DIY Rick Rack Boutonnieres

We’re approaching the end of the DIY Content showcase, and it’s been ridiculously fun. Tomorrow we will be back with our last installment, then it’s all in the judges’ hands to decide!

Jessica made bouts using rickrack trim, aren’t they cute?

List of Materials:
1.Rick Rack, medium size, assorted colors
2.Light-weight fabric
3.Artificial stamens
4.Needle & thread
5.Fabric glue
6.Floral tape & floral wire
7.Hot glue gun
8.Scissors
9.1/4” decorative ribbon
10.Pin backing

Fabric Flower:
1. Cut a 1” x 8” piece of fabric.
2. Fold in half lengthwise and sew a running stitch through the open edge. Don’t forget to put a knot at the end of the thread.
3. Pull the thread through and scrunch back the fabric until it gathers into a circle. Sew the ends together to finish the flower.
4. Insert artificial stamens (as many as you like) through the center and secure them in by gluing from the back side.

Rick Rack Flower:
1. Cut rick rack to a length with 10-15 curves on one side (between 4”-6”).
2. Sew a running stitch through the curves on one side. It is best to fold this curve in half and go in and out through it.
3. Scrunch back the rick rack until it forms an “ssss” shape.
4. Join the ends and form a flower. Use fabric glue to secure the stitch and prevent the ribbon ends from fraying.
5. Insert artificial stamens through the center and secure with fabric glue from the back.

Creating the boutonniere:
1. Gather and arrange 4-5 flowers in your hand.
2. Use a 6” piece of floral wire to give shape to the “stems” by wrapping the stamens. It is best to start at the base of the flowers and wrap down to the bottom of the stem.
3. Wrap with floral tape to even out the wire and secure the stem.
4. Use the glue gun to secure the decorative ribbon onto the stem. It is easiest to add a small strip at the bottom first and then wrap from the base of the flower to the bottom of the stem.
5. Add a small bow just below the flowers.
6. Fix on the pin backing with the hot glue gun to the back of the stem.

Tips:
– Consider varying the length of the rick rack and the size (medium or mini) to provide some dimension.
-You cannot fabric glue too much from the backside. Okay, you can, but so long as you cannot see if from the front, feel free to use it liberally to ensure a long lasting and sturdy piece.
– Use these flowers as your heart desires. You can make a head band, napkin ring, brooch or even a bouquet!
– Experiment with the width and length of the fabric to create more or less pleats or a bigger or smaller flower.