Flowers for Fall Finale: Zippy Flowers!

I have to apologize for 1. the delay in this promised post, and 2. the quality of the tutorial.  This would have made much more sense in a video, but try to follow along anyway...

It all started when I saw this at Target:

and realized that I had officially become my mom when I heard myself say - possibly out loud - 'I can make that!'

So I bought it to use as a prototype, and to take a picture without looking suspicious in the store.  Several trial and error attempts later, came up with something my daughter is quite happy to wear.

You'll need:

One zipper (will make two flowers)

Needle and matching thread

Seam Ripper (just in case)

Small piece of felt

Hot glue

Accesories of your choice

Open your zipper all the way.  You may have to cut off the end to separate them completely.  I suggest using a rotary cutter if you have one.  

You will be working from THE BACK.  This is very important and will save you a great deal of heartache and unnecessarily poked fingers.

Thread your needle and make a knot.  Start folding/pinching the end of the zipper from the back, turning as you go.  With every fold, make a small stitch to hold it in place (I think this is called tacking ...right, Mrs. Rudolph?)  Peek on the other side to make sure the stitches arent obvious.

Keep turning and tacking

 

 Flip it over

Tuck the end under and tack it in place.  The center will be a little jagged, so just pop a button or other embellishment on with hot glue.

If you're going to put it on a headband or clip, glue a small circle of felt to the bottom.  This will also secure your stitching.  Bonus!

Now you see the yucky stitching

Now you don't!

Finally, if you are going to use one of those snappy clips, be sure to open it before you put the glue on, and only put the glue on the edges, othewise, you'll be gluing it shut.

Put it on a lovely, underpaid supermodel and send a picture to your mom :).