Thursday, March 14, 2013

Spring Mantel

8:54 AM Gail @Purple Hues and Me 7 comments

This is a recap of my spring mantel that I did last year. I didn't keep it up very long and I loved seeing the butterflies, faux forsythias and soothing yellows. I created this look because I wanted something light and airy with a nature theme. I was inspired by a butterfly stand I had gotten on clearance for $9.99 at Pier1. At the time I didn't know what I was going to do with it. It wasn't purple and really didn't "go" with anything in my home. I just couldn't pass up the bargain price since it was originally $39.99.

Thinking about ideas to decorate the mantel, I decided on a "butterfly theme" for spring. I simple cut out butterfly shapes I found on the internet onto poster board and glued yellow printed paper on top. I made the butterflies in three different shapes and folded them in the middle as if they were "flying".

I stuck them on and around the mantel randomly using glue dots.

Adding faux forsythias and a boxwood kept to the light and airy theme.

And of course, I love the natural light shinning through the windows!

It's been a cold and harsh winter and all the yellow and butterflies really brightens the atmosphere in my home while uplifting my spirits.

Until next time . .

Take a little time to enjoy!

Joining:

http://sondralynathome.com/2014/03/17/swing-into-spring/

Saturday, March 9, 2013

Burlap Fringed Flower

8:11 AM Gail @Purple Hues and Me crafts diy 22 comments

I saw how to make the neatest fringed burlap flower on YouTube by Heidi Borchers@Cool2Craft the other day and really had fun re-creating my own version.

I found the prettiest yellow burlap fabric at HobbyLobby to make these adorable flowers. I got a half a yard which was twenty-two inches wide. I used this measurement and cut my piece 22"x6". Next I spread Aileene's Original Tacky glue approximately 1/4 inch along the edges with a piece of cardboard the size of a credit card.

Then I let the glue dry completely until it was invisible.

Finding the center thread at the end of the burlap, I pulled it completely out of the fabric.

All the other threads were pulled out until I reached the glued borders, one by one, holding back the end while pulling.
You'll know when you reach the border. The threads are glued and your piece should look like this (without the glue). Next, more glue was spread along the edges as pictured.

The glued edges were folded together, pressing and making sure the edges were lined up evenly. This was allowed to dry completely.

For the center of the flower I tried some variations from the original suggestion of using a button. I really didn't like the button and thought I would try something different. I looped a florist wire stem through the holes in the end of a crystal gem that I had. It was perfect to use for the center of the burlap flower.

I didn't cover the wire with florist tape until later.

Next, glue was added along the inside straight edge of the burlap. Placing the gem at the end edge of the fringed burlap, I began to roll the burlap along with the gem stem as tight as possible.

Make sure to keep the burlap and loops straight and away from the glue.

Apply a dab of glue at the end of the burlap, pressing to secure, and fluff open.

How pretty is this?

I tried using different items for the center . . . some pearl stems and seed beads that I covered in mod podge and glued to a round piece of cardboard.

I think I like using seed beads the best. They are more versatile to use and using buttons seemed old fashion - although, there are some pretty buttons out there. With the seed beaded cardboard piece, I rolled a top twisted florist wire with the burlap and then hot glued the beaded circular disc onto the burlap flower after it was fluffed open.