a pocket full of posies...

Hello my wonderful friends!

I was playing around with some seam binding the other day, when I remembered I had learned a long time ago how to make simple ribbon flowers.  I hadn't done it in ages, so I started making flowers....

I have decided it is a nice thing to do with your hands while sitting in front of the fire place. =)

Here's how to make them...

Step 1: Cut 5 pieces of ribbon to approx. the same length. Somewhere between 1-2 inches is a good place to start.

Step 2: Thin out some Creative Inspirations Paint by mixing in water. I like to do this in small batches on my craft sheet. 

(I'm using Burnt Clay)

Step 3: Quickly drag one long edge of your ribbon pieces through the puddle of paint & water.

Step 4: Allow the paint to wick into the ribbon as it dries for a natural look.

Step 5: If your ribbon is prone to fraying, thin down some glue (I use water and Mod Podge) and brush a touch onto the ends of the ribbon.

Step 6: Break out your needle and thread. Don't panic! This is sewing at it's simplest!  Just use a running stitch (up, down, up, down) along 3 sides of the ribbon. Leave the painted edge as the one un-sewn. Leave a tail. (in other words, don't pull the thread all the way through, leave some hanging off the back end.)

Here's what it looks like with the real ribbon...

Step 7: Continue sewing each ribbon piece onto the same thread. When you scrunch them all together, you have a cute scallop banner!

Step 8: Scrunch the ribbons in tight, and tie the thread in a knot to form a ring.

Step 9: Snip the ends of the thread, and add an embellishment to the center of your flower. Pearls, rhinestones, even buttons make fun centers!

Try using different length ribbons, to change the size of the petals. Try different types of ribbon for different looks... I've even made these with strips of gauze!  So much fun!

Enjoy!

~Kassi