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.
I JUST LOVE BLOGS LIKE YOURS THAT SHARE THEIR IDEAS AND INSPIRE OTHERS. THAT IS ONE OF THE GOALS OF MY BLOG. I WILL BE BACK TO VISIT OFTEN. THANKS.
Posted by: JUDY | January 27, 2009 at 10:48 AM
oh dear girl, those are absolutely fabulous!!!
Posted by: kasey@lolabboutique.com | January 27, 2009 at 02:02 PM
GREAT idea!!!! Thanks for sharing!
Michelle
http://www.everydaycelebrating.com
Posted by: chella | January 27, 2009 at 07:19 PM
Hi Andrea,
What a wonderful and pretty idea!!
I love it!
Rosemary
Posted by: Rosemary | January 27, 2009 at 07:37 PM
this is so lovely!
Posted by: jackie | January 27, 2009 at 11:58 PM
I love the flowers and lights! I have a recipe for making those silicone tips that I adore.... so many uses, not enough places to drape lights [sigh].
Blessings ~ Eileen
Posted by: Star's Fault Vintage Art & Design | January 28, 2009 at 10:19 AM
BLOG AWARD ALERT!! :)
I just nominated you for a blog award!! Click over to my blog to pick it up!
XOXO,
Ruth
Posted by: The Beautiful Life | January 28, 2009 at 12:16 PM
Such a clever idea!!
Posted by: cathy | January 28, 2009 at 04:09 PM
Quick question... I really want to make these great flowers, but am concerned if they are a fire hazard??? Thanks:)
Posted by: katie | January 29, 2009 at 10:06 AM
I love the look of the old pattern paper, and can almost here the crinkle of the paper as you wrap the flowers. . .thank you for sharing, I may have to look for some interesting paper and follow your example!
Posted by: Holly | January 29, 2009 at 11:13 AM
wow, I love these! Yes, you should wear this as a necklace, and I would like to join you! Thanks for the inspiration. Denise
Posted by: Denise | January 31, 2009 at 09:19 PM
oh I LOVE these....what a great idea..first time here and enjoying every minute of it.
Deby
Posted by: deby | January 31, 2009 at 09:29 PM
Love your blog! I've been making flowers from old pattern paper for years. I had never thought to add lights-what a great idea!
I used to manage a big fabric store. When new patterns come in, the old ones have to be thrown away. Can you believe that? Same thing happens with magazines, books and tons of merchandise in all of the major stores. It's heartbreaking.
I have a part-time job doing merchandising and just recently had to throw away many display appliances and sewing machines. Makes me sick to my stomach. With the sewing machines, I was suppsed to cut the cord first. I had to close my eyes and have someone else do it!
Posted by: Kelly. | February 15, 2009 at 07:20 AM
Very pretty! They don't catch on fire, I guess.
Posted by: Linda | February 24, 2009 at 06:47 PM
I love this! Great tutorial!
Posted by: Gina D | March 02, 2009 at 01:49 PM
I just love this idea. I was trying to come up with something similiar but I don't sew. I think i might have to start.
I love Candylights, I offer them on my site PINKHUGSSWEETSHOPPE.COM.
Patty
Posted by: Patty | March 10, 2009 at 10:43 AM
I've added your project to the Stone Soup Challenge blog. Thanks for your permission to use the image! http://stonesoupchallenge.blogspot.com/2009/03/easter-candy.html
Posted by: Laura Bray | March 10, 2009 at 01:23 PM
I'm just sure that I'm going to make these and never be able to stop. I think also no matter where I put them it will never be as gorgeous as this photo! Thank you for the tutorial though. I know what I'm doing this evening:)
Posted by: Angela Harris | March 12, 2009 at 08:16 PM
What a fabulous creative idea Miss Andrea! So soft and pretty!!!! Thanks for sharing with us! XOOX,Jenn
Posted by: Jennifer | March 16, 2009 at 10:26 AM
I totally love your idea!! Thanks so much for sharing! I can imagine how your husband looked at you when you said you want to wear it as a necklace. My husband and I are the same way ;-)
Posted by: Cute Easy Hairstyles | April 03, 2009 at 04:53 AM
oh those lights are so wonderful -thanks for sharing!!
Posted by: Karen @ Brayton Homestead Interiors | May 31, 2009 at 08:34 PM
My daughter just sent me your blog. What a fabulous idea for pattern use! Bravo!!
www.whatupduck.com
Posted by: Kelly | June 05, 2009 at 07:56 AM
I do love the lights to, but you know, those patterns are now considered 'vintage' and bring MONEY!!!!! Google vintage sewing patterns and see :) I wonder if there is any beige tissue paper? (I like beige too, especially with white)
A seamstress :)
Posted by: Karen Gass | September 05, 2009 at 08:40 AM
I can't wait to make these lights. Do you think any indoor mini lights would work? I will hang them around my double door between my dining room and living room. I live in an adorable old cottage and these will look just right. Thank you so much!
Posted by: Debra Blean | September 24, 2009 at 12:17 AM
can you light them up? will the paper burn if they are lit up for very long? they are very pretty. thank you for sharing. best regards, Marti
Posted by: Marti | November 18, 2009 at 12:46 AM