I have been dreaming about this day for a very long time… this post is the first of 8 amazing felt flower tutorials that I’m sharing this week — culminating in a gorgeous felt wedding bouquet!!! These projects aren’t for the faint of DIY heart, although we break these flowers down step by step to make them as simple as possible – they will take some time and creativity. The energy spent will be well worth it in the end – trust me. Flowers that don’t die are awesome!
In talking about handmade flowers – we are singing the praises of felt. Unlike paper, felt flowers are thick, sturdy and can withstand all that your wedding day could throw at them. Paper can rip and crumple in a flash – but not felt! There is something so old-school crafty about felt… and I love it. So without further ado, here is our first felt flower – the cherished peony.
SUPPLIES:
- wool felt (colors: pink, cotton candy and fern)
- good scissors
- hot glue gun – that does ‘low’ heat
- 18 gauge floral wire
- wire cutters
Below is a chart of the peony petals you will need. Start with squares and cut from there. You can draw them out if you want… or freehand them – they should gradually get larger. I’m not giving you a size because size really doesn’t matter. A large peony like this one will have 28 petals or more – but the size is up to you. Keep the petals feeling different. Peony petals are ruffled, romantic and loose. Make sure there are no square edges, round everything.
- 1 pink center
- 28 randomly cut petals in cotton candy
- 2 fern green flower bases
Set up your workstation. Here I’m using a hot glue gun pad to protect my surface. Get all your petals and your floral wire ready. CRAFTERS TIP: for all these flowers – use your glue gun on the ‘low’ heat setting to avoid burning your fingers
Start with the center of the flower. Cut a slit in the center of the center petal, slip onto the floral wire, add some hot glue, and squeeze all corners together!
The Pinch: the felt peony trick is in the “pinch”. Don’t just glue and press the petals onto the stem. Add glue to the base of each petal and while pressing into the stem pinch the flesh of the felt together slightly – creating dimension and movement.
Keep adding petals, moving around the base of the flower evenly. Keep gluing and pinching!
When your flower is almost finished – the last 6-8 petals should be placed a little lower on the stem to look like the flower is fluffing open at the base like peonies are known for.
Now to finish off the base of the flower. Add your first green petal with glue and pinch a little, then add the next one. Done!!!
Wow. Can you believe that felt can look this good!?! Peonies come in many colors… so the palette is completely up to you, and almost endless!
As with all our DIY tutorials, if you create one of our projects please send us a picture or a trackback – We Love Seeing Your Creativity! If you use Instagram or Twitter please use the hashtag #SomethingTurquoiseDIY. Happy Crafting!
DIY Tutorial Credits
Photography: Studio Eleven Weddings // DIY felt flower pattern: Jen | Something Turquoise // gorgeous wool felt (flowers pictured in Cotton Candy and Oats): Benzie Design // Martha Stewart Crafts mini glue gun and scissors, all floral wire, wire cutters and ModPodge glue gun mat: Michaels // nail polish: OPI – Mimosas for Mr & Mrs
