A Crafter's Guide: Fabric Flowers

 We have dubbed February the month of florals. 

The Paris Market will be offering up a beautiful array of fresh flowers for Valentines Day. Whether a bouquet or single stem, a selection of pretty petals will be available February 12th for purchase.

To start the month out in favor of the flower, how-to guru Jessie, has created a fabric flower DIY for all you crafty spirits. Don that creative cap, grab those scissors, and make you loved one something special this holiday!

Supplies Needed:

Card stock

Ruler

Poly-Blend Fabric

Fabric Pen

Scissors

Needle and Thread

Faux Pearls, Buttons, or Beads

Votive and Matches

Scissors

1. Cut a Series of 5 circles out of card stock in different sizes.

Dimensions:

Circle 1 - 1"

Circle 2 - 1 1/2"

Circle 3 - 2 3/4"

Circle 4 - 3.5"

Circle 5 - 4"

2. Trace circles onto fabric and cut out.

3. Cut five slits in each circle, leave at least 3/4" in the center.

4. Hold each edge over a lit votive and let the fabric slightly curl. Be careful not to hold your pieces too close to the flame as you just want the heat to lightly affect the fabric.

5. Stack each piece largest to smallest (largest on the bottom) and make a few stitches through the center to secure.

6. Decorate the center of your flower by stitching in a few pearls. Want a more crafty look? Try buttons or brooches to make your petals really stand out! 

La fin.

Use these unwilting creations to decorate a gift, add into a floral arrangement or sweeten up your style!

how-to by jessica duthu

A Crafters Guide: Fabric Flag Cake Toppers!

 With our big Back in the Day Bakery book signing bash right around the corner, I have nothing but sweet treats on the brain. The cupcake craze has definitely hit us all hard and what better to add an extra dose of cuteness to these dream desserts, than with a fabric flag cake topper!

Supplies Needed!

Craft Glue

Assorted Fabric

Rubber Stamps

Ink Pad

 4 Inch Bamboo Skewers

Scissors

Colored Tape (Optional)

 Step One

Help your skewers pack a pretty punch by wrapping them with colored or patterned tape. I am just head over heels for the designs and colors we carry in the store. Its a good way to add some fun contrast to your fabric flags and provide a nice pop of color.

 Step Two

Trace a triangle onto a stiff piece of paper (this will act as your stencil). Trace around your stencil with an ink pen onto the back of you chosen fabric. Continue by cutting out your flag shapes.

 Step Three

Stamp your chosen designs onto your newly cut flags. Plan ahead by setting aside half of your cut out pieces. These will serve as the coordinating backs to each flag. Try stamping a cheerful message, a party theme, or the age of your special birthday someone.

 Step Four

Thoroughly coat the back of one of your plain flags with craft glue. Place your skewer against the flat edge of your triangle on top of the glue.

Step Five

Place your printed flag (right side up) on top of the glue covered flag, sandwiching the skewer in between the two. Let dry completely before placing on your cupcake.

Voila!

A perfectly printed topper for you next cupcake camp-out!

Join us April 26th from 5-7pm as we celebrate the much beloved Back in the Day Bakery and their new cookbook, with a book signing bash! 

See you there, and until then, Happy Crafting!

This is your craft loving how-to gal signing off!

xo, Jessica

visit me on my blog!

A Crafters Guide: Prize Ribbon Garden Marker

My thumbs have officially turned green.

As we southerners scurry to plant our gardens before the dreaded heat of summer hits our doorstep, it's hard not to soak up the precious time spent with our little green friends. I have taken extra care to pick out the perfect vintage pots and place them around my home with pride. For an additional crafty boost, I've come up with these handmade garden markers to show off my precious plants and do some prize winning boasting of my own.

Supplies Needed

Birch Plywood (0.8mm thick)

Wood circles

Chalk

Chalkboard paint

Brushes

Xacto knife

Cutting Mat

Paint

Wood Glue

Sanding block or Sand paper

Wooden Dowels

Step One

Paint your wooden circles with chalkboard paint. Two coats will do.

Step Two

Using a pencil, trace a wood circle onto your piece of birch plywood. Draw a design around your traced circle to create the top of your prize ribbon. A strip of plywood (1.5 by 3.5) makes a perfect second piece. Cut out both designs with your Xacto knife.

Step Three

Taking your sanding block or sand paper, smooth the edges of your freshly cut pieces. When you're finished give each piece a double coat of chalkboard paint.

Step Four

Using wood glue attach each wood circle to your ribbon backing. 

Step Five

While your glue is drying, add some creative touches to your prize ribbons. I really love the black and white contrast, but try using your own unique color combination. And get this, they now make chalkboard paint in a variety of colors! Try out designs that will coordinate with your garden!

Step Six

Cut a piece of dowel 10 inches long. The dowel I used was 3/16" by 36".

Step Seven

Finish assembling your prize ribbon garden marker by gluing the remainder of your pieces together. Layer your pieces

Voila!
Write the name of your prize wining plant with chalk on your marker and you're ready to stop other garden savvy snoots in their paths!
Until next time, this is your craft loving how-to gal signing off!


~ Jessica
Visit me on my blog!

A Crafters Guide: Terrariums

With spring fast approaching I have been taken over with garden fever!

My thumbs have involuntarily turned green and I have begun planning a plant overhaul in my home. I love succulents! They are easy maintenance for you plant murders out there and come in a variety of shapes and colors! One of the most eye catching and swoon worthy succulent display is the Terrarium. It's no secret that the Terrarium has made its mark in the design world and this week we will be bowing down to these little plant houses and sharing an easy how to!

* When buying supplies it is important to note the amount you will need for only one terrarium is very minimal. Try planning to make multiples or have a flock of friends over for a terrarium making party! That way you won't waste your supplies and can spread the gift with other green thumbs!

Once you've chosen your container, fill it in 1 inch increments. Gravel first, then moss, then soil. By doing this you are creating a filtering system for the plants excess water. Succulents don't need a lot of water, which makes them easy to care for.

Using your hands, make a small indent in the soil where you are placing your plant. Remove each succulent from its pot, gently loosing the roots with your fingers, and place them in there ready made home. Be mindful that you need to plant your succulents at least an inch and a half to two inches apart from each other.

 No one likes a clingy room mate.

Carefully surround your newly planted succulents with gravel. Use your creativity to make your terrarium unique. Try adding dried branches, shells, or toy animals. 

This is also a great project to involve little ones!

Terrarium Care Tips

- water once a week

- A word about water: Tap water often contain high concentration of dissolved minerals. Such minerals can build up in the plant's soil over time, causing harm. When watering your succulents, try using distilled or rain water. 

 - keep your terrarium out of direct sunlight

- if living in a humid climate, try mixing charcoal with your base layer of gravel. This will help prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. 

Now share the succulent love and plant a terrarium of your very own!

Stay tuned for more spring time craft projects, and be sure to stop by my own corner of the web world for additional how tos and an extra dose of vintage love!

xo, Jessica

A Crafters Guide: Valentines Gift Boxes

How you wrap a gift can be just as special as the gift itself. 

I am a big stickler on presentation, and like to flex my creative muscles whenever gift giving is involved. Valentines Day is possibly one of my favorite holidays for gifts, especially for my love of all things french which translates to all things romantic. I had the opportunity this year to create a collection of Valentines themed gift boxes to sell in our wonderful shop! I had so much fun using various antique french papers, photos, and trim to craft up some truly unique creations to share with our customers.

This Valentines Day, try giving your special someone an extra dose of something sweet by creating a unique gift box that will be treasured for many love filled days to come. 

Supplies Needed:

blank gift box (found at most craft stores)

paint brushes

craft glue

ribbon

glitter

fabric

lace trim

vintage paper (try old newspaper, or magazine ads)

vintage jewelry

antique photos

 Below are some examples of the gift boxes I created. 

When crafting your own gift box let your imagination run wild. Try using photos of famous vintage couples, or include memorabilia of you and your loved ones own personal story. Tickets from a concert you and your honey enjoyed, or an old love note you wrote when you first started dating are great things to add to your creation. 

Make your box a sentimental keepsake to harbor loves new adventures!

These lovely handcrafted gift boxes are available at The Paris Market store and in our online shop. Swing by and pick one up today, or create your own for an extra love boost that will not go unnoticed.

Visit my own corner of the web world and take a peak at more Valentines Day craft ideas.

www.strawberrymoth.com

May your holiday be filled with lots of sweetness and snuggling.

xo, Jessica

A Crafters Guide: Greeting Card Garland

Hello again Paris Market readers!

It's Jessica your go-to how-to girl, bringing you another holiday craft that will swing you into the seasonal spirit. 

I love the detail of decorating during this time of year. Every surface covered with the twinkle and magic of Christmas. One of my favorite holiday adornments is the garland. Whether strung up on a tree or lining your mantle, these little strands of seasonal cheer really can create a special atmosphere for you and your guests to enjoy. 

This week we will be creating our own unique garlands out of greeting cards and vintage bits to send the message of Christmas for all to see.

Supplies Needed

5 vintage holiday greeting cards

75 inch strip of grosgrain ribbon

Vintage magazine, newspaper, or printed paper

Craft Glue

Scissors

Star shaped cookie cutter

Glitter 

Colored twine
 

Step One

Using your star shaped cookie cutter, trace and cut 16 stars out of your vintage magazine. I chose to just use black and white images since all my holiday cards are in color. I thought the contrast was really interesting. Have fun with the images you choose to cut out. Try pairing just plain text with a picture of a snow covered hill or maybe a christmas tree ad.

Note: If you don't have access to vintage magazines, try finding some printed paper that inspires you at your local craft store.

Step Two

Using a small strip a glue, adhere your greeting cards to your length of grosgrain ribbon. Space each card roughly 8 inches apart. 

Note: My garland is made for a 65 inch long mantle. When making your own custom garland, measure your mantle or hanging space first and then adjust length accordingly.

Step Three

Cut 8 pieces of colored twine. With a brush and your glue, coat one side of your paper star. Place one end of twine at the top of your star and then sandwhich the twine with a second star. By doing this, you are hiding your hanging twine and creating a clean polished look. Continue this process until you make 8 completed stars.

Step Four 

Create an accent star for your garland. I chose to use a set of wooden stars found at a local craft store and covered them in glitter. Make your garland your own by choosing a foiled paper or a small ornament.

Step Five
 

Grouping 3 stars together (2 paper and 1 accent), tie a knot onto the grosgrain ribbon in between each greeting card. I chose to layer each star at different heights to give them a falling look. Repeat this step 4 times until each space between your greeting cards is full.

 

And Voila! Now it's time to trim your tree, mantle, or doorway with your handmade greeting card garland!

I can just feel the crafty christmas spirit taking over!
Tune in next Wednesday for another holiday how to and be sure to pop by my blog home, Strawberry Moth for more how tos, vintage love, and handmade projects!

Happy Crafting!

xo, Jessica