More Handmade Fabric Flowers
Tuesday, October 12, 2010 at 4:08PM 
Many of you know how much I love fabric flowers (I’ve blogged about Kanzashi flowers several times in the past). I have been trying my hand at another style of flower recently. I am combining machine embroidered designs with handmade fabric flowers to create “wearable bouquets”. My latest creation is something that I made to wear to a workshop I am attending tomorrow night , Inside the Creative Business. This gathering is aimed at women–owned creative businesses in the wedding industry. I am hoping to begin marketing some of my creations, particularly wedding accessories combining hand sewn items with handmade fabric flowers. I currently have someone working on a logo and brand for me, and am working on a portfolio of items.
The large, blue rose in this pin was created using vintage millinery techniques as were the small rose buds dangling below. The leaf and hydrangea were both made from machine embroidered designs.
Most of the materials I use are natural fibers (silk, wool, cotton, linen, rayon) and many are hand-dyed (by me). I also incorporate beads and other decorative elements into my pieces. This piece uses silk velvet, silk dupioni, silk chiffon, hand-dyed silk cording, vintage stamens and glass beads.
I felt like I should wear an example of my work to this workshop since it is the detail and texture of such pieces that really make them stand out (and, hopefully, will make them memorable). Now, here’s a question for you: what do you think I should call this piece? Post your suggestions in the comments section.
Reader Comments (2)
What's that old wedding tradition?:
"Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue". Maybe you can play with the 'something blue' since you are going to a wedding business event.
I just adore what you do. I especially love the stamens. Where do you find them? I've looked in my local craft store without any luck.
Hi Lynn. Thanks for this idea. I love "Something Blue" -- those in the wedding industry will get it, at least.
Most of my stamens were a gift from Kathy Seidel who, evidently, couldn't make up her mind when she placed an order here http://www.vintagevogue.com/onlinestore/cat25_1.htm. When I mentioned I needed some stamens she gave me a bundle. Another place to order them from is http://www.blumchen.com/vintage_florals_stamens.html. Tinsel Trading also carries them http://www.tinseltrading.com/catalog/cat-flowers-stamens-fruits.php. I have found plain white ones at Michaels. They are on the wedding aisle.