Last Night's Craftiness - Flower Pins 3

These pins are so affordable and easy to craft, my mind is now going wild considering all the possibilities!

Consider gluing a few of the leaves to the back of the flower as well (as I did with the red one below). Remember odd numbers are more visually interesting so 1,3,5 leave or clusters per flower. Whatever you do, don't discard the leaves, stash them for another project.

Consider making pins to dress up gift bags. Just in time for Easter, Mother's Day and summer weddings!

Consider wearing 3 flowers clustered together for a bigger statement.

Consider gluing smaller flowers on barrettes or shoe clips (also sold in the jewelry-making section of the craft store). Your ballet flats will be instantly transformed.

Consider pinning multiple flowers all over decorative throw pillows. You could neatly cover the entire pillow. You could sew, pin, or tie a contrasting fabric around the center of the pillow and add flowers centered on the fabric.

Consider pinning to the tops of tab top curtains for a cheery update to your kitchen or bathroom curtains.

Consider pinning randomly to your shower curtain.

Consider pinning them to ribbon for updated curtain tie-backs.

Consider the possibilities for a little girl's room!

Consider pinning a few on your canvas shopping tote.

Consider gluing ribbons to the back of the flower before adding the pin back for added oomph.

Consider carefully covering the edges of the petals in a thin line of white craft glue and dusting glitter over the edges.

Consider beautiful black or brown flowers tipped in silver or gold glitter for an evening look. Pin them onto your little evening clutch.

Consider pinning one to the bows/ties on the back of your dining chair covers.

Like a cleaner, more modern aesthetic? Use simple flowers in bold colors sparingly.

Shabby chic? Go crazy with creamy whites, and all shades of pink and peach in large full blooms.

Consider sunflowers for autumn and poinsettias for winter holidays.

SPRING HAS SPRUNG!

Last Night's Craftiness - Flower Pins 2

I popped a flower and all the leaves off the plastic-coated wire stem. I applied some Krazy Glue to the back of the flower and attempted to attach a flat-backed "safety pin." These pins can be found in the jewelry-making section of a craft store. The flat edge on the one side of the pin is necessary for stability. I don't believe a standard safety pin would work. The jewelry pins are not expensive. You should pick pins that are on scale with the flower. (i.e., larger pin for larger flowers).

I quickly realized the Krazy Glue alone would not offer a proper bond. So I applied some Aileens Sticky Tack craft glue first. On top of the white glue, I added a generous dollop of Krazy Glue gel. Then I smushed the flat back of the pin into the glue. You'll need to hold it in place for a few moments until a bond forms.

My manicure is a wicked mess this morning but Krazy Glue is easily removed with acetone based nail polish remover.

You'll notice from this pic, the back of the pin will also look a bit of a mess. I'm of the opinion, who's going to see the back of your pin? I'm also a bit sloppy with my glue. If you're concerned about the look of the back of the pin, I'd suggest being more careful with your glue application.

This is really all there is to this project. Once I got the hang of it, I banged out all 5 flowers in about 20 minutes. They need to be placed pin side up to dry overnight. You'll defnitely want to make sure the glue is 100% dry before you pin it on a pretty cardigan or blazer!

Last Night's Craftiness - Flower Pins

I had been noticing a bit of a trend towards classic, clean feminine style in a few of my favorite stores: Ann Taylor, Loft, and Talbots. I adore the idea of crisp shirts, fitted blazers, polka dots, bold broaches, and FLOWERS!

I noticed silk flowers of all size, shape, variety, and color pinned on belt loops, handbags, scarves, lapels, and clustered together on cardigans and even t shirts.

I have to admit I didn't actually look at the prices on these flower accessories. I would imagine they could cost upwards of $20 or $30 depending on the size and store. Also, I would imagine a classic cashmere cardi costs more when some silk flower pins are sold with it.

My Mother enjoys creating beautiful silk floral arrangements. Sometimes she sells them in the small town where I grew up. One evening I mentioned to her, maybe she could make some flower pins? These pins would be more marketable to a younger crowd who typically do not purchase faux arrangements.

We discussed the ease of crafting such a project. She said the flowers and even the leaves "pop" right off their stems so you don't even need a wire cutter to trim the stems.

Last night I figured I'd try it out. I went to Joann's and purchased 5 silk flowers (they range in cost from about $3-$6 per flower), some crazy glue gel, and a package of pins from the jewelry section. . .

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