Simple Daisy Style Flower Tutorial

I know there are a few of you who have asked me about tutorials on flowers to use for embellishments and things.  So, this will be our starting point!

This flower was one that I used to add to all of my small usb cases and my gift certificates, but I have since changed over to a more shabby chic style. These are perfect for a simple and sweet addition to any packaging or gift.  They can be used for so many things from scrapbooking to home décor to clothing/hair accessories as well. 

The size on this flower is completely up to you!  It all depends on the width that you decide to rip your fabric. You can even stack multiple in different sizes.  Plus, you can use just about anything for the center: from buttons to brads to rhinestones, or anything really!

Let's get started:

Supplies Needed:  

Scrap fabric
Needle and Thread
Embellishment of your choice for the center piece
Hot Glue Gun

Instructions: 

First, you need to decide on the size that you want your flower to be. For a smaller flower, like what you see on the usb case or g/c, you would need a piece about 10 inches long by about 1 inch wide.  You will want to make a small cut at the end of your scrap fabric, and then rip it down the rest of the way.  You will then measure over the 1 inch width (or desired width) and rip the other side. Then cut your strip to desired length.  Play around with the width and length of your strips to vary the sizes of your flowers to fit your needs or mix it up by stacking them.

Next, cut a long piece of thread (about 8-10 inches longer than your piece of fabric), knot the end of it, and then thread your needle. I usually triple or quadruple knot it at the bottom, so I don't accidentally pull my thread out during this next step.

Then, you will just take your needle and start running it in and out through one edge of the fabric.

Once you reach the end, you can remove the needle. Hold that end and find your other knotted end, take both ends and pull them together like if you were beginning to tie your shoe.  You will want to make sure all of the fabric is facing the same direction and hasn't gotten crazy twisted, which almost always happens at some point when making one of these.

So, you have it all gathered up, now make sure all the short-side above the stitching is facing one direction too.

Now, we are going to pull tight and tie a knot...do another knot...and another...and another for good measure.

Flip over your flower and spread it out and adjust the gathers the way that you like them, and find your embellishment and hot glue it to the center.

 BAM!  All done :)

Back to School Giveaway!!

With the kids going back to school, and busy autumn schedules creeping around the corner, should we make it giveaway time??  I haven't had one in what seems like forever, so I think maybe...no...it's MOST definitely time!

Here's the scoop and ways to enter:

PERKS & PRIZES:  Everyone who enters will automatically receive a 15% off coupon to use at The Pink Dandelion at the end of the giveaway.  There will be a 1st and 2nd prize winner, and you can get an entry for every single one of the steps below! Pick and choose whichever ones that you want to do. The gift certificates can be used for absolutely anything in the shop!  All entries must be posted or shared by September 1st at 11pm CST.  Winners will be announced on September 3rd at 10am CST.  

1. First, you can share this blog post on Facebook or Twitter and comment letting me know the link where you shared. (Entry #1)


2. Another double entry can be made by emailing me a photo of your current Pink Dandelion packaging in action at: shopthepinkdandelion@gmail.com  (Photos may be used for advertising or website, but photo credit will be given)  (Entry #2 and #3)


3. Share this blog post on Pinterest, and be sure to comment letting me know you shared. (Entry #4)


4. Follow me on Instagram: @thepinkdandelion(Entry #5)


5. Subscribe or follow this blog by email. (Entry #6)


6. Go to my shop, then come back and comment with your favorite product.  (Entry #7)
   
   
   

Third Time's a Charm...Right???

I've been trying to figure out where to begin with my re-start of the blog, but honestly I feel like I will be rambling on and on while making up excuses for why I haven't kept up with it.  The reality is that life just gets in the way sometimes!  I don't have any grand explanation, but I'm hoping to start again...and this time keep up with it. 

The goal is to share a bit of my life along with my love of sewing, photography, maybe a smidge of cooking (because I do love some good food), and anything else that might be fun, helpful, or entertaining.

First, let's get to know me a bit.  I'm in my studio or on the run with my two kiddos about 95% of the time, but I wouldn't have it any other way. When I'm not painting tiny nails, cheering on my little track star, or listening to my mini rock stars sing, I'm usually thinking of something new to sew or lately I've finally started to get my photography mojo back. 

I've been trying to make time to get out and just shoot the beautiful things that I find around me. The problem is just finding enough hours in the day.

I'm on a mission to get back in shape, but sometimes my motivation is a bit...lacking.  I keep telling myself I will get back on schedule when school starts next week.  We'll see if that theory holds...or not. 

I spend obscene amounts of time thinking about new ideas and products that I could add to the shop, which I really do enjoy.  It's so nice to have a job that I love and rarely get tired of, along with the best customers ever!  Sewing is something I grew up learning from my mom, and I never once thought I would use it for business at any point in my life.  Boy, did I totally miss that calling for the first 10 years of my life or what??! 

Well, that's a bit of me in a small nutshell, and I hope you will stick around and enjoy this blogging ride with me!