I first saw a spiral flower (although it was curled wood) on a wreath at Target a few years ago before my days of blogging. I thought it so unique and very creative. So did many other crafters as it has become a very popular paper craft item to make. I've had on my list to make an Easter Egg Topiary out of spiral flowers made with my go to fabric, burlap. Here's what I used and how I made it:
- Burlap
- mod podge
- circle pattern
- scissors
- hot glue
- paper mache egg
- acrylic paint
- Urn, candle holder for display
I needed to start by "painting" the burlap with mod podge to make it stiff and fray free. I've tried heat n bond and stich witchery but these made the spiral flowers too thick.
While waiting for the mod podged burlap to dry, I painted a paper mache egg (about 8 inches tall) using Americana Wild Orchid acrylic that matched the burlap.
After drying, I traced approximately 55-60 circles onto the burlap. (I used a 3 1/4 inch ribbon spool circle as a pattern)
Next, started cutting a spiral circle within the circle, freehand. My cut was like a scallop edge, weaving in and out. I thought it looked more interesting than a straight edge. And don't worry about it being perfect. Once rolled, you can't really see imperfections.
Continue cutting in a spiral circle until reaching the center and have a small circle at the end.
Now we're ready to start rolling. I like to dab a little glue on first and beginning at the narrow pointed tip, rolling the burlap between your fingers following the inside edge, tightly.
When you reach the end, hold the rolled burlap in the palm of your hand and let go, allowing it to uncoil a little, forming a beautiful spiral flower.
Holding the flower together so it doesn't unravel completely, turn over and dab a bit of glue on the center of the spiral and in the middle of the end circle piece and stick together.
After making x amount of flowers, begin by hot gluing one to the top and center (narrow end) of the paper mache egg.
Continue gluing the flowers around the egg.
As you get closer to the bottom, place the egg onto your urn or candleholder to judge how far down you need to go so that the egg can sit straight and flat, without the flowers interfering. It might be necessary to hot glue the egg in place. Mine was able to sit straight without gluing.
I love the look using a dark urn and I had a hard time deciding whether to use a light color container like this . . .
or the dark color.
Which one do you prefer?
I love both looks!!!
Take
a little time to enjoy
and
Happy
Crafting!
