how-to: a fabric flower tutorial...

so. i am by no means a 'martha stuart'.  i can barely thread a needle let alone sew.  i have seen these adorable fabric flowers everywhere, and  i thought 'i can make that'.  On a spontaneous weekend trip to ohio this fall, i decided to give one a shot with the guidance of my mother (who is, by the way, is a total martha.)   anywho, mom had some fabric scraps and fabric glue, so i gave it a try.  it was a sticky mess, but i managed to bust out three flowers and called it a day.  a few months ago, i decided to try them again, only this time i opted for a hot glue gun.  after a couple of tries, i mastered a few new headbands for me and ava.  i got some great feedback on them, and thought you guys might like a little how-to session.  again, i am no martha, and there is most likely a better way to make these.  this is just what seems to work for me:)

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Step 1.  the first, and best, step is choosing your fabric! I get a 1/4 yard of fabric, and cut it into strips.  this amount yields about three large flowers.

Step 2.  Apply a strip of hot glue to your fabric, and then fold. (this will allow for your print to always show).

Step 3. After folding, cut  your strip. The length is entirely up to you.  It just depends on how big you want your flower to be :)

Step 4. begin rolling the fabric in a circle.  i find it works best to work in small sections, alternating from rolling to gluing. when rolling, i work looking at the 'top' of the flower. when gluing, work from the backside of the flower, applying the hot glue in the 'seams'. when working with the hot glue, the small sections are key so that the fabric remains tight and easy to roll.   it is also key that you allow your glue time to dry before rolling more fabric.

  once your flower is rolled and the glue has dried, the possibilities are endless. pins, picture frames, necklaces, and hair accessories are just a few ways you can use your flower.  my favorite way (so far!) to use the fabric flower is on a head band.  all you need is an elastic band and some felt.

Step 5.  using the hot glue, attach the elastic band to the flower.

Step 6:  Using the felt, cut a circle just a little smaller than the size of your flower.  apply hot glue to the felt, and place on the back of your flower, leaving the elastic band in between.  the felt helps add additional security to the band for wearing. and your circle doesn't need to be perfect, as no one sees this side anyway!

Step 7. Enjoy your new headband!

If you try out the tutorial, please let me know how it goes!  And, if you are interested in having me make a headband for you, you can contact me at cemerson620(at)aol(dot)com. :)

editors note:  please do not pay attention to the very grown up toy story art tray i was working on.  it kind of works perfectly for flower making in front of the tv. a certain 5 year old is wanting her tray back ---  apparently i need to invest in a craft table :)