July 12, 2010

A new take on an old favorite

I love to create wearable pieces that are sophisticated, yet spunky. And, as I’m sure y’all are starting to see, I just can’t function without a healthy dose of color. ;) Looking at my calla lily wreath hanging in my kitchen a couple of weeks back, it dawned on me those flowers would really pop as a wearable accessory. Thus, the idea for this project was born!

I have to say that I am currently nursing an addiction to the $3 tanks at Walmart. I mean, three little dollars for something that can be dressed up as I’ve done here, or down for an outing to the park or the pool? I am sold! I opted to create a brooch to liven up a plain white tank here (I wanted to keep my options open for layering the tank under cardigans and things later on), although it would be perfectly fine to hand stitch your flowers directly to your top if your prefer. Washing on delicate and then allowing it to air dry, I think the piece would launder just fine.

Let me share with you how this beauty came together!

You’ll need:
Polysatin in two contrasting colors (The remnant basket at my Hobby Lobby is always brimming with cuts of this. It might be worth looking the next time you stop in.)
Various cotton fabric scraps
Coordinating thread
Heavyweight fusible interfacing
Safety pin
Disappearing ink pen
Small scrap piece of felt, preferably in a neutral shade
Hot glue gun and sticks
Magnetic pin back
Standard sewing supplies: shears, tape measure, pins, etc.

(Incidentally, I had never in my life considered how difficult it is to take a decent photo of oneself! No snickering over the two I managed above in my attempt to “model” this project. ;)

Helpful hints and tips:

  • I tend to prefer the magnetic alternatives to traditional pin backs because they typically stay put better and don’t wreak as much havoc on the garment to which they’re affixed, but if you are unable to find them, the old stand-by’s will work just fine.
  • When applying the interfacing to your satin, be very careful, as the satin will scorch if it gets excessively hot.
  • Use these flowers to adorn a bag or pillow if you aren’t in the market right now for a top. I bet two small brooches like these would be fabulous clipped on to a pair of strappy sandals! 
Wishing everyone a marvelous week!

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Take a moment to stop by these terrific places where I’ll be sharing this project…
Skip to My Lou
It’s So Very Cheri
The DIY Showoff
Sumo’s Sweet Stuff
The Girl Creative
Today’s Creative Blog
Tip Junkie
Tatertots and Jello
504 Main

And for a complete list of the parties I participate in regularly, click here.
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Amy @ Positively Splendid

Amy @ Positively Splendid

Having grown up in a home brimming with sewing notions and paintbrushes, Amy has a deep love for all things creative. On any given day, you'll find her knee-deep in her latest creative endeavor, with projects ranging from sewing and crafts to home decor and kid-friendly ideas. Amy believes that everyone, regardless of skill level or experience, possesses the ability to create something beautiful, and Positively Splendid was born of her passion for helping others harness their innate creative potential.
Amy @ Positively Splendid

@splendidamy

Mama of four, creative enthusiast, craft & DIY blogger. Find me knee-deep in my next project at http://www.PositivelySplendid.com!
Entertaining this weekend? Craft some Anthro-inspired pennant napkins to gussy up your table! http://t.co/aSNEtp88m5 via @miznelliebellie - 2 days ago
Amy @ Positively Splendid

Latest posts by Amy @ Positively Splendid (see all)

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34 Responses to A new take on an old favorite

  1. greenbean July 12, 2010 at 11:14 am #

    omg!…these are freaking fantabulous!…well…that’s it…looks like i have to learn how to sew!…i just gotta have some of these!…

    Reply
  2. Stephanie July 12, 2010 at 12:21 pm #

    i love this!! SO Much!

    I need to get brave enough to embellish some plain ol shirts I have laying around!!!!

    Reply
  3. Laura PARING DOWN July 12, 2010 at 12:42 pm #

    Amy, that’s absolutely adorable.

    You did a great tutorial (and look great as a model,too)!

    I love your butterfly pins. Where did you get them?

    Happy Monday,
    Laura

    Reply
  4. Michele {The Scrap Shoppe} July 12, 2010 at 1:14 pm #

    A stunning brooch, Amy! I absolutely love it. Your colors are great for summer. You’re really going to start a trend with these calla lilies!

    Reply
  5. The Girl Creative July 12, 2010 at 1:45 pm #

    So cute! You did a great job on that – very original. :)

    Reply
  6. Kelli @ RTSM July 12, 2010 at 2:05 pm #

    Very cute! I love the contrasting fabrics. And I can so sympathize with you about taking a good picture of yourself. I made a cute headband the other day, but I can’t post about it because I can not get a decent picture of myself wearing it:)

    Reply
  7. Blessed Mommy of 2 July 12, 2010 at 3:10 pm #

    Super Cute! Good job on the shirt and modeling =)

    Reply
  8. Meet Virginia July 12, 2010 at 6:43 pm #

    This is beyond too cute! I love it!!

    ~Morgan

    Meet Virginia!
    Meet Virginia!!
    Meet Virginia!!!

    Reply
  9. Brandy @ Gluesticks July 12, 2010 at 8:30 pm #

    That is fabulous! And you are Gorgeous Amy!!

    Reply
  10. Becky@whatslifewithoutwhimsy July 12, 2010 at 8:51 pm #

    I REALLY need to get over my fear of the sewing machine because those are AWESOME!!!!!! I’m glad you posted on DIY show off and I’m glad i found your blog!

    Reply
  11. casserole July 12, 2010 at 10:39 pm #

    I love your fabric calla lillies!! They’re GORGEOUS!

    I linked to your tutorial over at Craft Gossip Sewing:
    http://sewing.craftgossip.com/tutorial-calla-lily-embellished-tank/2010/07/12/

    –Anne

    Reply
  12. Ott, A. July 13, 2010 at 12:24 am #

    How fun and flirty. If I had any coordination at all for sewing or stitching I would totally make this do. But I have two left hands (LOL!) when it comes to needles and threads. Great post though.

    Reply
  13. Sam July 13, 2010 at 3:00 am #

    What a great way to dress up a cheap tank top! I love it! SO fancy looking now!

    Sam
    Mom.Undecided.
    http://momundecided.blogspot.com
    (Come check out my first product review!)

    Reply
  14. Brenda July 13, 2010 at 3:30 am #

    I’m wondering if you give in-home lessons for sewing? Every time I go to the store, I stop and look at machines and then keep going. I have NO clue what I am doing with them and figure it will just collect dust.

    When I see fun things like this, it makes me rethink it.

    Reply
  15. Ashlee @ I'm Topsy Turvy July 13, 2010 at 7:24 am #

    OH MY WORD! Amazing, just Gorgeous! I LOVE calla lilies, my FAVORITE flower! I put this right in my TO MAKE folder. I can’t wait, these are just amazing. I just started a link party and I would LOVE it if you’d consider adding your crafts to it! I’m having flower headband giveaway as part of our first party too! http://imtopsyturvy.com/index.php/2010/07/topsy-turvy-tuesdays-1/

    Reply
  16. Infarrantly Creative July 13, 2010 at 12:34 pm #

    I love that I am stumbling this post. You had me at cala lily. I was already in love with your wreath.

    Reply
  17. Becky@whatslifewithoutwhimsy July 13, 2010 at 2:17 pm #

    I posted a link to this post in my blog, you inspired my project and I HAD to share your post!
    http://lifewithoutwhimsy.blogspot.com/2010/07/no-sew-cala-lily-vase.html

    Reply
  18. Alison July 13, 2010 at 6:55 pm #

    Wow, what a fun take on your cala lillies!! Your fresh ideas are so inspiring!

    Reply
  19. emmylou July 13, 2010 at 8:16 pm #

    Thanks for sharing! I have a Lily & am going to have to try this. I’ll be sure & link back when I do. Thanks! : )

    Reply
  20. hipchic~cynde July 14, 2010 at 12:51 am #

    stunning….absolutely stunning!

    Reply
  21. Staci J July 14, 2010 at 3:51 am #

    That really does dress it up a ton! So chic and cute!!
    Visiting from justsewsassy.com

    Reply
  22. Valerie @ Frugal Family Fun Blog July 17, 2010 at 2:14 am #

    Very CUTE!! :-)

    Reply
  23. Jessabells July 17, 2010 at 2:21 am #

    Wow, I really like it! Where do you find the magnets?

    Reply
  24. Holly July 17, 2010 at 5:39 pm #

    CUTE! I love your calla lilies. They are fabulous on that tank!

    Reply
  26. Sabr July 22, 2010 at 3:36 am #

    So pretty! Can’t wait to make one!

    Reply
  27. Jacqueline July 23, 2010 at 11:13 pm #

    Wow, so custom. You really did a nice job. I know what you mean about the photos. I tried and they were really odd. Yours turned out beautifully.

    Reply
  28. Julie July 30, 2010 at 2:01 pm #

    I love this and I’m featuring it today for Feature Flower Fridays @ Singing Three Little Birds! Have a great day!

    Reply
  29. Suzanne August 4, 2010 at 3:28 am #

    Beautiful lilies and a fabulous tutorial. Thanks so much for sharing the wonderful idea!

    Reply
  30. Seeker August 4, 2010 at 3:31 am #

    Beeyoutiful!

    Reply
  31. Maggie Reno August 6, 2010 at 1:45 am #

    Those lilies are so cute. Great job on the tutorial, I know how much work that can be. I love magnetic clasps too!

    Reply
  32. - Brittany January 29, 2011 at 7:28 pm #

    Amy,

    Ah ha! Found your calla lily tutorial! Can’t wait to make some myself. I really enjoyed meeting you at Blissdom and only regret I didn’t get to talk to you longer.

    BTW, you are a stunningly beautiful woman, in personality and looks. But, I’m sure you have been told that before.

    Hope you have a safe trip home.

    Brittany
    http://www.prettyhandygirl.com

    Reply
  33. Tru@TRU TALES FEATS February 17, 2011 at 2:23 pm #

    I love Calla Lilies! This is neat. A lot of work, but you did fantastic.

    Reply
  34. dollystar June 30, 2011 at 2:44 pm #

    fantástica essa técnica…resultado final surpreendente
    Dolly

    Reply

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