7.01.2008

How to make a Flower Pin (and a giveaway!)

Don't you hate that "blah" feeling. The feeling where you have no energy, creative or otherwise, and your only desire is to lounge on the couch. That is how I felt last weekend after being sick all week. Even though my body had recovered, my mind was in a daze. I told my friend Jenny, that I felt "dried up,"  and she came through for me with an excellent project to get my creative juices flowing again: Flower pins!

I did a little looking online for some ideas and came across this tutorial that I used as my jumping off point. 


The main idea that I gained from the tutorial was a cool trick to making the basic flower shape (you should check it out, because it makes the process of cutting the flowers a lot faster). From that point on though, I pretty much changed it to suit what I was imagining a flower pin to look like. 

I cut 3 coordinating fabrics into small (about 2 1/2") flowers. I used about 15 flowers, where the original instructions said to use 6; I wanted mine to be really full. The sheer fabric was my favorite element.


Then, I layered the petals in a random yet organized fashion (whatever that means). 


I speared the flowers with my scissors, creating a hole for a brad to be inserted. I enjoy inventing new ways to cut myself. 


The brad creates a center for the flower, while joining each layer together. 


I love brads. 


My flower was looking a little too perfect at this point, so I put it into a sachet and tossed it into the washer and dryer. My hope was that it would come out wrinkled and frayed. 


While I waited to see if my washer/dryer hypothesis would hold up, I cut a small circle from felt, and attached a pin. You should thank me for this shot; I took it with my lips. Yes, I pressed the button to take the picture with my lips. I amaze myself.  


Guess what? The washing and drying had the desired effect, so I was able to proceed by gluing (with fabric glue) the felt to the flower.


After letting it sit for a few hours, my flower was ready to be worn!


Look how much it adds to this seersucker bag!


Another one takes this simple tank top beyond ordinary.


This shabby chic version even further dresses up my new container. 


But guess what? These flowers won't be embellishing my bag, or dressing up my tank top, or even adding an extra something to my storage bin... 

Instead, they will be shipped off to a few lucky winners who can use them to adorn their favorite things! 

Over the next 3 days I will give each of these away to a random lucky commenter. To start off, I will be giving the hot pink with green flower away. My only request is that you leave a comment letting me know your 4th of July plans. I will choose the winner tomorrow evening, and will then open comments for the next flower to be won. 

71 comments:

Anonymous said...

These are precious!
Count me in for this. Thanks!

Megret
meg.wilson@gmail.com

aimee said...

we usally just sit on our front steps and watch fireworks from there. we have a great view and don't have to fight traffic. maybe i should add some smores or sparklers! that would make it more fun for the kids.

Christian said...

We are driving a couple of hours away to see my husband's family. It is also his sister's bday so we plan to celebrate at the fireworks with cake!

Ginny said...

On the 4th we are planning to go to my hubby's friends house. They have tons of fireworks, he said about 3 hour long show!

Jodie Allen said...

heading to the neighborhood parade and praying that our three kids (under age three) all survive the heat!

thanks for the give away!

Unknown said...

oooh, i love them! sadly, my 4th of july plans include working. i work the night shift at a hospital, so i will totally miss the fireworks. :(

Brianne said...

I love those flower pins!

I'm not sure what we're doing for the 4th. I like to watch the fireworks over Lake Union in Seattle, but I don't really want to fight the crowds this year. Plus I'm not sure how my 18 month old would hold up. We'll probably end up at a friend's house.

Stephanie said...

Ooh, the pink with the green is my favorite!

Our plans for the 4th include our small town 4th of July Parade (where we set up our chairs the night before to stake our supreme spot). Then a little BBQ to pass the afternoon hours. Then we'll watch the fireworks from our backyard in our jammies. All in all, a fun day!

A Spoonful Of Sugar said...

Another great idea Kristin! Not being American, we don't celebrate 4th of July. However that is my first day of a 2 week holiday from work so I will be assembling my new Ikea storage shelf and sorting and organising my sewing room!

Becky said...

Those flowers really can dress up a dull bag! This 4th we are celebrating at home with friends and family while my firecracker husband literally blows our money. We love the 4th at our house!

Henry said...

wonderful flowers!i have a blah headband that is screaming for a flower!

quitecontrary1977@hotmail.com

Joy said...

WOW... those are so cute.. love them. I am in Washington State right helping to care for my very sick mom.. but we are leaving to go back to my home in Seaside Oregon... to enjoy the cooler weather and take my mom to the beach. It will be fun.

Jenny and the Princess Peonies said...

Super fun idea! I too have the lay around the couch blues...We will be doing a 4th bar b q at home with just us since the hubby is on call. But it will be fun to hang out in our new pool!

lutingobelin said...

Congrats for your creations. As I am in France, The july 4th is a work day. But the july 14th is our national day and I think that we are going to eat some cakes in family in a park or in the garden.

Lacy said...

Well on the fourth I am going to TRY to run a 5k before the small town parade near by. Then we will shop at the towns fair on the square and then fry fish with pals and then a big fireworks show!.Wow that is sounding like a packed day!!!! Wheww! But I cant wait to celebrate our freedom and have fun! Happy Fourth to you.

Zarah said...

I'm not entering the contest - because I'm a Swede so I don't have any plans for the fourth. BUT I still have to say: those are just beyond adorable!! Love the cleverness of washing & drying them in that little bag to get them all frayed - I'll remember that! (I'll also probably make these flowers some day soon, and refer back to you!) TFS!

Mrs. Gray's Class said...

Brads have come a long way . . .

We've been so busy house hunting and packing that we really haven't made any plans. Hopefully by the end of the week we will be celebrating the fourth and the purchase of a new house.

Jill said...

These are lovely! Hmm...haven't decided for sure, but I think we're going to my in-laws for the weekend. They live in a nice slow-paced little town where I'm hoping to find a garage sale or 2.
Happy 4th!
Blessings,
Jill

Stacey said...

very great projects you have...glad I came across your bloggie!

Lisa said...

What a great idea! Love these!! My plans for the 4th are pretty simple. My mom and my boys go to our city park to watch the fireworks. This includes gospel music by the local churches and area musicians, food, fellowship and of course MOSQUITOES!! I'm usually their main course! But we all have fun and get lots of great pictues! Have a great 4th everybody!!
Lisa H. in Arkansas
luvtoscrap1972@yahoo.com

Jennifer said...

What adorable pins! Thanks for sharing the idea ... and the pins!

We have a local fireworks show in our community that we always attend. We typically park in an empty lot with a good view and sit in lawn chairs.

Yelowflower said...

4th of July? Our little city does theirs on the 3rd...so that is where we will be - my DH and I will be assisting the local Police Department with traffic and crowd control for the parade and also for the fireworks display - so we will be BUSY!!! lol thanks for doing this

http://yelowflowersgarden.blogspot.com/

{amy k.} said...

So adorable! I'm happy I found your blog, looks like you have some great things! For the 4th we'll be going to a barbeque in the afternoon and then we're headed to the beach to watch some fireworks! Woo hoo!

AmyDe said...

Those are adorable. Thank you so much for sharing the process and for the give away opportunity.

Jake and Rachelle said...

We are doing the usual, hamburgers and fireworks!

Kelli said...

These are so cute! We are going to start our celebration tonight with a Willie Nelson concert and then heading to Carlsbad Caverns on Friday!

Monica said...

I love your blog... It's been added to my favorites!

My plans are just grilling and hanging out with the fam[ily].

I love the idea for the flowers. I can see so many uses for them!

***Monica

Anonymous said...

So cute!

We are hosting a bbq and we will be setting off our own fireworks in the driveway. We always have WAY too many, but the kids love them!

Unknown said...

At first I wasn't so sure that i would like these... but WOW - they look fabu!!! on the bag, shirt and other places. They are adorable...... love it!!

Mikki said...

Wow! What cute pins. You do such a terrific job with everything you put your hand to, at least from what I've seen so far on your blog. They'd be cute on a blazer too.
For the 4th I have to work in the evening. So, I'll miss the fireworks.:o( But, we'll have a little bar-b-q in the afternoon before I go to work. I'm looking forward to that at least.

Libby said...

We are going to my Inlaw's in pensacola. Its sorta our holiday to spend with them, which i sgreat- they are close to the beach and have a pool, which is so much fun!
Libby christiansen
nathanandlibby@windstream.net

ps- I asked you about sewing machines a few weeks ago...My Mom's was repairable...so I am going to use that one. I also bought the book Sew What skirts....I'm excited! Wish me luck! I love your blog!

Shannon Willcutt said...

I cannot remember how I found your blog, but I am soooo glad I did!! I love your stuff!! My hubby is one that can build stuff you see in Pottery Barn mags (sounds like your hubby)...therefore I have already put in an order for a shelf like your daughter's (the one with the pink bead board). I love it!! We are working towards converting our baby girl's room to a big girl room. I have plans to do mod podge notebooks and library book bags as well, thanks to your ideas! So I am craft and creative, I just need a boost like you to get me started :)

We will be hanging out at home the morning the 4th...me, hubby, and my 2 little girls. Then heading to my parents' camphouse 1/2 hour away for some grilling, water toys, and fireworks.

Pam said...

I would love one of those. Our plans are cooking out at my mom's on Friday and taking my daughter to the local parade on that morning.

Tiffany said...

These are really pretty. I do hope you didn't injure yourself too much!

We will be spending Independence Day at a party at our friends house. We will eat and drink way too much and watch fireworks. I can't wait!

Alecia Wolfford said...

SO CUTE, love these flowers!!!

I plan on heading to the beach to stay with parents and have a whole crew of friends going to spend the weekend with us. Party time fun!!

{It's a family affair} said...

Oh my ever-so-talented friend...I LOVE LOVE LOVE my flower pin!!! So of course that means I have to enter everyday just in case I win another fabulous pin! I am wearing it tomorrow to show it off!

Oh yes, the 4th plans...we are getting up early and going downtown to watch the parade (from the comfort of my brothers main street office!) then family cookout and late night fireworks...with SPARKLERS - my personal favorite...I will spare you from my sparkler dance though!

thekreativelife said...

OOOOOO! These are gorgeous! I SO enjoy your humorous tutorials and I've GOT to try making a few of these myself. Thanks for the inspiration!

Ashley said...

We have a big family reunion on the river. Wish I had one of these flowers for a tank on the 4th. So cute!

Christy said...

I have a very traditional family... cook-out, swim, and the town's fireworks! It may be simple, but I look forward to it every year.

Melissa @ The Inspired Room said...

That is adorable! I love how it jazzed up that bag. Too cute!

Fourth on the beach...need I say more?

Happy happy fourth to you!

Blessings,

Melissa

Amy Smith said...

We will be spending the day with family fishing, hanging out, tubing on the lake, playing sequence and phase 10. We will mention many times how big the kids are getting. We will try to scare each other with Pop-its all day. My stepfather will be impatient and start the family fireworks show well before dark. . . again. We will eat my mom's tried and true recipes and my sister's latest concoctions. Lastly we will sit on the top decks of the house and watch fireworks from 9 fireworks shows in the surrounding towns while enjoying rocket pops. Good times.

Lisa J. said...

Well my dh is working and my dd is at her fathers so no plans for me but to create!

Kristen, pajama mama said...

The local parade!!!! A forth of July without a parade is just wrong! We also can see the fireworks from our upstairs windows. it's so fun to wake our babes up and watch the works with them from the comfort of their bed!

love the tutorial!!!!

celesteb said...

The flowers are ga ga gorgeous!!!! Great idea!! Well as far as the 4th is concerned, my precious nephew Joseph Scott was born last 4th of July, it was an amazing day!!! So this year we will be going up to Northern California to celebrate his birthday with my in-laws.The 4th was a big deal for our family already but now with it being Joseph's birthday it will be a HUGE day of fireworks and birthday cake. It doesn't get better than that!!

Lolly said...

For the first time in years, I am doing absolutely NOTHING and am actually happy about it! I am off for the next four days and plan on cleaning, creating and organizing, not necessarily in that order :-).
~Lolly

leslie said...

cute cute cute... and even if I don't win I plan on making a whole slew of them this weekend... thanks so much for this tutorial!!!

Stacy Cooper said...

These are so cute.

I will be at a local park watching fireworks this 4th of July.

-Stacy

Cassie said...

Very cute flowers! Fourth of July plans around here are to go to the Norwalk Fourth of July parade that travels right down the end of the street. (Norwalk's parade is like an old time country parad it's great!) Then we will have a cook out with family. Hope you have a great fourth!

Heidi Thompson said...

Just found your blog yesterday and I read the ENTIRE site! I just can't get enough! I even emailed my sister your link because I knew she'd love it too!

Anyhoo,
my family is headed to Mammoth, CA for the fourth of July! We'll be watching fireworks perched on top of the mountain (or from under the hotel bed if it's up to my kiddos, who fear fireworks).

Have a great one!

Infarrantly Creative said...

I have no plans. I am pathetic. But a flower would make me happier

Molly Moloney said...

Visiting the in-laws for the 4th. Luckily, I have cool in-laws!

Amy Jo said...

Love those flowers! My little family is visiting my aunt's house on a lake for July 4th picnic and fireworks on the lake. Hope it doesn't rain...

Anonymous said...

Im SO going to to try these! LOVE them!!!!
July 4th plans... well I plan to go to the parade and the carnival and then watch the fireworks... Dh on the other hand thinks were going to see Nascar... we shall see who wins out! lol
~Katrina
Kaitsmommie@yahoo.com

Amy said...

LOVE THESE PINS~~pick me, pick me!!

The 4th is my husbands 32nd birthday, so we are planning a fun family party at his parent's ranch. I'm sure a few fireworks will be involved, but mostly FOOD and lots of CAKE!!

Michelle said...

Swimming & Fireworks! Love the pins!

I Do Faces said...

How cute!!! I found your blog from Today's Creative Blog!!! Ahh my 4th of July is going to be hectic...Im getting married in 14 days so I will be out shopping on the 4th for some last minute needs!!! And since AZ is soo dry idk how good the fireworks will be this year!! So I guess I'll just shop and maybe sneak in a burger!!!
-Tasia
idofaces56@aol.com

Bobbi Jo Nichols said...

I want to win!!I love your blog by the way, My family is going up to the white mountains,(about 4 hours away)where we use to live until last Oct. We are going to the fireworks the first night Friday, the actual 4th, in one town, w/ pizza & fried chicken on the dinner menu and playing Apples to Apples while waiting for the amazing display. The next night,Sat.We are visiting and having a cookout with my brother and his family and then going to the town they live near for the fireworks. We are also taking family pictures in the cute outfits I have put together for a much updated picture. Considering there has been a wedding of our oldest and a grandson from her and her husband since the last one. We plan on going on hikes and taking lots of pictures to scrapbook. Oh boy, Oh boy I really hope I win. I never win things but these are sooooooo dang cute!! Have a great 4th! Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Blake O'Quin said...

Those are flippin' cute!!! I want them all but I guess since I am your sister and all you can just make me one later and count me out for the drawing:)
We are having a "day of fun" at the church which includes Blake running a 5K at 4 PM in Texas... yay!!

Amber said...

My 4th of July plans? I plan to help my aunt paint her house out in the projected 99° degree heat. Now doesn't that sound fun? The weather may be miserable, but I know the company will make up for it.

Love the flowers! Thanks!

My Trendy Tykes said...

Our 4th plans consist of a cook-out and some fireworks later that eve.

I blogged about the tutorial and giveaway!

Linda

Tonya Staab said...

The flower pins are just gorgeous.

With 3 kids we will be hitting the county fair during the day and then avoiding the crowds at night but sitting out in our cul-de-sac to enjoy the fireworks show over the bay.

elizabeth engelhardt creations said...

We are heading to my mother-in-laws that morning (have to be there by 8:15!! yikes). We will then head over for my father-in-law and my children to ride his lawn mower in the town parade. We will then go back to their house for slip and slide fun!! Eat some cheeseburgers off teh grill and then at some point head to the park for the fireworks....it will be a FUN and LONG day...I predict {:o)

Kyle said...

we are going to a surprise party for my brother-in-law who is graduating from the fire academy!

Mistress Meeyee said...

Lovely! I really would like to win this. Cool!

Michele P. said...

very nice! They certainly do change the look, and add a splash of color. For the 4th of July, we can see the fireworks from our house, so we usually do up some sparklers before and after the fireworks, watch the fireworks (people come from all around to watch them, and we have great viewing!) and I will probably order a pizza for the kids from Dominos-keeping it simple and relaxing.

Anonymous said...

My daughter's first birthday is the 5th so we have family and close friends coming in town. Good times!

Monkey Giggles said...

Very cute. This was a wonderful tutorial.

Have a happy 4th.

Strawberry Gal said...

I gave this a try today & posted my outcome on my blog! I also linked to you! Did you have trouble w/the top of the flower being heavy & drooping? I had to improvise & added another pin on the back at the top of the flower to secure it. It's darling!

muralimanohar said...

I am totally in the wrong country to be asking about 4th plans, but I just LOVED the idea of tossing the flower in the washer!

the cole family said...

You are too hilarious! As much fun as it is reading "how-to's" your humor makes it that much more enjoyable!

I'm totally bummed I missed out on the giveaways, but hopefully I'll be making some of my own soon!

Unknown said...

I realize that its 2 yrs since anyone has posted so Im hoping that you will still read this! But I love this flower and I have been trying to make it but I cannot find the tutorial anywhere on that link!?! Im thinking that theyve probably cycled thru and posted newer stuff on there but I was wondering if theres another place to find it? I love your work...so beautiful! Im so excited to receive your emails with new tips every week, thank you so much for letting me be apart of your " family"

Melissa