Flowers for Fall Day One: Organza Flowers

You've seen these previously on the nursery lamp, and a number of you have asked me to post a simple tutorial for how to make these.  Here goes:
You'll need
A scrap of organza (I find darker colors more forgiving)
Needle and thread
A small candle or tea light
Small beads (optional)
Make sure you are in a draft-free space

Cut a number of graduated circles.  I make templates of 5 sizes out of cardboard.  If you're going to make these, you may as well make a lot.  They are like crepes.  You generally have to scorch the first one to get the rhythm right.

Starting with the largest circle, hold it close to - but no touching the flame - until it just starts to "wilt".  As soon as you see this, quickly start to turn it so that all sides start to get gently singed.  This is hard to see in the picture, but you will just know it when you see it.  At no point should the flame touch the fabric.  (It can be a bit mesmerizing watching the "petals" form)

I did it near a sink ... just in case

Depending on how opaque you want your flower you'll make 1-3 of each size.  Lay them out and play around with the layering until you get the look you want.  I wouldn't go less than five petals per flower, but it's up to you.

Doesn't look like much yet...

Layer them and sew a couple of stitches up from the bottom to secure them together

Personally I like them unadorned like this.  But you could always glue some embellishments in the center

If you look closely, you'll see that the petals are far from perfect.  But that's the point.  Even if you singe one seemingly beyond repair, you can still use it, just be strategic where you put it. 
These can be used in home decor as I did here, or on hair accessories or jewelry.