DIY Network

Fabric Flowers Cultivate some fun fabric flowers. From "B. Original" episode DBOR-109

If the perfect flower doesn't exist, make it.

Fun and easy to make, fabric flowers are a great decorator accent whether stitch them to pillows, display them in giant faux bouquets or even use them as the cornerstone of an original artwork. You can use just about any fabric and customize the design to suit your style. Here are a few examples of Michele Beschen's creations:

Touchable suede...

Spicy hot pink...

Even a traditional toile.

Scroll down to see Michele Beschen's easy how-to, plus an art installation using fabric flowers.

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Materials:

fabric
fusible webbing (if fabric is too flimsy)
18-gauge wire
fabric glue
floral tape
cardboard
2½" automotive reflector or large, covered button

Note: Michele Beschen recommends using fabric with a lot of body or firmness. If your fabric is too flimsy and floppy, you'll need to line the inside of the petals with fusible webbing. She also recommends using a fabric that doesn't fray when you cut it.

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

• Cut out a cardboard template of your fabric flower's petals. Thin or rounded, pointy or blunt—the shape is up to you and your taste.

• Use the template to draw and cut out 14 fabric petals. Michele Beschen recommends folding your fabric over and cutting the petals in pairs (figure A).

• Cut seven lengths of 18 gauge wire the length of the petals plus about 6".

• Lay one petal piece face down on your work surface, then run a bead of fabric glue around the edge and up the middle (figure B). Place a length of wire along the glue down the middle of the petal, then press another petal piece, right-side up, on top to sandwich the wire between the two fabric pieces.

• Repeat for the other six petals so that you have seven completed petals.

• When the glue is dry, twist two petals together at the point where the wire comes out of the fabric. Keep adding petals until all seven are twisted together (figure C). It's okay if all the petals point it the same direction for this step.

• Once all the petals are twisted together, separate and shape them so they match your vision for the flower.

• For the flower's center, use either a giant covered button or a 2½" reflector (available at auto parts stores). Michele Beschen used a reflector for her flower, drilling holes through it to accommodate "stamens" made of twisted electrical wire (figure D).

• Cover the wire stem with floral tape.

Figure E

These fabric flowers are great embellishments for pillows and even look great hanging on the wall. Michele Beschen created her own art installation using a large hanging picture frame (with glass and backing removed). She included both fabric and feather flowers plus interesting-looking branches that extend outside the frame (figure E).

However you use your fabric flowers, they're a great way to
B. Original!