Friday 27 January 2012

Upcycled felt rose tutorial.

This tutorial started out life as the 'crayon roll' variety but had to change to a 'felt rose' type instead. The reason? My sewing machine was poorly and now has stopped working :( . So, while sitting with my feet up this morning (I've hurt my knee), I thought you might like to let me show you how to make these:



I had seen photos of them before but never attempted to make any until recently. They really are VERY easy, can be made from small pieces of material and brighten up a coat, hat, bag, dress, cushion etc etc...

I can't remember where I first saw how to make them but quite liked the idea of doing my own tute here. Here goes!

First you will need a square of felt. I don't think I will give measurements - if you want a larger rose you need to use a larger piece of felt :)



I have used a piece of scarf - follow this link to learn how to felt a garment.

Next, cut the corners off your square to make a circle...



I told you it was simple! Next start cutting the circle into a spiral, starting from the outside edge...









You'll be left with something like this...



Right...your instincts will be telling you to start with the inside (mine do!), but you need to pick up the outside end of the spiral now...



Now, start wrapping the spiral of felt around the end you are holding. This always makes me smile because I think the little end sticking out looks like a cute little tortoise/turtle tail...anyway! Back to the job in hand...



Keep wrapping until you reach the end/middle of the spiral...





You will then find that the middle of the spiral you started with fits perfectly over the base of your rose and finishes it off nicely!



Turn over...



Trim if needed...



Voila!



You can glue your rose - I've seen that suggested before- but, personally, I prefer to sew mine. Make sure you sew through the 'turtle's tail' so it won't unravel!...











Now, if you want, you can add a leaf and brooch pin, or just sew directly onto something like a cushion. Maybe you could make a brooch for a friend's birthday, to give to someone special for Valentines day or ready for Mothers day...or for yourself!

I have some upcycled brooches for sale in my Etsy shop. I'd love for you to pop over, take a look and maybe buy :) Or, pop over to my Facebook page and look at my upcycled brooch photos for inspiration :)

Have fun upcycling!