Prim Spring Bouquet

Hi Everyone! Jan here and back for a last post for March.  It's official!  Spring has arrived -- at least on the calendar.  We've even heard a few lawn mowers in the neighborhood in the last week or so -- hoping to see a few more sprigs of green and color in a few more days
I've wanted to do a hanging mason jar project for a long time... but just didn't get the right vibes until the tulips came to mind.  So let's get started.

You'll need:
cream colored brushed flannel (2 fat quarters or a 1/4 yard)
Tulip fabric dyes (green, orange, yellor)
tea (berry and black)
sewing machine
fiber fill
bamboo skewers
hot glue
wire cutters
board
screw
mason jar/with lid
twine
mica powder (Mixed Media Supplies)
filler (optional)
scissors
pattern (I drew my own)
gloves

Plan on working on this project for a couple of days.... First steps for me were

1) draw my patterns.  Be sure to allow a 1/4" seam for the flowers. 

2) I chose to make 3 different colored flowers... 3 in each color.  Cut three pieces of fabric large enough to cut 6 flowers from.  Remember you'll also need a piece for the leaves.

3) Mix the dyes as directed by the manufacturer.  I poured about an inch of mixed dye into a pint sized mason jar and placed the fabric  - one for yellow and one for orange.  In a third mason jar, steep a couple of bags of the berry tea.  Add the fabric.  In a 4th jar, add some green dye and place the fabric you've set aside for the leaves in that jar.  Let the fabric soak for about 30 minutes.  Using gloves, lightly wring the fabric.  I did not rinse the extra dye out of the fabric before air drying.  After the fabric has dried, heat set using an iron.  Use a towel to absorb any additional ink that may be released with the iron.  Begin with the lightest color first, then gradually work to the darker colors.  Set aside.  But you're not ready to cut yet.  You can return the leftover dye to their storage containers to use at a later date.  Clean the jars.

4) Steep 2 large bags of black tea.  Divide between the 4 jars and place a piece of fabric in each of the jars.  Allow to soak for about 20 minutes or until the fabric is sufficiently grunged.  Again, using gloves, wring the fabric.  Let dry.  Heat set the fabric again as described previously.

5)  Trace the patterns on the fabric and cut. You'll need two cuts for each flower and one cut for each leaf - I forgot to take a picture of the leaves.  OOPS!

6) Stitch each flower, wrong sides together using a 1/4" seam allowance, leaving about 3/4 " area unstitched to allow for turning.  Clip curves and corners and turn.  Set aside.

7)  Lightly stuff each flower with some fiberfill. 

8) If desired, "paint" the skewers green. 

9) Using the glue gun, apply a small bit to the base of the flower and attach to the skewer.  Repeat until all the flowers are attached.  Spritz each flower with a bit of Mixed Media Supplies mica powder mixed with water and let dry.
10)  Trim skewers if needed.  Glue a leaf to the skewer and repeat until all the flowers have been completed.
11) With the crop-o-dile, punch a hole on the ring on either side.  Thread some twine through the holes and tie off leaving enough to hang the mason jar from the hook in the board.
12) Arrange the flowers in the jar as desired.  Add filler if desired.  Spritz with a little more mica powder dissolved in water.  And you're done!

There's a little bit of shimmer on the flowers and leaves, but it's hard to catch.

I added a string of fairy lights to my bottle before adding the flowers.  They're easy to turn on and off and sure add a touch of whimsy to this prim bouquet.

Hope you have some creative time scheduled soon! Thanks for stopping by and joining in the fun this month... stay tuned, Debi's up next!

It's been a fun month of creating for me -- so stop by my blog for more . 

Spring Wreath

It's my turn today to start the week with some fun and bright flowers made using Mixed Media Supplies Digital Printable Journal papers from the shop. 

You'll need: 
Digital  Printable Journal papers from Mixed Media Supplies
dies*
die cutting machine*
Printer
copy paper
Micron Pen .01
Marker AirBrush*
3/4 " circle paper punch
markers*
Hot glue
Sapphire and Pearl Mica from Mixed Media Supplies
grapevine wreath

Download and print the journal page from Mixed Media Supplies using regular copy paper.  Using your favorite flower dies, cut an assortment of flowers and layers.  TIP:  Cut multiple layers at a time.  

Remove cuts from the dies, sort according to size.

If desired, add a doodled outline to the "petals" using the micron pen.

Punch a circle in the yellow paper for the stamens of you flower.  Fold in half, cut a small vertical slit in the fold.  On the arched area of the circle, make small cuts to form a fringe.  Unfold, and slide onto the brad,    Make one for each of the flowers that will be open flowers (not buds).

My wreath is a small wreath -- so I chose to use the smaller of the dies and create a small arrangement for the wreath. 

Cut a few leaves.  I used white card stock -- they need a little more body.  Color using the marker airbrush and colors as desired.

Add a spritz or two of pearl and sapphire mica to the edges of the flower petals and buds.  If desired, add a little pearl or gold mica to the leaves.
Secure the flowers and leaves on the wreath using a little hot glue.  Add any additional embellishments and fillers as desired.

Add a ribbon and hanger if desired. 


Thanks for stopping by the Mixed Media Supply blog today and I hope you'll be setting aside some #CRE8Time this month and every month!  Explore new ideas and new techniques! 

You'll also find additional information and ideas on my personal blog... feel free to drop by!

*Specific products used:
Sizzix Big Shot (you could also use an electronic cutting machine and files specific to your machine)
Spellbinders Rose Creations by Donna Salazar (retired?)
Craftwell eBrush and SN adapter
Spectrum Noir Markers