Embellishment Week - Flower Pins

{Each day this week, I am taking a basic clothing item and using VERY SIMPLE techniques, creating something a little more special; by adding little details to a t-shirt or a jacket, they are transformed into much more original pieces}

I am cheating. For my final installment of embellishment week, I am reposting a project from last summer. The worst part is that I had a brand new, totally original post planned, but alas, an avocado has spoiled my plans. 

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I'm sorry, have I confused you? I suppose that I failed to mention that last Sunday night (Embellishment Week Eve), I stabbed my own palm while trying to cut an avocado (yes, I KNOW to cut away from myself...). The injury is minor, but while my hand heals, I have been left "single-handed" for all of these projects - and this next one seemed a little too involved, thus my re-posting. Darn those avocados - they always spoil my grand plans! 

But, in the meantime, this next project is full of options for embellishing any and everything your heart desires...

Flower Pins!

To begin, I cut 3 coordinating fabrics into small flowers (15-20 cutouts per flower).

I wanted them to be really full. The sheer fabric was my favorite element.

Then, I layered the petals randomly.

I speared the flowers with my scissors, creating a hole for a brad to be inserted

(Obviously, I enjoy inventing new ways to cut myself).

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

(You can find endless varieties of brads in scrapbooking stores).

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.

Next, 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 the felt to the back of the flower.

Flower pins are a great way to accessorize any number of items:

Look how much it adds to this seersucker bag!

Another one takes this simple tank beyond ordinary.

This shabby chic version further dresses up a storage bin.

I must warn you, as my friend Jenny can attest, these pins can become addicting - soon you will want dozens of them to adorn every outfit.

Luckily, they are also quick and easy - so you can adorn to your heart's content!