Fabric flower gift box
These fabric flowers are so much fun to make, they’re really easy but mind you don’t burn your fingers. I’m sure you’ve seen versions of these around but this is how I make them and I think the touch of glitter makes them extra special!!
Basically all you need is a synthetic fabric, (dress lining, organza, satin, polyester whatever you like), it just has to be synthetic because you’re melting the edges of the fabric. If you use a natural fabric like cotton it won’t melt, it’ll just burn. I use a candle as my heat source (yes you have to be very careful!). Do this on a clear work surface, away from any piles of paper etc! *Note the fabric never actually touches the flame, you’re only using it as a heat source! Also do this in a well ventilated area.* Make sure there’s no kids around either, they might get ideas!
I usually make a few of these together so I have some ready whenever I need them. I used the Perfectly Square Template Set by Kelleigh Ratzlaff from the Digichick as the base for my gift box. I used the gorgeous Music and Swirls Digital Stamp by Arty Pants Digital Stamps to decorate the box.
Other items I used were an old paint brush, pencil, PVA, glue, scissors, fine glitter, needle and thread. To decorate the box, I used Tim Holtz Distress Ink in Antique Linen, silk ribbon, music print ribbon, twine, card, black ink pad. I also used stamps from Musical Backgrounds and Basket Additions by Waltzingmouse Stamps for the tag.
Different fabrics will behave differently when heated, some will curl more than others, you just have to experiment.
Draw some circles directly on to the fabric with a pencil and cut out. You need about 6 or 7 circles per flower. Just use a couple of different objects to draw around. Don’t worry about pencil marks, they’ll disappear! I used circles ranging in size from 1.5 inches to 3 inches but obviously if you want bigger flowers use bigger circles. Your circles will get smaller when you melt them!
*NOTE – This is as close as you need to get to the flame!!! Heat the circle from the side of the flame, not from above. It only takes a couple of seconds to melt, so keep your circle moving. Depending on the fabric you use you may need to heat the edges a second time, if you want more curl.
Continue to melt the edges of all your circles. I would recommend using a tweezers to hold any of the smaller circles, to keep your fingers away from the heat. Layer your circles, with the smaller ones on top.
Once you have all your layers together (I use about 6 or 7) attach them together by adding a dot of glue between each layer or by sewing the centre together. I used a flat backed pearl for my centre but you could use buttons, brads or whatever you like. I glued mine in position.
Using an old paint brush add some PVA glue to the melted edges of your flower. You can just add some around the outer edge if you like or on each layer, it depends how much sparkle you like!
On a scrap piece of card add a generous amount of fine glitter then dip your flower into the glitter. Press it right in to the glitter to insure good coverage, shake off the excess and leave to dry. (Put back any unused glitter into it’s container!)
Result, lots of sparkly, shabby flowers, ready to add to a variety of projects!!
So I made a simple box using the Perfectly Square Template Set by Kelleigh Ratzlaff and decorated it with Music and Swirls Digital Stamp by Arty Pants Digital Stamps. I rubbed Tim Holtz Distress Ink in Antique Linen over the paper to get that soft color. I added some silk ribbon, music ribbon, some twine and a little tag to finish. Have FUN but BE CAREFUL!!
Other Articles by cbuswell:
- Trinket box with vellum flower - February 18th, 2011
- Love coupons - January 24th, 2011
- Keepsake box - December 8th, 2010
- Vintage Christmas Crackers - November 17th, 2010
- Vintage Halloween Banner - October 20th, 2010
