How to Make Ribbon and Flower Lapel Pins

Carnations are the classic lapel pin flower, but you can choose any flower you like.

Flower lapel pins, or boutonnieres, are pinned to men's suits for special occasions. When men attend formal events with a partner, the woman usually wears a matching wristlet. Decorative lapel pins are popular for wedding parties, funerals and high school proms. Some professionals wear lapel pins to add their own personal style to a business suit. Lapel pins are a versatile accessory that you can make at home with a few simple steps.

Things You'll Need

• Green florist tape
• Carnation
• Flat-backed pin
• Ribbon
• Craft glue
• Chiffon fabric
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Trim the carnation with scissors so that the stem is only 2 inches from the base. Use a fake flower from a craft store or a real flower from a nursery. Keep in mind that while the fake flower can be preserved and reused, you can also let the real flower dry and use it as a scrapbook decoration.

2. Cut a square of chiffon about the size of the diameter of the flower. Depending on the theme of the event, you may choose not to match the color of the flower to the color of the fabric. A wedding, for example, usually incorporates two or more colors for the theme.

3. Hold the stem of the flower in the center of the chiffon square, and wrap florist tape around the stem so parts of the chiffon peek out from underneath the petals. You may choose to wrap the flower in tape a second time to add a secure, extra layer.

4. Flip over the flower and tie a bow around the stem, right below the petals. Double knot the bow and then glue it securely. Use thin ribbon for a small flower and thicker ribbon for a large flower. The ribbon, like the chiffon, should coordinate with the color scheme.

5. Attach the flat-backed pin using craft glue. Glue the pin horizontally so the flower will sit right on the lapel.

References

• Indie Bliss: Flower Lapel Pins