire back through the bottom button

STEP FIVE: twist the wire to secure

Aren’t they so sweet?

I used a silver egg cup, added play dough to the inside {you could use florists foam if you have it, but I didn’t and play dough seemed to do the trick!} then covered with a bit of moss.  Poke the wire stems in and you have a playful little flower arrangement.

These are the same button flowers that are in Audrey’s room, except in white and tied up with twine.

I did a search on google images for ‘button flowers’ and look what else I found:

How beautiful, unexpected and cheap{!} for bridal bouquets. Wish I thought of that for my wedding! You could even have each of the bridesmaids make their own at a button-flower making party. I like that idea.

This is the photo from that magazine article where I first saw these flowers. They look awfully cute sticking out of a plant.

And I love these ones that have black wire stems that twist all the way down. Very whimsical.

So many variations you can do with sizes and colors of buttons. I can’t wait to see what you come up with.

Posted by emily | 58 comments

gathered flower {tutorial}

A few months ago my sister found a really cute burlap table runner with three fabric flowers on each end. She loved it, but didn’t really love the crazy-expensive price tag. So she asked me to re-create the flowers to attach to her handmade burlap table runner and this is what I came up with.

Here is what you’ll need:

:: fabric {linen, canvas, wool, felt – something slightly sturdy}

:: template {download here or at the bottom of post}

:: scissors, needle, thread

:: something pretty for the center {rhinestone, old brooch, a button}

STEP ONE: print template and cut out petals

There are two templates available for download: small and large. I used the small for this example and the large for the pillows. You can certainly adjust the size and shape to your liking and disregard the template altogether if you prefer.

STEP TWO: cut petals

I fold the fabric so that I only have to cut once.

You’ll need FOUR large petals and THREE small

STEP THREE: gather the center of each petal

Make a running stich through the center, then pull the thread taught, wrap it around the center a few times and make another stitch through the center. Knot it off and cut the thread.

You’ll have this:

STEP FOUR: stack the petals

Start with the large,

then layer on the small.

STEP FIVE: stitch the petals together

Just stitch back and forth through the center several times to secure the layers.

STEP SIX: embellish the center

a little dab of hot glue does the trick.

This size is just right to attach to a headband

And do you remember this cute flower pillow? It is part of this month’s giveaway {have you entered for a chance to win? You can do it here}. I made it out of felt then stitched directly onto the pillow.

If you would like to make a few of your own, please feel free to download my templates:

 

{click on image to download}

Note: to make a fuller flower keep the center a bit wider than on the template.

I hope you are enjoying flower week! Come back tomorrow for another great flower project.

Posted by emily | 73 comments