Sewing Pattern Twinkle Lights

Here's the other paper-flower project I was telling you about. It's the same idea as the Fiesta Flowers in the previous post, except this time I used old sewing patterns.

{a quick note about sewing patterns: I heard someone say that cutting up and using sewing patterns for other things made seamstresses cringe. I understood the point, but there are thousands of old sewing patterns for about 25 cents a piece at thrift shops from shore to shore. So, I'd like to think of this as recycling and repurposing patterns that would otherwise eventually get thrown in the trash.}

I already had this strand of Candylights that I had gotten last year. See the pink silicone tips? I thought they would make nice little centers for the flowers. They come in several different colors too.

So, for each light, you need to cut a strip of paper 40" long and 2" wide. I used a scalloped scissors for the top edge {you can see it there in the picture} and a straight scissors for the base of the flower that will be covered with floral tape. Fiskars makes metal scalloped scissors, and they are awesome! Once you use them, you will throw away the plastic decorative scissors that cut through 5 sheets of paper before they lose their edge. If you like scallops, these are worth buying. {Sorry, I can't find them on the Fiskars website for some reason. I hope they still make them!}

Anyhoo, so you just gather and wrap the paper around the base of the light bulb until there's no more paper left to wrap. Then secure it all together with white floral tape. So easy!

I have them strung around a mirror at the moment, but they'll probably move into my craft room eventually.  I really really really love these lights. Beige is one of my favorite colors {does that mean I'm boring?} and sewing pattern paper is such the perfect shade.

 

This photo is awfully dark, but the sun was so intense, it was like my camera was wearing it's sunglasses to block out the light. It wouldn't capture a bright picture. I'm sure there's a technical photography term for this, but in any case, it was frustrating. You get the idea though. :)

 

I told George I loved these so much I wanted to wear them like a big ridiculous necklace. He just looked at me. He's used to it.

Comments

[Carrie]

What a wonderful idea. You just gotta love Roxie's lights. Your blog is just beautiful by the way!

Carrie

[Valarie Kraft]

Hi Andrea....being the copycat that I am...I have already ordered some of the incredible lights. Your creativeness amazes me!!! XXOO

[Miss Beets]

What a wonderful Idea! The lights are so cute,I am off to check them out!

[britt- sparkledvintagecharm]

oh my goodness! lol. I was just thinking up a way to do this with sewing pattern paper this morning! I am not kidding! That cracks me up. I am sure mine won't be as cute as your turned out anyway! I hope you have a fantastic night!!! hugs!! Britt :-)

[Debbie]

I already loved Roxie's Candylights, but now I love them with paper flowers even more! I am going to try this for sure and even add some apray glitter on the paper 'cause I've gotta have some bling! I'm adding your blog to the Inspirations section on my Cozy Cottage blog.

Debbie :)
www.shabbycozycottage.com
www.patchoulirosehome.com

[karen]

very pretty. You should send a pic to Somerset for their Somerset life publication, art made with pattern paper is in one of the call for art requests.
karen...recycledrita.blogspot.com

[Elaine L.]

I love all your flowers and agree that pattern tissue is the perfect shade of beige. I love shades of cream, beige, and brown.

~elaine~

[Cathy]

These are so cool! What a clever idea!

Cathy :)

[Karen B]

These are SO cute! Okay, I feel REALLY out of it. Where do you get the Candylights?

[Joy]

"He just looked at me. He's used to it."

I have a hubby just like this! lol

Joy
(LOVE them btw)

[Laura Ingalls Gunn]

I have the same scissors. My tip is broken off too. Hmmm. Design flaw? Doesn't matter, I still love them.

[Linda Crispell]

I love using dress pattern tissue and this is truly a unique and creative use of it.
Linda

[sharna]

WOW!!!! That's all I can say!!!!

[Julie]

What an adorable and crafty idea. I can't wait to make these! Blessings...julie

[Becky Caldwell]

These are lovely Andrea! Thanks for sharing. :)

[DNese Dillon]

Hello-

Where there be any way possible to purchase some of these patterns from you directly?
I did send you a private email but just in case it didn't go through, I wanted to post here. Please let me know.

Thanks.

[celia]

Lovely idea! Soooooooo cool!!!!!
Thanks so much for sharing this!

[Diane Knott]

Andrea, this "old" seamstress says: go for it! It's beautiful! So feminine!

Diane

[Rachel]

Oh these are so pretty! I would love to photo link to them in The Daily DIY if you didn't mind. I haven't been able to find any information on the Candy Lights website about the safety of the bulbs and the paper. Does the silicon prevent the light from getting too hot?

[ann]

Gorgeous project! Love your blog & your shop, but I know you made the right decision to cut back. My oldest is in her first year of collage & sometimes I just wonder where all that time went!

I gave you an award on my blog! You deserve it!!!

http://KeepinUpWithTheTatums.blogspot.com

[Melissa]

Hi Andrea, Havent been by your blog in awhile and OH what I have missed. I think its wonderful that you have decided to spend more time with your family and also wonderful that you will be keeping the shop open...I wish you all the best.
Your sewing pattern candylights are absolutely delicious as are your new bookmarks. You are such a creative soul. Thanks for sharing with us!

[pamgarrison.typepad.com]

oh you KNOW i love this!!! sooo pretty. xo

[jenny holiday]

Bravo!!!!!!!! Take a bow you dazzling doll you!!!

Just brilliant!!!!!

Truly brilliant!!!

LOVE ya!!!
xoxo Jenny

[Pat JOnes]

ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE. LOVE EVERYTHING

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