Studded Flower Blossoms and Braided Necklace DIY

07/12/12

The latest Whimseybox fell onto my doorstep jingling with metal studs and softened by an 8.5 x 11 inch sheet of sueded leather. This Whimseybox has a more directed approach than the previous two boxes in my collection, which I really like. It can be challenging to mentally link several seemingly unconnected items and come up with an art project. And while you certainly may follow the suggestions on the postcard which describes the materials, the real fun happens when you jump off and just start bringing in some of the other stuff in your crafty space. Interested? Subscribe to Whimseybox here.

With the studs from this Whimseybox I offer you a very versatile Studded Flower Blossom Tutorial which you can attach to barrette clips, pin backings, attach to headbands or necklace chains. Using a very easy DIY approach you can adapt the flowers with multiple layers, uneven folds, frayed edges, bias and zig sagged cuts. After making the blossoms, we are going to make ourselves a braided fiber necklace.

Materials:

• Fabric scraps measuring about 10-inches long and up to 3 inches wide *shot cottons, liberty and double gauze work perfectly
• Metal studs
• scrap elastic 1/4″ wide
• safety pin or bodkin
• hand sewing needle, thread, sewing machine, iron
• accessory backings: barrette clips, pin backs, headbands, necklace chains

Studded Flower Blossom Instructions:

1. Cut scraps of fabric to approximately 2 inches wide x 13-14 inches long and fold in half. The pieces left of center include an additional scrap piece stashed and staggered within the fold. I suggest varying the widths if you are making multiples.
2. Sew a line of stitches about 3/8 – 1/2″ from the folded edge and stop about 1/2 an inch from one end. This creates a channel through which you will insert a bodkin or safety pin in the next step.
3. Take elastic and anchor it to a safety pin or bodkin. Hold one end and fish the bodkin through the channel.
4. When you get to the end, fold back the 1/2″ unsewn portion from step #2, pull the elastic tight and tie a tight double knot or hand sew the elastic.
5. Fold the half inch section back over the flower.Hand or machine sew this flap in place.
6. Press a stud through one layer of fabric and then press the pins flat using a hard object to turn the points inward. I used a table. Don’t tell my husband.
7. Hand sew a pin back to the rear of the flower blossom.
8. Attach to bags, headbands, braided necklace, whatever!

Braided Necklace DIY

Materials:

• Various Yarns
• Scrap fabric
• Scissors

1. Cut 10-20 yarn strands to about 46″ long. 
2. Tie a knot at one end and clip the short ends to 1-1.5″ long.
3. Begin braiding the necklace.
4. Insert thin strips of fabric and continue braiding. 
5. Braid to desired length and tie a knot at the end.
6. Verify that the cord is desired length. Use it as is for a headband.
7. Smoosh two raw edges together and sew back and forth with your sewing machine. No big deal if it looks hideous. 
8. Tie a long scrap to one end and wrap around the loose yarn. 
9. Tie another piece of fabric over it to secure or sew in place.
10. Pin flowers to the cord and you’re all set!

Tags: beginner sewing project, flower accessories, studded flower blossom, whimseybox

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This entry was posted on Thursday, July 12th, 2012 at 8:00 am and is filed under Tutorials. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.