Saturday, February 20, 2010

A Springtime Tutorial (re-post) And an Etsy Update

I got these big gerbera daisies half-off at JoAnn's...same with the ceramic vase from Hobby Lobby.
I glued the two halves of the styrofoam together...
pulled the daisies off...
and pushed some hard styrofoam into the vase.
Next, I twirled green ribbon all the way up to secure the stems together.
Then, I started by gluing the first daisy on top, and then adding the rest all the way around.

I added some Martha Stewart ribbon at the top.
This filler floral came from Walmart.
And there you have it...an early Spring. : )
Addendum: Someone asked what size my styrofoam ball was. I actually had to whittle it down to be about 4-5" in diameter. I used 7 daisies in all (1 on top, 5 around and then I cut up the 7th for the petals all around the bottom for filler so the styrofoam wouldn't show. Which reminds me, I had to spray paint the green ball white in the end so the green wouldn't show. Note to self...buy white next time. : ) Good luck to those who try this happy project. Let me know if I can answer any more questions.
I'm in the process of making things for my Etsy Shop again. Right now, I'm working on some cute drawstring tote bags. The next few pics are a sneak peek at the fabrics I'm working with. Such fun!!!





Also, we finished Sara's bag.
She got all creative and used stripes for her lining.
And I recently got this little "M" charm at Target to use as a zipper pull. : )
Have a great weekend!!!

30 comments:

Country Wings in Phoenix said...

Oh ML Sweetie...
What a beautiful post. I so love the SPRING tree. How beautiful the gerbera daisies are. It made me cry when I saw it. (They were Amy's favorite flower, it was the last bouquest I sent to her before she passed away). So beautiful, just beautiful. Yes it is SPRING.

I love your bags you are making. They are just beautiful, you are a very talented woman. I love the little "M" that you added to your bag. It is just perfect to the letter "M". Love it sweetie.

Thank you for sharing. Country hugs and much love...Sherry

GRAMS said...

Okay. There you go again. Making me want to make something you make. one of those would go so well on my dining room table.
I'm going to have to try it. Thanks for the idea.

Susan said...

Your daisy tree is so sweet! Nice job on the totes as well!

Sewconsult said...

What a great idea with the silk daisies. Will have to get to the craft store & see what I can come up with. Your totes are great. Good luck with sales.
Beckie
http://sewconsult-ponderings.blogspot.com

Lovely Little Nest said...

Love the daisy topiary! So cute :)

Betty said...

Your daisy topiary is so pretty! I also love those drawstring bags. I love that Barefoot Roses fabric. I need to quit hoarding mine and make something!

Unknown said...

Ooooh!! I always really enjoy your posts!! They inspire me soo. I am also glad that you are re-opening your etsy. Such Fun!! :):)

Unknown said...

ooops,...hate when that happens. The last post was from Holly over at holls haven. My son beat me to the login.:)

Allie and Pattie said...

Too adorable! I love making topiaries and those half off sales are my salvation! Great tutorial
xoxo Pattie

marmielu said...

Thanks for that tutorial. I must have missed it before. That looks great. But....those bags......they are really tempting. I can't wait until they are in your shop.
Mary Lou
PS-Can you tell I'm catching up?

Anonymous said...

Oh I love the gerbera daisy arrangement. The bags are adorable too. I think putting the fabrics together is the best part!!! I wish you and your family a blessed Sunday.

Deb @ PaperTurtle said...

Love the flower arrangement, tote bag, and purse you have posted here! I am so inspired! I'm totally going to make the flower arrangement. I just love the fabrics you used for your totes! You've been a busy girl.

Darlene said...

The spring topiary looks beautiful. I also LOVE your new totes you are working on for the shop. I better save my money!!!! Sara's purse turned out great. I am just in awe that you two can make things like that!!!! LOVE the M! I sure wish I had a closer Target, BUT I may get to stop by one on Monday....YAY.

Hope you are enjoying your weekend.♥

Macey said...

Those are sweet totes! I love the fabric. I've been thinking of doing something for a spring decoration, I might have to make that topiary.

RACHELLE said...

Your daughter's choice of stripes for the lining in her purse,is right up my alley! i love print and stripes mixed!

The tree just makes me smile! i think i may attempt one for the hotel room.

and the bags.... great selection of coordinating fabrics!!!

those are just adorable!

shell

www.gypsylemonade.blogspot.com

People Who Know Me Would Say: said...

Break open the spring! The flowers were like a shot in the arm for me, ML! Much needed...we're still melting the 3 feet of snow we received.

How incredibly creative and talented. But then again, you're Martha Maguyver. Have you noticed I don't know how to spell that last name...I always spell it differently? I'm cool like that.
:(

Joyce said...

You are too creative. Hot glue guns and paste and wires and any craft items are just not a good thing with me as I am all thumbs. I had enough trouble making those cones to fill with the candy for Valentine's day (photo on my blog) and my 3 yr old GS helped me glue them:)
Joyce

Unknown said...

Now that is cute! Would you like to come over to the Honeybears Hideout and teach a arts and crafts class to the playmates and the bears?
Happy Sunday to you. My thoughts are with you my friend.

Sewconsult said...

Thanks for the compliments on my daughter. She got my eyes. Younger daughter got their dad's blue eyes. Both got my, more than generous lips. Don't know where on the family tree that I got them!
Thanks again for stopping by.
Beckie
http://sewconsult-ponderings.blogspot.com

Mimi Sue said...

We've been doing some wedding planning and this project might fit right in. She wants robins egg blue and cream for her colors. I'll be sharing these with her this week. Really cute bags. Mimi

GrandmaBev said...

Love your spring daisy centerpiece. You are so creative. Your daughter's purse turned out really well. Have a wonderful day.

Tina Puntigam said...

Gerber daisies are my favorites. I may need to keep my eye out for some!

Anonymous said...

That is so cute, thanks for showing us how to make one. All your other things look so cute too. Good luck with them.

Willow

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

Awesome totes and springtime flower arrangement! I bet you could use any flowers??
Sure want some spring weather..too much snow & cold...STILL!
Warmly,
Deb :)

LBP said...

Ok you spring tree is making me want Spring to come more than ever! It is just beautiful! I made a Halloween bag very similar to the ones you have. You color choices are beautiful!

Blessings

Linda

Unknown said...

Just beautiful Mary Lou! Your drawstring bags will be such a success. Your purses are out of this world. Your sewing skills amaze me! Elizabeth

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

What a darnin' post dear girl. I'm lovin' your arrangement of those beautiful daises. 'Guess if spring doesn't come soon I'll have to create my own here on the Ponderosa! Your one talented chick!

God bless and have the best day!!!

Tammy @ tinselshop.com said...

Such a cute topiary, I really like how you wrapped the ribbon. All of the bags are wonderful but I am in LOVE with Sara's bag. The fabric is gorgeous!

Best wishes,
Tammy

tattytiara said...

Gorgeous spring centerpiece, and your bags are lovely. What a wonderful talent for design you have.

M.L. @ The House of Whimsy said...
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