How to Make a Tussy Mussy Holder
A tussy mussy is a small but fragrant flower bouquet. Historically, tussy mussies were used to block the smell of unwashed bodies and illness. In later years, they became a fragrant accessory. Today, tussy mussies are used in weddings, as party favors and as decorations. The tussy mussy can be created out of various materials; the final look is completely customizable.
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Instructions
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1
Use a compass and pencil to draw a circle on a piece of plain white copy paper. This is your template. Usually, tussy mussies are quite small. Consider a circle that is at most 10 inches in diameter. Mark the center with the compass point.
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2
Cut out the template using scissors. Draw around the edge carefully to preserve the circular shape. Use a ruler to draw a line from the center point of the circle to the edge of the circle. This means to draw the radius line so the line only goes halfway across the paper. This will be a guiding line in later steps.
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3
Choose the material you wish to make the tussy mussy holder from. Common materials included corrugated card, doily paper, pliable tin or copper sheeting, stiff paper, wallpaper or construction paper. Choose the material based on the weight and number of embellishments you intend to use.
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Attach the template to the inside or wrong side of the chosen material using glue or temporary adhesive. You will not really see the template after the flowers are in place. The gluing will prevent slipping.
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5
Use scissors or tin snips to cut through the material and around the template and down the radius line to the center. Take your time to avoid creating any sharp edges. You can use crimping or scalloped blade scissors to create a decorative edge.
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6
Turn the two straight edges of the circle in on themselves to create a cone shape. Either staple, glue or fold over (in the case of soft metal) the edges to create a seal. Push against the front of the cone slightly to flatten the back. This makes it easier to place the tussy mussy on the wall or on a church pew or article of clothing.
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7
Attach a ribbon hook or coil wire hook to the back of the mussy with the ends about an inch from either side of the seam. Decorate the tussy mussy holder with ribbons, glitter, dry or silk flowers or paint before filling with your miniature bouquet.
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