DIY Felt Boutonniere
An economic downturn and an extravagant wedding can make a stressful pair. When money is tight, more and more couples are choosing to have a frugal party instead of a multi-thousand-dollar blowout bash. Fortunately, cheaper doesn't have to mean boring; brides and grooms are embracing the DIY movement to create a unique and cost-effective spin on their big day. Instead of costly flowers, consider making a stylish felt boutonniere for your husband-to-be.
Things You'll Need
- Felt
- Scissors
- Marker
- Jar lid (optional)
- Hot glue gun
- Crystals, pearls, or beads (optional)
- Straight pin
Instructions
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1
Decide on the approximate size of your boutonniere and find a circular object, such as a jar lid, to use as your pattern. Bear in mind that smaller is better in this case; creating a too-large felt boutonniere will look clownish. Find a tux or suit jacket and note the size of the lapel to make a good match.
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2
Lay out the color of felt that you will use to make the petals, and trace a circle around your template to form the flower's base layer. Cut it out and use it as a model to create progressively smaller circles to form the layers of petals. You will need approximately five or six circles, depending on desired fullness.
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3
Glue the circles together by dabbing a dot of hot glue at the center of each circle and stacking them from largest to smallest. Use the scissors to snip each circle from the outside edge inward, forming carnation-like petals. Don't worry if your cuts aren't perfectly symmetrical, because natural flowers do not grow in straight lines.
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4
Glue crystals, beads or pearls to the center of your flower if desired, or add green felt leaves for a more natural look. Fluff all of the layers and petals with your fingers to create a puffy carnation shape. Pin the straight pin to the back of the boutonniere for safekeeping.
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Tips & Warnings
Make a matching bouquet of felt flowers for the bride. Finish it by gluing a wire to the base of each flower and wrapping it with floral tape.
References
- Photo Credit Thinkstock/Comstock/Getty Images
