Red, White and Blue Tassels

 

Hi Crafters!

Today I have some red, white and blue tassels for you.  They're perfect for the upcoming holidays - Flag Day and the Fourth of July. They're so easy to make.  Set up a table for the kids and let them help decorate!

Here's one of the finished tassels:

To create these tassels, use an assortment of Gwen Studios ribbons: Here I have some striped grosgrain and Sweet Shop packages.

Cut 6 - 12" lengths of ribbon for each tassel.  I used the three striped grosgrains, the star ribbon and the blue satin for mine.

Paint some wooden candleholders for the tops of the tassels. These are 1" high painted red.

Fold the ribbons in half and tie a length of thread around the center of the ribbons.  

To create a tassel that flares out, arrange the ribbons crossing in an X and tape down to your surface with masking tape on either side of the center. Slide the thread under the center and tie tightly.

Thread the twine ends through the hole in the candleholder and pull the ribbons into it.

Wrap the candleholder with more of the thread leaving tails.  Slide buttons or beads on the ends of the tails and knot.

To finish the top, slide on buttons and beads, knot a couple of times and knot again for a hanging loop.

Hang the tassels separately or attach them to a garland.

The ribbon and buttons are from Gwen Studios. 

You can find them at Walmart.com.

White buttons

Red buttons

Or:

Michaels.com

Sweet Shop ribbon

Find more patriotic ribbon designs at the Designer Crafts Connection!

Patchwork Hearts with Gwen Studios Ribbon

 Hi Everyone!

Patchwork hearts are fun to create and they are perfect for Valentine's Day. You can use up some scraps from your stash and add some Sweet Shop Ribbon from Gwen Studios! 

Here is the first heart I created:

I liked it so much; I made another one!

Patchwork Heart with Gwen Studios Ribbon

Sweet Shop Ribbon

The Sweet Shop Ribbons are great additions to a patchwork heart.  There are sweets - cupcakes, donuts, macarons - and lots of bright colors with some word ribbons also. The above link is a set from Walmart, but you can also find these ribbons at Joann's, Michaels and on Amazon.

For this project you will need:

Heart pattern of your choice (mine is about 6" by 6")

Fabric scraps

Gwen Studios Sweet Shop Ribbon (see links above)

Sewing thread and machine or needle (or, fabric glue)

Fabric backing for the heart pattern 

Felt backing for the heart

Instructions:

1. Cut out a fabric heart for backing.

2. Collect fabric scraps to fit across the width of the heart.  Cut or tear into strips or piece the strips if you have smaller pieces.

3. Place a strip right side up across the heart (straight across or angled) so that the strip of fabric overlaps the heart.  Place the second strip right sides together over the first strip aligning the edges. Sew a 1/4" seam. Iron or press the piece to the right side. Repeat until the heart is covered.

4. Press and pin the edges.  Trim from the back to the edge of the heart.

5.  Place ribbons over the patchwork heart and sew along the edges. Cut a piece of felt for backing that is the approximate shape of the heart and pin.  The excess will be trimmed away.

6. Sew 1/4" from the edge of the heart.  Leave an opening at the top to insert a ribbon loop. Pink the edges, insert the loop and sew the opening.

Other ideas to try:

Use fabric glue instead of machine stitching.

Use hand-stitching.

Make a bunch and hang them as a garland.

Add an embroidered name or word and give it to a friend.

Add some batting and make it a potholder.  

Add button or small flowers or a bow.

Have fun creating your own version of a patchwork heart!

And, for more "lovely" Valentine's Day ribbon ideas, see the Designer Crafts Connection blog.

This post features Gwen Studios ribbon.  Since I am a member of the Design Team, I receive samples of their beautiful ribbon.  Look for them in your favorite fabric or craft store!