Monday, January 4, 2010

Something Twiggy


Seeing as how DIY Day adds a little spring to my step, I decided to add a little spring to the roost.
























Now that Christmas is over, I’m craving all things warm, bright, and pretty. Don’t tell me that it’s only January and real spring weather is at least two months away, because I am in denial. Anyway, when I was putting away my Christmas decorations, I stopped at my advent tree. I thought about throwing the branches on our brush pile, but they are just so delicate and sculptural. I moved them into the kitchen, where they set for about a day.





















The bare branches needed something to keep them from looking so, well…bare. Luckily, I’ve recently read about two million blog tutorials on how to make fabric flowers, so I knew just where to turn for a little pop of spring color.


















There tons of ways to make fabric flowers, but I went with a really simple method. I folded some yellow jersey fabric in half, and freehanded circles in a variety of sizes, none larger than about an inch and a half in diameter. This gave me two circles in each size.


















I folded each set of circles in half, and sewed in the middle of the fold a couple of times.
























Next, I squished the flower to fold it in the opposite direction and stitched several more times until I liked the shape of the flower.























Then, I just used my trusty hot glue gun to stick the flower buds to the branches.
















Maybe I’m just really in need of spring cheer, but I LOVE how this turned out. It was so simple to do, and it makes me smile every time I look at it.
























If flower buds aren’t your thing, you can still add a little spring to your bare branches. Why not print out a flock of vintage birds to sit in your “tree?” Or, you could cut a bunch of hearts out of scrapbook paper, string them on some delicate thread, and wind your new little garland through the branches.

<3
Hattie

10 comments:

The Chenowiths said...

How very cute! We can't wait for spring to arrive too. LOVE the milk glass vase - very vintage :)

Anonymous said...

I LOVE this project. I'm definitely going to bookmark it. I really enjoy doing projects and designs with twigs. Great job!

Maryann @ Domestically-Speaking said...

I love it.. your tree looks so sweet

Bekki said...

What a great idea and I even have that vase. It's one of my favorites.

michelle@somedaycrafts said...

I did something like this, but with tissue paper last spring. I love your yellow buds!!!

Stephanie Lynn @Under the Table and Dreaming said...

Simple and fabulous! It looks great and how easy. The yellow flowers are adorable.

Nepperess said...

Too cute. I was thinking of doing something along the very same lines for my "January decor." I'm not sure if I'll get it up today, but I was thinking a vase as well, filled with leftover fake snow from Christmas, with some lovely little "twiggys."

Love the flowers too!

Julia said...

You are such a crafty gal! I love all these projects you've been doing, and hopefully I will create something akin to that island (I have no room for an island in my kitchen sadly.

Amanda said...

Oh wow I'm commenting twice in 5 minutes... but I really like this one too! May be copying it as well!

Patricia @ 9th and Denver said...

That is so dainty and delicate. IT looks so easy too, thanks for the EZ tutorial... it definitely brings cheerfulness on cold bare winter days!