It’s become clear that sometime during the next few weeks or so, you may have something to give me. Quite possibly it will be something that doesn’t cost much. Maybe it will be free—a shoulder massage, a ukulele tutorial, a list of trustworthy sitters, your timeshare in Antrim, Ireland—in any case, since you know I am a surprise-junkie, it will likely require some sort of superawesome wrapping to ambush and wow me.
This will be easily done, I think, since it is still fall here and I’ve recently discovered some mind-blowing tutorials HERE and HERE on transforming fall leaves into crafty decorative flowers—perfect for topping off your thoughtful gift. I understand you may be concerned that fall is coming to a close, and leaves are becoming scarce and crinkly and delicate, and it might just take longer than expected for you to figure out just how to get those leaves folded. Just. Perfectly. I am here to prepare you for alternatives.
This project requires a Felted Wool Ball, needle and thread, remnant wool felt, and a small collection of felted sweaters. First, prepare the “petals” for the project. With sharp sewing scissors, cut the felted sweaters into long zigzaggy strips, leaving a connection on the bottom edge—pointy or rounded tops. Cut thin sweaters into narrow strips (for inner petals) and thick sweaters into wider strips (for outer petals).
I keep a stash of these strips handy for noteworthy projects like button bracelets and collars for small lively monster friends.
Next (and this is optional) use a felting needle, felting pad and skinny wool roving to embellish the wool ball, adding spirals or dots or anything else superfancy (see Dry Felting).
With needle and thread in hand, stitch the bottom edge of one narrow zigzaggy strip around the sides of the felted ball until you meet up with the starting point. Cut off the extra end of the strip. Stitch a wider zigzaggy strip around the sides of the ball, matching bottom edges and overlapping the first strip until you meet up with the starting point. Cut off the end. Stitch a third (the widest) zigzaggy strip over the first two. Cut off the end.
Next, cut a large leaf-shaped piece of wool felt. Place this piece on the bottom of your flower and sew around the edges, attaching it to your flower top and covering the rough zigzaggy strip edges. Good job.
Gift ribbons can be easily made with light cotton fabric scrap. Cut in about an inch from the edge. Grab fabric edges and pull away, leaving raw-edged ribbon.
Wrap your gift with a larger fabric scrap, tying with raw-edged ribbon.
With needle and thread, secure flower onto ribbon. Ta da!
Note: don’t attempt perfection with these felted flowers. As with other projects, quirky outcomes are preferred over conventional. That said, remind yourself that, in nature, some flowers are smaller, some are fatter, some grow to the left, some to the right, and some even lose petals.
Celebrate the uniqueness.
Great idea! I also love the little swirl in the felt ball that you used.
A lovely felted flower and a great way to wrap up a gift. Best wishes for happy holidays and Merry Christmas!
Something a little more eye catching than a bow and paper tag, check out this lovely tutorial for felt flower gift toppers!
Oh gosh, those are adorable! If I were on Pinterest, I would pin this for sure but I’m afraid to start for fear I will be addicted forever….
[...] Check out this lovely tutorial for felt flower gift toppers from Marcie at Mossy. They make a gorgeous substitution for more traditional ribbon embellishments [...]
What is the material that you used here called? And the round beed shaped flower can be made using some marble or something?
I purchased the “wrapping” fabric at a sidewalk sale–I really have no idea what type of fabric it is–but, anything light will do. The bead (as stated above) is made from remnant carded wool. I don’t think you could use a marble instead for this, since sewing is involved in attaching, but you certainly could use a funky button. Check out my post on wet felting for a very simple Wool Ball tutorial: http://mossymossy.com/?p=53
love your stuff!
I am the proud owner of one of your felt flowers. I love it!
Merry Christmas.
Oh! Thank you, Kathy! Happy Holidays to you!