Happy Monday Musings!

I thought I'd start off this week with a technique that I just absolutely love....a ribbon rose.  Not just any ribbon, but a wired ribbon that comes undone (partially) and winds up adopting that great shabby chic, vintage-y look.  Oh, did I mention I'm addicted to both shabby chic and vintage???  I AM!!  So, I'll take you through this, step-by-step, and you'll be on your way to creating fabulous embellishments (on the cheap!) for gifts, paper crafting, hair ornaments, clothing embellishments....the sky's the limit!  So, let's get started...

Handmade Ribbon Flower

Materials

Ribbon

1.   any wired ribbon of your choice.  I would suggest using a wide width for the first ribbon you make.

A word of caution:  Don't use ribbon where the wire is heat-set in the edge, it will not gather!

2.   card stock or felt (if you’ll be using your flower as a pin or hair ornament) in a color that compliments your ribbon and will not show through a sheer fabric.

Tools

1.   small, sharp scissors

2.   circle punch (should not be bigger than the finished flower
(1.5-2 inches in diameter).  I am partial to EKSuccess punches.

Adhesives

1.   fast drying liquid adhesive.  I prefer Zip Dry;  it does what the name says, but it is a little “odorous” for some people.  It’s available at most craft, hobby, scrapbooking stores. 

Embellishment 

your choice - button, sequin trim, vintage earring, etc. 

 Instructions

1.  Cut a length of ribbon approx. 12-15 inches. Set aside.

2.  Punch a circle from your card stock; hand-cut a circle from your felt and set aside.

3.  Carefully trim off the wire from one side of the ribbon.

4.  With your scissors, cut large scallops from the trimmed side of the ribbon.

BE CAREFUL not to allow the wires to go back into their tunnel.  I suggest making a loop at the end of each wire.

5.  Now here’s the exciting part. Holding on to wired end of the 

ribbon, gently pull the other end.  You will see 

your flower begin to “bloom!”

Yes, this is different ribbon...forgot to take a pix of the gold at this step!

6.  Begin spiraling your ribbon, twisting it around until you get the desired shape.

7.  Take the wire loop on the outside and bring it through the center and to the back of the flower; twist the two ends together.

8.  At this point you will want to adhere your card stock or felt circle 

to the back of the flower.  I suggest felt if you are going 

to attach a pin or hair clip; card stock if you're using the 

flower for paper art.

9.  Embellish the center as you choose....the sky's the limit!  

this has a vintage applique

this is actually a smaller flower made with narrow ribbon attached to a larger flower, and topped off with a mini beaded applique

in time for Valentine's Day!

You may notice that your flower edges are shedding, but this is to be expected...this will add to the "shabbiness" of the creation.  Different ribbon will respond differently, so experiment!  

Please let me know what you think of the project, if you make one, any questions, etc.

If anyone is in love with this technique but for whatever reason feels challenged in creating one,  I'm selling custom made flowers for $4 plus postage.  Just email me at khess136@yahoo.com and I can get your order placed.  Shortly, I'll have a store on Etsy.com.  

Thanks for stopping by and having your coffee, tea, etc. with me.  Have a most wonderful, musing week and I'll see you next Monday!!  

xoxox Karen

I know it's Sunday, not Monday but just hadda share!

Yesterday I went to the Tucson Gem & Mineral Show with dear friend Debbie and scored some great stuff!  These are fueling my muse and can't wait to get working with them!

antique fabric stamps from the East - from Silk Road Treasures, Inc.
(thanks to Cameron for educating us on these "treasures")

gorgeous bead, silver and brass findings  - from Sandy Schor & Co.
(thanks to Martha for all her help!)

Be sure to come back tomorrow for the first Monday Musing project!

January 28, 2011

Hi there!
Well, this is the first!  My first blog...what was once a very scary thought has now mellowed out like the ripples from a rock skipped across a pond.  I'm coming to a peaceful place with the idea of blogging and getting more excited all the time!

Why am I doing this?

1. It's now 8 months since I retired from teaching 4th and 5th graders
2. I luv, luv, luv crafting with paper and all that goes with it
3. I luv, luv, luv making new friends
4. Ron (handsome hubby) and I are empty nesters (although our 2 grown daughters bought the house across the street...yay!)
5. I can now justify my paper passion, scouring junk/antique shops because I can share my finds with YOU!
6. I now have a vehicle for teaching...yes, I will offer instruction for some of my creations.

So, what have I been up to lately?  Well, Valentine's Day is right around the corner so here are some of the cards I've created.  Let me know what you think!  I'll be back on Mondays, so please tell me you'll be back too!