Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Tutorial: Layered Fabric Flowers with Free Pattern!

Welcome to the Vintiquities Workshop 5 Days of Tutorials
Campaign Blog Party!
Each day this week I will be posting a different mixed media art tutorial and campaigning for your votes.
I am in the running for a sponsorship from Prilosec OTC and if I get it I will be able to provide
FREE Video Art Classes Online.
Your votes can make that happen!

***Voting ends this Friday!***
So come back everyday to see a new tutorial and bring a friend!

Now for todays free tutorial...
Layered Fabric Flower Pin
Left click on pattern, then right click and save to your computer. Print out at "original size". (should fit on a regular sheet of paper)

You will need:
1. 3 different fabrics remnants, 1 canvas or heavy fabric, 1 tight weave light weight fabric, 1 loose weave textured fabric.
2. acrylic paint any shade
3. Flower Pattern: click picture to get free pattern
4. stamps and StazOn permanent ink pad
5. scissors
6. needle and thread ( don't worry, just one stitch!)
7. adhesive (I prefer Beacon's 3 in 1 craft glue but you can use hot glue as well)
8. old clip on earing or other decorative element for center of flower.
9. pin back if you want to make your flower a pin


 Cut out pattern pieces and trace onto different fabrics. Stamp designs as you would like them. Paint petals with acrylic paint using a dry brush ( I like to paint on the loose woven fabric, it really brings out the texture)
Cut flower layers out making sure you cut INSIDE the traced lines.
Stack sections of three according to size and layer them however you would like them.
 To give your flower some dimension take one 3 layer section of the same pattern piece and do a very small accordion fold in the center of the flower. Sew one stitch in the middle through the accordion fold and tie off on the back.
Turn flower section over and fluff. Repeat for each section. You will then stack and glue together the 3 different size sections containing 3 layers each. Remove the clip off the clip on earring and glue to the center of flower. Glue a pin back to the back for a pin.
There is a lot of variation potential for this design, try using different fabric, different paints, stamps, etc. Try washing the flower layers after you cut them out for a very distressed grungy look. Ink the edges of the layers for more depth. Add more layers with different fabrics, or paper even. Make an award ribbon out of them with a message in the center instead of an earring. So many possibilities! 

**If you share this tutorial and pattern please give full credit. You may not sell this pattern nor any portion of this tutorial but you are free to distribute it free with credits. Please feel free to link up to this tutorial and share it. All portions are property of Thespoena McLaughlin 2010

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and that it has inspired you in some way.

Come back tomorrow for a tutorial on how to make a cuff bracelet. I will be making one similar to the one that is at this time being judged in the finals for the Cloth Paper Scissors Artisan 2011 Contest.
Don't forget to bring a friend!

Have a great day!

4 comments:

Charlene said...

Great tutorial. I love making these flowers out of different fabrics & using different techniques. Thanks for sharing for those who haven't done them before. Have you tried a thin fabric & then holding over a candle so the edges curl??? YOU HAVE TO BE CAREFUL with that technique but, it's cool too. Charlene

Anna Rosa Designs said...

Hi Thespa,
Thanks for the tutorial.
I tried to print the pattern off, had to sign in for something, now i'm scared. I signed in and didn't get the pattern after all!
Please explain what to do?
Hugs,
Anna

Anna Rosa Designs said...

Hi Thespa,
Thank you so much for helping me get the pattern for these gorgeous layered fabric flowers.

I have some clip on earings that were Grannies that I plan on using for the centres.
Much appreciated friend,
Hugs,
Anna

Createology said...

How clever of you...
I have made many of these however I never thought to paint or stamp my fabrics. I also like to use a fancy button in place of the earring. Thank you for sharing. Another vote!!! You really must win my dear. Happy creating...

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