Welcome To My Blog!
There are no snow flakes falling here in FLORIDA but it is beginning to feel like Christmas. Welcome to the Helmar USA/ Australia HUGE Holiday HOP!
I am anxious to see all of the wonderful projects that the ladies have put together this time to share with each of you. Be sure and register on each site for more opportunities to win some great prizes.
You are currently at My site Gayle Martin jgwm.blogspot.com. I will give you direction at the bottom of the page on how to go to the next blog on the Helmar Huge Holiday Hop. So relax look around and follow the directions at the bottom when you are ready to move onAlong with that you should have a great understanding of all of the fabulous products that Helmar has to offer you for all of your crafting needs. They great part is you can win some of those great products and try them out for your self. It is truly a wonderful thing to be able to used the right product for your projects and not just used what you have on hand.
I have been on a jewelry making spree and decided to share some easy techniques with you to make your own flowers. They can be adapted to used on jewelry, hair bows, barrettes, head bands, pins, bracelets, package decorations or what ever your little heart desires.
I have been using old silk clothing that I pick up at my local Goodwill or salvage centers. Some are made from ribbons, Duiponi silk fabric, or sheer organza. You can adapt the project to use what you have on hand. This is a great project for a beginning sewing project.
This is a sample of some of the ribbons and fabrics I used
These are samples of silk fabric and old silk clothing that have been used. This is an excellent beginning project for young children to learn to sew on and can even be used as a large group project.
I purchased old skirts, dresses etc from salvage, and washed them. I then tore them in to strips about 1 inch wide by 6 inches long. ( You can vary the sizes and create different width flowers) I have added sewn a running stitch down one side of the fabric. So that you can more easily see it I used a heavy white thread on the sample in the photo. When you create your flower you will need to use a matching thread. Create a running stitch down the side and sheer the fabric tight to create a circle. ( you are pushing the gathered fabric down the gathering thread towards the knot.) You can then sew the ends together and make sure you stitch it tight so it will not pull apart. You want the gathering to remain tight together to form the flower. you will be glueing this edge together I will instructions later. The outer edge will be frayed so it will give you a soft feathery edge for your flower. 
With the wired ribbon cut your length of ribbon and then pull the wire from each end just a little. This will allow you to have some thing to hold on to as you work. Bend the wire ends under so that you will not pull out the other side as you work. Tighten the ribbon down as you pull the wire out of the end until it starts to create a circle. You may be able to see what I am talking about in the photo at the left. the red ribbon is wired. You can pull the wire out of the other side of the ribbon when you finish making you flower.
I used Helmar Fray Stop on the center of the flower to secure all of the loose edges and prevent the raw edges fron fraying in the center.
You can use any embellish t in the center with of the flower that you like. I have used round or flat buttons, beads and jewels and adhered them. The easiest way to attach them is by using Helmar Gemstone Glue.
My favorite adhesive is Helmar 450 Quick Dry when attaching all of the other elements and pieces to the jewerly. 
While I used Helmar Fray Stop on the middle seam and left the outer edge frayed to create a feathery look for the flower. Below are other example of ways I have used the basic shape in other projects. I have incorporated some other flower designs in some of the pieces that I will show you how to make at a later time.
I have used this same ribbon and fabric design in several other projects. Take a look at them an incorportate them in your own projects.
If you are ready to move to Next blog in the Helmar Huge Holiday Hop-this is the link that you will need to follow to get there. Aymee Gandy .
If you need to go Back to the previous blog follow this link to get there.
Alicia Barry .
If you did not start at the beginning of the Helmar Huge Holiday Hop go back to Helmar USA and begin there. Folloow this link to start at the beginning HelmarUSA/Australia you will be able to see all of the projects and great prizes.
Thank you for visiting with us this weekend. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season!
Gayle Martin
Helmar USA Design Team
