Faux Prima Flower Tutorial

My friend, Shawna, and I were in the creative mood today and decided to try our hand at making some "Faux Prima Flowers".  These were pretty simple to make and once we got the hang of it...they were really quick...

Supplies:

scraps of synthetic, silky fabric

candle

decorative brad

scissors

tulle (optional)

Step 1: Cut circles of various sizes from synthetic fabric.  The fabric that works the best is thin, smooth, silky fabric.  We used different types of taffeta.  The circles we cut ranged from 1 1/2" diameter to 4" diameter.  You do not need to cut PERFECT circles, I didn't make a template or anything, just cut "circular" shapes.  You will need anywhere from 3-5 layers to make flowers like the ones pictured above.



Sample of a "not perfect" fabric circle.

Step 2:  Caution: be careful when executing this step!!!

  

just the edges are burnt/melted



Light a candle and hold the edges of the fabric circle next to the flame of the candle.  Since this fabric is synthetic, it will melt and it will melt really quick...therefore, just lightly place the edge of the fabric near the side of the flame.  Once the edge starts to burn/curl/melt, turn the fabric to melt a little further until you work your way around the whole circle of fabric.  This takes a little practice at first, but after you do a few pieces, it gets really quick and easy. 

   

     

entire surface is burnt/melted



For a little variety and texture, you can then hold the entire piece of fabric a few inches above the flame.  Once the fabric gets hot enough, you will see it begin to melt.  Move the fabric around a bit to get some melted "spots" on the whole circle.  IF you hold it too close to the flame, it will RAPIDLY burn a hole in the fabric.  PLEASE be careful doing this step. 



Step 3: Stack the layers on top of one another to form a flower.

 

edges burnt



edges and surface burnt



Step 4:  Pierce a hole through the center of all of the circles and place a decorative brad through them to hold everything in place.

 

Completed flower with edges only burnt.

 

 

Completed flower with edges and surface burnt.



Optional Layers:

As we were designing more and more flowers, we started adding extra layers of tulle.  We used various sizes of tulle...some had a very fine mesh pattern, others had a larger mesh pattern.  You DO NOT need to burn the tulle.  I think they all turned out beautiful. 

Although they look pretty thick and bulky, they are not, they flatten out and lay nicely on a scrapbook page.   Here is an example of my "test" flower on a scrapbook layout...

Have fun creating these flowers!!!