. . . may day for mother's day: fabric flowers

May.day.mom

We've built up a tradition. . .

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. . . over the years. . .

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. . . of making. . .

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. . . May Day cones. . .

. . . for Mother's Day, and it seemed only fitting to add to the collection this year! So, the May Day for Mother's Day 2014 edition is:

Fabric Flower and Love Notes

*Inspired by the lovely paper flowers that adorned the dinner tables at The Makerie

Materials:

Scrap Fabric (different patterns and colors are good)
Canvas or other sturdy fabric
Small branches or wooden dowels (about 12" long)
Fabric glue or white glue
Popsicle sticks (optional)
Needle and Thread
Brown paper for cone (could be a grocery bag)
Ribbon or cotton rope

While completely lovely, this craft is simple enough for those without any crafting experience to do, and as an added bonus, the flowers last forever!

Instructions:

Place the stick in the center of that and wrap thread around tightly until you have a small ball at the end of your stick. Stitch or knot to secure (see images above).

Once you have the center of your flower, spread glue on a strip of canvas that is about 5-6" wide and 12" long. Make sure you have an even coating that is not too thick. Place your patterned fabric on top of the canvas, pattern side up and smooth out with the edge of a popsicle stick so there are no wrinkles or bumps.

Cut 6 petals roughly the shape of the ones picture above (they don't have to be perfect or uniform). Place the petals around the "stem" with the canvas facing in and wrap with thread around the base to secure them in place. Finish with a few stitches or a knot. While the petals are still a bit damp you can mold them to the shape you'd like.

Repeat this process for as many flowers as you would like to make. Set aside and allow to dry.

To make the cone, I followed the instructions for our first simple craft paper cone and added a mini cloth banner (small triangles stitched over a string)

Once you have your cone, cut strips of paper and write love notes on them. Tie the notes to the flowers and leave them on the door for your mom (or whomever you'd like to share a little May Day love with).

With the Kids:

Go on a walk or a hike to collect sticks.
Take note of the different flowers you see and pick out ones you'd like to copy
Invite the kids to pick out the fabrics.
Have the kids write their favorite things about their mother (or their friends, or whomever).
Try out some of our other May Day projects like the Original May Day Cone, the Lettuce Seed Tape Cone, the Hearts and Roses Cone, or, the Woven May Day Cone.