Friday Focus: Burlap Flower Tutorial!

Editor's Note; before we hand over to Nancy for a fabulous tutorial and details of our Friday Focus products for this fortnight, we wanted to remind you that our 'Block Hop partners' this fortnight are The Artists on the Block. Their amazing Design Team has been joining in with the 'Hip to be Square' fun and have come up with even more inspiration of their own for using these versatile cube shapes. Make sure you hop on over to their blog HERE to see what they've created and let them know if you like what you see!

Now, back to Nancy for that exciting tutorial...

Hello! Nancy here, and I'd like to welcome you to the Friday Focus at the Frilly and Funkie! Our focus this period is on burlap and jute, and for the next two weeks Linda is generously offering an additional 15% off this line of products at The Funkie Junkie Boutique!

I have a simple technique to create these rustic yet elegant flowers using burlap and crinoline. Working with burlap can be challenging because it likes to shred and fall apart, but I've found a fool proof solution that makes these flowers sturdy and long lasting.   

I begin by die cutting the petals using a Tim Holtz Tattered Florals die. You need two burlap petals and two crinoline petals for each flower. It's amazing how easily the die cuts through the burlap and crinoline. I cut two layers of each at a time. 

The next step is to coat both sides of the burlap petals with Claudine Hellmuth Studio Matte Medium. (You can substitute Ranger Multi Medium Matte for this, available in a range of sizes at The Funkie Junkie Boutique). I do this using a foam brush. This is the step that will prevent your burlap petals from shredding apart on you. The petals will look very white when you first apply the medium, but it disappears as it dries.   

Layer your petals while the Matte Medium is still moist. I use crinoline as my bottom layer and end with the final layer of jute on top. Be sure to stagger your petals as you layer.  

Next I simply roll them up. Place each flower in an egg carton and let them sit until they are almost dry but still tacky and pliable.   

At this point I use a needle and thread, pinch the bottom of the flower and stitch a couple of times through all the petals in both directions. 

Trim away any stray threads from the back then turn your flower over and begin shaping it. I do this by pinching the bottom with my left hand while twisting and shaping the petals with my right hand. I repeat this process until I get a look I'm happy with. The Matte Medium keeps the burlap from shredding and helps you mold your petals to give them a bit of shape.   

The final step is to set the flowers aside to finish drying. Once dry you can get creative with adding leaves or other embellishments. I chose to keep mine 'as is' for a beachy project I have in the works.      

These flowers are so fun and versatile! Add additional layers, use larger or smaller petal sizes, use only burlap, or alternate lace with the burlap, the possibilities are limited only by your imagination.      

I wish you a wonderful weekend! Thank you so much for stopping by, and don't forget to take advantage of the 15% discount on burlap and jute at the Funkie Junkie Boutique! 

Hugs,

Nancy

Don't forget, you can use Ranger Multi Medium Matte for this technique.

Ranger Inkssentials Non-Stick Craft Sheet

Tim Holtz Tonic Studios 9.5" Titanium Scissors

Ranger Multi Medium Matte 4 oz.

White Jute Mesh (Burlap)

Cotton Crinoline