Lace, Buttons, and Gumdrops: July 2013

Hi there!

I know it's been awhile since I've been here. Summer is going by so fast and the kids are going back to school in a couple of weeks. We're all excited, they're both going to a new school and I think they're looking forward to it.

Thanks for joining our blog hop. I'm really excited that you are here...

The exiting design team at Zeus and Zoe is leaving with a trail of pretty blooms. Of the handmade variety. Come join us for an amazing blog hop where you can learn how to make pretty blooms and win some amazing prizes along the way!

There are 6 fabulous RAKs to be won. All you need to do is leave some love at every stop along the hop. You have until 11.59pm EST on Wednesday 31 July to leave your comments for your chance to win! Winners will be announced on the Zeus and Zoe blog on 2 August.

Today, I will show you how to make yo-yo flowers the easy way. If you google search it, there are so many ways of doing it. But my way will be the quickest and simplest, but unfortunately you have to buy this tool. But it will make your life easier. All you have to do is add embellishments when you are done with the flowers.

This is a tool from Clover. Found it at Walmart for $5.95. If you're close to any hobby lobby you can get it cheaper with a 40% off coupon.

If you are like me, (hoarder) you have an easy access to fabric that will make a great yo-yo flowers. You need a fabric with small designs or if you don't mind having the design not being the focal point of the flower, then any pattern will do. It's easier to work with cotton. I've also tried working with organza in the past, it is easy to work with. Any scarp fabric will work, even muslin.

Here is my handy-dandy tool. A medium and small size.

Cut the fabric that will fit in the circle.

Follow the instructions and you cut it to size.

Use embroidery thread that matches your fabric. Sew along the "dotted" lines. The best time to do this is when you're watching TV.

When you're done with your stitches. Remove the tool and pull the thread gently, you will see that it has formed it to a round flat pouch. Just finish your stitching and you're done.

Here's what I made.

Most flowers were embellished with brads. You can use pearls, vintage buttons, brooches. You can dress it up any way you want.

If you live internationally and don't have access to Walmart online.

Here are some links where you can get them..

Clover

eBay

Or for the conventional way...Here is a LINK TO YO-YO flower with a template.

Here is my Blog Hop Prize. Make sure you complete the hop and leave a comment on each of them. The Design team members worked hard to make this happen.

My prize package were all handmade by me. You will get a large hand painted and hand cut paper peony, handmade tags,

and mini fabric yo-yo flowers.

Make sure you become a follower and leave me a comment to be eligible.

Your next stop is

Norma Gomez

Here is the blog list in case you get lost.