Hello there readers! I know it's been a while so I hope you're still out there... well, it's finally here. The long awaited entry on... Chiffon flowers! I know I've been promising this for ages, so hopefully it won't disappoint. I'm going to show you the technique, which once you master can be used to make flowers of all sizes and colors, for everything from headbands to shoes to bracelets... the sky's the limit! I'll show you the sash now, and within the next few entries I'll show you some other ways to use these adorable little adornments. Without further ado...
You will need:
- Length of satin ribbon in the color of your choice (2" wode is a good width), however wide your waist is, extra if you want a bow in the back
- 1/2 yard chiffon fabric in the color of your choice (synthetic chiffon works best for this)
- 1 candle
- Scissors
- Beads, rhinestones, pearls, or other embellishment for the middle of your flowers
- Needle and thread
- Optional: fabric glue (if you're using rhinestones)
1) Cut out lots of different sized "petal" shapes from your chiffon with scissors. They do not have to be perfectly shaped at all, just make sure you have at least 3 petals in a size group, more if you want your flower to be super fluffy. The largest petals will determine the final size of your flower- you can always add more later if you want it bigger.
2) Next, light the candle (other instructions say to use a lighter, I think this way is MUCH easier) in an open area, out of the way of ceiling fans or vents (so the flame doesn't flutter around). Carefully take a petal and hold the edge of it near the flame until the edge starts to curl under and draw together, then rotate the petal so the the entire outside edge of the petal is curled. If you get too close, it will burn and turn black- if this happens, no biggie, just trim the black part off and curl what's left.
When you're done, you should have a petal that's three-dimensional- curled around the edge so it makes a "cup" shape.
3) The hard part is over. You've learned how to make a petal... and the tedious part starts. Repeat this step with all your petals! As you go, stack your petals on the threaded needle so you can see the shape of the flower and judge how many petals you want to add, and what size. Again, this is not at all an exact process- don't worry! It'll look great!
- Length of satin ribbon in the color of your choice (2" wode is a good width), however wide your waist is, extra if you want a bow in the back
- 1/2 yard chiffon fabric in the color of your choice (synthetic chiffon works best for this)
- 1 candle
- Scissors
- Beads, rhinestones, pearls, or other embellishment for the middle of your flowers
- Needle and thread
- Optional: fabric glue (if you're using rhinestones)
1) Cut out lots of different sized "petal" shapes from your chiffon with scissors. They do not have to be perfectly shaped at all, just make sure you have at least 3 petals in a size group, more if you want your flower to be super fluffy. The largest petals will determine the final size of your flower- you can always add more later if you want it bigger.
2) Next, light the candle (other instructions say to use a lighter, I think this way is MUCH easier) in an open area, out of the way of ceiling fans or vents (so the flame doesn't flutter around). Carefully take a petal and hold the edge of it near the flame until the edge starts to curl under and draw together, then rotate the petal so the the entire outside edge of the petal is curled. If you get too close, it will burn and turn black- if this happens, no biggie, just trim the black part off and curl what's left.
When you're done, you should have a petal that's three-dimensional- curled around the edge so it makes a "cup" shape.
3) The hard part is over. You've learned how to make a petal... and the tedious part starts. Repeat this step with all your petals! As you go, stack your petals on the threaded needle so you can see the shape of the flower and judge how many petals you want to add, and what size. Again, this is not at all an exact process- don't worry! It'll look great!
Sorry this one's so blurry... you get the idea.
4) So when you're done singeing and stacking petals and you have the flower size you want, pass the needle and thread through the whole stack several times, binding them all together at the center. You will now have something that looks more or less like this!
5) Now it's fun time again. Either glue or sew your embellishments into the middle of the flower. I used 1 big rhinestone and a cluster of silver glass beads around it for the big flower, and a smaller cluster of beads and rhinestones for the two smaller flowers on the sash.
6) Lastly, attach the flowers to the sash by either sewing or gluing them into place!
This is a great craft that can be used for so many things- especially if you need perfect color coordinated accessories! Try adding them to a clutch for your bridesmaids, on a special hairpiece with some feathers, or putting them on your flower girl's basket. Since it's rather time consuming I don't recommend it for a huge project like wrapping your favors or something, but it's great for making things fun and personal.
More projects soon... until next time, keep crafting! 38 days til the wedding! Auuuuggghhhh!
Alicia
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