edit: This post has been hit over 1,000 times. If you use this tutorial and post the results on your blog, please do me the courtesy of posting a link back here. Thankyou!
How much fun can a girl have with a candle and some silky fabric I ask you?
I was inspired by the beautiful poppies and roses in my garden - they are my favourites, red ofcourse, and I really wanted to make some pretty flowers to embellish some things i'm working on. I had a definite picture in my mind, but my last pathetic and ugly attempts were so horrid I gave up trying to sew them.
But then I remembered somewhere in the deepest recesses of my mind, a trick with synthetic fabric and flame.
What you do is cut some circles, no need to be perfect, or you can cut rough flower shapes, or even petal shapes. Then you hold them near the flame - just near enough so that the edges curl, and you keep turning the shape until the whole edge is singed. Then you sew together in any formation you like, and add beads or buttons for the middle.
I've used organza for the red flowers and a silky lining fabric for the black ones. You can't use natural fibres for this otherwise you will set fire to them! Only synthetic fibre works because essentially what you are doing, is melting it!
Each fabric behaves differently over the flame so you have to practice and experiment, which is half the fun, and I can tell you ... once you start, you can't stop!
ooh, will have to raid my stash now for meltables, how exciting!!
ReplyDeletexxx
Love them they are really pretty.Sounds like fun, but maybe not in front of the children! he he he
ReplyDeleteMBBx
WOW they are beautiful! xx
ReplyDeleteWhat a clever idea, they are beautiful Julia
ReplyDeleteTwiggy x
Worthy of the great complement of copying only I haven't any fire. What a clever girl you are! I love the black and red combo.
ReplyDeleteVery very clever and turned out gorgeous!!! Much better than gathering them. Beautiful, I'll definitely have to give this a try.
ReplyDelete♥ Teresa
These melty flowers are fabulous. I especially love the single poppy.
ReplyDeleteI suppose it helps if you have a resident fireman on hand!! These do look stunning and I will give this a go, but I wll blame you if I have to get the brigade out (I'll make sure I'm glammed up though this time!!)
ReplyDeleteWow thats fantastic never would have thought of that. I love the last one it really looks like a poppy.
ReplyDeleteThose are very gorgeous. I'm struggling to decide what to make for teacher gifts this year, wonder if I can work a couple of flowers in there? Hmmmm.
ReplyDeleteJulia you never cease to amaze me!!! What will you come up with next? I love these... but I am scared of fire so I might not try this one... I can only just about manage a hot iron! lol.
ReplyDeleteThey look gorgeous! But how often did you burn your fingers??? Lucyx
ReplyDeleteThey are beautiful Julia!
ReplyDeletefierce!!
ReplyDeleteLOVE this tutorial, Julia. I knew about the flame, but wasn't sure how much to use...this makes perfect sense. Glad to know before I set things a-light--LOL! Gorgeous flowers...what fun! ((HUGS))
ReplyDeleteThey are very effective!! Lots of fun to be had with this.
ReplyDeleteThe shadows from 'flower' is very good in the photos,
ReplyDeletethese are lovely!
ReplyDeleteOoohh Julia I am loving these flowers. May have to tap you for some for one of my "creations"
ReplyDeletethese are great - what a simple but cunning tip!
ReplyDeletethese are fantastic
ReplyDeletehave been wondering what to do about flowers for my wedding! these might be just what i'm looking for.
thanks for the great idea
hi Julia - this post is now directly linked to from my blogpost, it was already credited albeit via crafter...oo.
ReplyDeletekind regards vV
What a good idea, I am sure I will have fun trying this. I believe I can make some great pieces in time for the fall!
ReplyDeletehttp://livingembellished.blogspot.com
Heyyy... You have maybe been around my homepage ;-)
ReplyDeleteIf not ..you can get some inspiration to “go on” !
I have developed the technique – and made those flowers in so many years.
Preparation of synthetic materials to decoration is one of the major areas in my book from 2006 : "Pynt og Pift" (Decorate and Enhance) more here: http://www.dokla.dk/default_en.htm
LOOOOVE THIS! So in order to get this effect, all I have to do is go to a fabric store and ask for synthetic fabrics. Am I correct? Because I tried to melt my ribbons and it doesn't work. Haha.
ReplyDeleteLove it! Thanks, always wanted to know the trick on how to do this. You made it super EZ to learn. :)
ReplyDeleteI used to love melting things when I was a kid - much to my mother's horror! I must give this a try!
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