Sunday, May 2, 2010

Create Inexpensive Embellishments......

Today I have a money saving tip for you.  If you've ever been to a craft or scrapbooking store you know how expensive embellishments can be.  I love to use silk flowers in many of my creations, but this can get quite costly. This pack of six silk flowers can cost $3.00.  I am way to cheap  frugal  to pay that price.

I made sure I had my coupon in hand and headed over to the closest Michaels Craft store.  I purchased one large hydrangea stem in my favorite color PINK!  This single stem had
 72 individual  flowers and cost $2.50. 
 Can you see the savings already?



Next step is to seperate the flowers...


I removed the green stamen.


I love this fine iridescent shred.  It adds lots of bling!



I have found it at a local dollar store. 
 When it's in stock, I buy 3-4 bags.  It goes a long way.


I just grab a small about and hot glue it
to the center of the flower....


Next step glue a rhinestone to the center.
 Can you ever have to much BLING?  I purchased the rhinestones in a value pack at JoAnn Fabrics.  Remember your coupon and the cost is about $2.50 for the entire package. 
 For only a few cents it adds a great look.


And here's how I used the flowers....


I made matching gift bags for my handmade journals
that I sold at my show this weekend.


72 flowers cost me about $5.50! 
That's quite a savings....


I liked these even better than the ones at the store.


Next time you're at the local craft store pick up a stem of flowers.  It's amazing what you can create with them.  I'm linking up to the following creative sites....
Make it Monday

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20 comments:

  1. ConnieMay 3, 2010 at 12:25 AM

    Thanks for the great tip. I also use a lot of flowers for embellishing projects and they can be quite expensive. I really like your idea of adding the irridescent (sp?) fuzzy stuff, it adds to the over all cutsie look.

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  2. Mom in High HeelsMay 3, 2010 at 5:28 AM

    What a great idea!

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  3. SueannMay 3, 2010 at 5:57 AM

    Wonderful idea and great tutorial! Thanks so much! I never thought about doing it that way!!
    Hugs
    SueAnn

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  4. Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble ChristmasMay 3, 2010 at 7:36 AM

    Thanks so much for this wonderful tip!
    I buy ribbon roses and other ribbon flowers in bulk on ebay for my Victorian style crafts but this will let me add a little variety in my flowers!
    Debbie

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  5. Heather HendersonMay 3, 2010 at 8:37 AM

    great tip! I love the shreds - I have some metallic embroidery floss that I've been using to get your look.

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  6. Valencia Jones-EdwardsMay 3, 2010 at 9:11 AM

    I learn so much from you! This is just in time for mother's day gift package embellishments.

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  7. Creations By CindyMay 3, 2010 at 2:07 PM

    So cute. Love it. Be blessed. Cindy

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  8. KaysiMay 3, 2010 at 2:46 PM

    So pretty!

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  9. Crafty Mommy DivaMay 3, 2010 at 3:27 PM

    Wow fabulous! That iridescent stuff really helps it pop too. I'd love if you linked up to my Scrappy Saturdays.
    http://myscrappygifts.blogspot.com/2010/05/11th-scrappy-saturdays.html

    ReplyDelete
  10. FLOWERSHOPGURLMay 3, 2010 at 7:46 PM

    Hi, I love your ideas and that is a great tip! The shimmery shreds give it a nice touch as does your bling. Just in time for Mother's Days and all the parties I have coming up this month. Stop by and visit and have a peek at the bird nest jar topper I made, you may enjoy it. Have a wonderful evening!
    Hugz,
    Kim

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  11. TerryMay 4, 2010 at 7:16 AM

    I love this idea, I have lots of artifical flowers and was just waiting for inspiration. Thank you!
    I'll be copying you very soon!

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  12. Maria@BubblegumandDuctTapeMay 4, 2010 at 10:32 AM

    what a cute idea! I love making my own embellishments too. They can be quite expensive at the store.

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  13. Megan GunyanMay 4, 2010 at 2:57 PM

    Wow, it looks so beautiful! Great job.

    I'd love for you to check out my blog for a CSN give away! Have a wonderful day! alittleknickknack.blogspot.com

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  14. UnknownMay 4, 2010 at 6:32 PM

    I love how you added the shredded stuff to the center of the flower. Too cute!

    ReplyDelete
  15. ~SHANNON~May 7, 2010 at 12:42 PM

    Pretty flowers!I'm your newest follower, I found you through Friday follow!

    I hope you will come check out my blog out as well!

    Have a great weekend!

    Shannon
    http://milkandcuddles.com/

    ReplyDelete
  16. Barbara JeanMay 9, 2010 at 7:34 PM

    sweet tip, thanks.
    Amazed you sign up for so many special days. I had to back off as it took too long to load them all with nmy shoulder pain.

    blessings
    barbara jean

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  17. Debilou ~ Mississippi MamaMay 11, 2010 at 10:27 AM

    great tip,, just found your blog today from over at Donna's funkyjunk place,, loved your video on the lampshade. Cant wait to look around some more.

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  18. Tracey @ My House of GigglesMay 11, 2010 at 11:15 PM

    You did a fabulous job on the flowers!! What a great idea to rip apart a hydrangea :) Definitely worth a little effort for some gorgeous little embellishments :) Your bags look beautiful!

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  19. Naturally Me CreationsFebruary 3, 2011 at 3:58 AM

    What a cute idea! I love adding some shiny decorations! :)

    ReplyDelete
  20. ChristineJuly 2, 2014 at 3:54 PM

    I love the shiny threads. I looked at Michael's and Dollar Tree for them last night. No luck. You mentioned it purchased it at a local dollar store. Have you seen them anywhere else? I went over by the gift bag section at Michael's. Thanks Christine 7/2/14

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Thanks so much for stopping by to read my blog! I love to hear from you...Sherry