The Junk
I do so love it when a plan comes together! Last summer Susanne Woods, Our Acquisitions Editor and I were looking through some European magazines for ideas…colors, trends, things we couldn’t live without, when I came across a photo of a lovely basket of flowers hanging on a door. I thought that could be a fun Junk to Jewel project…..
I tore out the page, filed it in my “don’t forget” file, and promptly forgot the whole thing. That was until a few weeks ago when I found the perfect purse in the $2.00 bin at a local thrift shop. At that moment, the idea came back to me.
A fresh, upcycled twist on a traditional door wreath. Just what I was in the mood for while waiting for the rain to stop. I’ve seen flowers in blogs everywhere, and I wanted some too—something fresh with just a touch of elegance. After a visit to Tim Holtz‘s blog, a great place for eye candy and inspiration, I got the idea I needed, and was ready to start my project.
I purchased the flower die from Tim’s new Alterations line of Sizzix Dies, gathered all my black and neutral fabric and scraps, and set about cutting out flowers….lots and lots of flowers. I used a couple of different weights of linen, Lutradur (black and white), sheer ribbon, screening, papyrus, tulle, and some cotton batting. I even stamped on some of the white Lutradur with a bit of Liquitex acrylic paint in Ivory Black for an added graphic element.
the supplies
Making the flowers was so much fun—in fact it was addictive! The more petals you use the better. I held the petals all together with a heavy gauge floral wire of about 6 – 7 inches long and bent at the top to keep the flower where I wanted them. A little hot glue on the back didn’t hurt either! I fluffed the petals with my finger so the bouquet had a bit of dimension and added the little metal centers, from my scrapbook stash, for the perfect flower center.
To keep everything in place in the purse/basket, a small styrofoam block sits at the bottom of the bag. A ribbon tied around the basket was the finishing touch.
The Jewel
I was so pleased with the simple elegance of this piece. It was just what I had pictured in my mind…I love when that happens!
Happy summer everyone!
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Next month’s junk: pile of old sweaters
What will she make out of that?
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Junk to Jewel is a series where, once a month, C&T author and editorial team member Sue Astroth chronicles her upcycling adventures with thrift store finds.
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6 Comments
TOO fabulous, Sue. I love your “column!”
looks great..wonder what your going to do with those sweaters..hope they are wool then you can felt them
That is a really nice project, love what you did.
Can’t wait to see what you do with the sweaters.
Debbie
Beautiful and amazing project…as always! You are so stinkin’ talented!
What an adorable basket of flowers and a great idea!! Thanks for sharing!!
That’s coool Sue! . . . . wool softies????