Fabric Rosette Variations

Fabric rosettes are very popular in the blogosphere, showing up on wreaths, as jewelry, on clothing, and the way I've purposed them the most: as hair accessories.

Basically, to make fabric rosettes: 

     1. Cut a strip of fabric (width and length depend on the size you want to make - the wider the fabric strip, the taller your flower will be and the longer your fabric strip is, the wider your flower will be).  

     2.Tie a knot at one end of your fabric strip.  

     3. Wind the fabric around the knot, gluing periodically (near the middle or bottom of the strip so that the glue is not visible from the top of the rosette).  

     4.  You can leave the fabric strip straight and wrap it evenly (like the canvas one pictured above) or twist the fabric as you wrap it.

Another variation is to twist the fabric around and alternate gluing it loosely then more taut for a fuller, fluffier appearance, like the silver one on the right.  I enjoy experimenting with all kinds of fabric scraps like burlap, canvas, rayon, polyester, both solid colors and prints.  Though I've made numerous small ones, now I tie several lengths of fabric together to make a larger dramatic rosette.  Compare the two pictures above - the pair on the left are a few inches in diameter, while the one on the right is much larger.  The larger rosettes make great accessories  - simply glue a pin back to it.  Fabulous as a pop of color on a cardigan or even a hat!

Here are a few more samples of fabric rosettes that I've made...

A large pink one to adorn a headband, and small red polka dot ones to go on barrettes.

I had some fringey trim scraps and decided to use them up in a rosette.  I started with the maroon loopy trim, gluing one end in a tight circle, then wrapping the rest of it around that circle.  I added the black trim where the maroon one ended.  Together, the colors and texture create a beautiful rose!  I glued on a pin back so that this could be worn in many different ways.  Didn't it turn out lovely?

Warning!  I went a little crazy with this last one.  I started off with a medium size red polka dot rosette but felt like it needed some pizzazz.  I twisted and looped the green tulle around it to resemble leaves.  But it didn't look finished.  So I added lace trim remnant and some bling to the rosette (truth be told, there were a few spots that the glue had dried onto the top.  The rhinestones look a bit bizarre in the photos but are much prettier in person!)  After cutting out a felt circle and adhering this monstrosity to a stretchy headband, I gave it to my daughter who squealed with delight.  My little fashionista will come up with the perfect outfit to wear this funky creation.  The cool thing about this type of headpiece is that it can be worn several ways:  
     1. High on the forehead like in these photos  
     2. Lower on the forehead for a bohemian look 
     3. Low in the back towards the bun  
     4. Further back like a regular headband  
     5. Around the neck, cinched in a little, as a choker  

I'm joining these parties - don't forget to visit and check out other great ideas!

Wire Cage Revamp and Hair Accessories

Totally inspired by the whimsical decor (especially the centerpieces made of tomato cages) by MayDae, I gathered up twine, burlap, potpourri, old candleholders and a wire cage found on clearance to make my version.

First, I wrapped a glass candleholder with black jute twine and used it to elevate the wider brown candleholder inside the cage.  After a layer of dried moss, I filled in the base of the candlesticks with potpourri.  The wire cage is finished off with twine wrapped the long way around it, two burlap flowers and a ribbon at the top.

A close-up of one of the burlap flowers I made...

some have loops of twine to added to the back like the flower above.   

I made massive amount of flowers with whatever fabric scraps I had - 

here's a great tutorial from Made By The Mama Monster. 

More of the dried moss and potpourri fill this apothecary jar.

And I repurposed my favorite wooden pears yet again by using them in place of candles on this rustic 75% off clearance piece from Target.  The twine was already wrapped around it and fits in perfectly with everything else! 

More of the black jute twine around the top of a lamp shade...

and around the base along with fabric rosettes made from an old wool sweater.

Finally, a bunch of hair accessories I made from fabric rosettes and faux flowers attached to headbands and barrettes.  My toddler, who insists on playing with anything I'm working on, helped me out by modeling some of the accessories.  Shh, don't tell his dad I took pictures of him wearing all of this girlie stuff!