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Hello and Welcome to the Denim Rose Bouquet Advent Marathon.

Below you will find a list of materials and supplies that I recommend using for making your denim roses + any relevant links.

List of TOOLS and SUPPLIES for making the Denim Rose Bouquet    

LINKS TO DAILY VIDEOS OF THE DENIM ROSE BOUQUET ADVENT MARATHON

👉🏻 DAY 1 video click to watch

👉🏻 DAY 2 video click to watch

👉🏻 DAY 3 video click to watch

👉🏻 DAY 4 video click to watch

👉🏻 DAY 5 video click to watch

👉🏻 DAY 6 video click to watch

👉🏻 DAY 7 video click to watch

👉🏻 DAY 8 video click to watch

👉🏻 DAY 9 video click to watch

👉🏻 Day 10 video click to watch

👉🏻 Day 11 video clck to watch

👉🏻 Day 12 video click to watch

👉🏻 Day 13 video click to watch

👉🏻 Day 14 video click to watch

👉🏻 Day 15 video click to watch

👉🏻 Day 16 video click to watch

👉🏻 Day 17 video click to watch

👉🏻 Day 18 video click to watch

👉🏻 Day 19 video click to watch

👉🏻 Day 20 video click to watch

👉🏻 Day 21 video click to watch

👉🏻 Day 22 video click to watch

Below you will find an overview of different ROSE TUTORIALS I am offering, from simple to more complex. Right now you can save 15% on all these tutorials (the discount has been applied to the price).

 VELVET SWEET BRIAR ROSE

The Velvet Sweet Briar Rose tutorial is useful for those artists who would like to learn how to work with velvet as well as other heavy fabrics to create seasonal and matching flower accessories. This design is rather unique as it features a rose with a flat back easy to be worn as a corsage, yet it has a stem as well (very trendy!)

To help you choose a fabric for your Sweet Briar rose I have prepared this little velvet fabric overview video:

A striking design, the velvet Sweet Briar Rose with its plush hand sculpted petals is stunning and indeed very sweet.

Do not underestimate this misleadingly simple rose. With so few petals, there is nowhere to hide imperfections. You will learn how to create impeccable velvet petals that look so live and moving when in fact they are rock solid hard and very sturdy. The tutorial is aimed at brave beginners and intermediate flower makers with a set of flower tools (can be ordered here)

The thorough step-by-step detailed photo tutorial reveals the secrets of this stunning 5 velvet petal rose design, You will be able to create a wearable velvet rose corsage  as well as (hopefully) many more wonderful pieces with this original rose flower.

With more than 170 pictures explaining in detail the whole process of creating your own velvet Sweet Briar rose corsage, the 95 pdf tutorial (no hard copy is available) will unlock the mystery behind sculpting velvet rose petals. I have included the pattern which you can enlarge or reduce in size depending on your project. The photo tutorial comes with 2 additional videos that demonstrate most tricky points for you.

To create the velvet Sweet Briar rose you will require some millinery tools. Please refer to the photo which shows which tools (or similar) you will need for this tutorial.

We are pleased to be able to offer material kits for this tutorial, Please find more information on velvet Sweet Briar rose DIY kits at https://presentperfectcreations.com/product/diy-material-kit-for-making-a-velvet-sweet-briar-rose-corsage/

In case you wish to create a rose with metallic stamens as pictured on the right please order this DIY kit instead https://presentperfectcreations.com/product/velvet-wild-rose-kit/

What you will learn in the velvet Sweet Briar rose tutorial:

🌸 how to cut out velvet petals correctly

🌸 how to dye velvet petals with a gradation of colour

🌸 how to back and shape leaves and calyx made of heavy fabrics

🌸 how to back velvet rose petals

🌸 how to shape heavy fabric backed rose petals in an unusual way to create the original look of the rose

🌸 how to create an unusual stamen centre for the rose

🌸 how to assemble a flat backed rose with a stem

🌸 how to make a wearable corsage with the velvet Sweet Briar rose

Level: beginner/ intermediate (requires neatness and patience, some previous experience in fabric flower making is highly recommended)
Time: about 7 hours on average (plus the drying time)

Miniature Velvet Rose Brooch Tutorial

Roses can have many faces. With this tutorial you will attempt at making the tiniest version of this ever so popular flower.

Made of velvet the miniature roses are a perfect choice to be included in the accessories for colder months.

In this tutorial you will learn to paint velvet and turn it into small bud like roses. A larger sized rose will be made into a small attractive brooch, perfect for a gift to a special person.

Feel free to use your imagination and create a wide range of other accessories with these small but pretty flowers. Made with cotton velvet fabric the miniature roses may look delicate but are rather long wearing.

To create the miniature velvet roses you will need some millinery tools, however the shaping and assembly are relatively uncomplicated and suitable for beginners.

The thorough step-by-step photo tutorial gives detailed explanations on how to make the miniature rose flowers. You will be able to create a wearable velvet rose brooch and hopefully many more wonderful pieces with this attractive and popular  flower.

With more than 190 pictures explaining in detail the whole process of creating your own miniature velvet rose brooch, the 101 page pdf tutorial (no hard copy is available) will unlock the mystery behind the velvet rose. I have included the pattern which you can enlarge or reduce depending on your project. The photo tutorial comes with an additional video that demonstrates most tricky points for you.

To create the velvet rose brooch you will require some specialist millinery tools. Please refer to the photo which shows which tools (or similar) you will need for this tutorial. To purchase a set of 2 extra narrow millinery tools that can be used for shaping the foliage and the calyxes in this tutorial  please click here for more information.

If you have not got a set please send a message to enquiries@presentperfectcreations.com and we’ll be able to recommend where to get one from.

Here is the list of fabrics used in this tutorial:

• Satin https://presentperfectcreations.com/product/rayon-satin-fabric/
• Velvet https://presentperfectcreations.com/product/rayon-satin-fabric/
• Thin backing fabric https://presentperfectcreations.com/product/thin-rayon-backing-fabric/ 

What you will learn in this tutorial

🌸 how to dye velvet rose petals and complex leaves of the brooch in a realistic manner

🌸 how to back flower parts with other fabrics

🌸 how to assemble the miniature velvet roses in 4 different sizes

🌸 how to shape velvet rose petals, calyxes and complex leaves using millinery tools and other methods

🌸 how to make smooth attractive rose stems covered with fabric

🌸 how to assemble an unusually shaped brooch

🌸 how to arrange and assemble the foliage and the flower to create a wearable brooch

Level: suitable for all levers including beginner (requires neatness and patience, some previous experience in French flower making is helpful)
Time: about 5 hours on average (plus the drying time)

Online Event on VELVET PEACE ROSE 

I designed and developed this beautiful Velvet Peace Rose two years ago for my charity workshop.
It is inspired by Peace roses that grew in my grandmother’s garden in the south of Ukraine.
This rose can be made out of velvet (pictured) or simple cotton. Thanks to its construction, shaping and colouring the flower looks just as stunning.

Online Event on Winter Kiss Velvet Rose

Roses hand sculpted from velvet? It’s totally possible!

The demonstration will include the making of a rosebud as well as a larger more open rose using factory dyed velvet. Think luxury velvet rosebud boutonnieres as well as two-tone realistic looking roses for corsages and hat trims.

This demonstration is suitable for students of any level, however previous experience in flower making is really helpful.

A number of flower shaping tools is going to be used to achieve the necessary 3D shaping on the flower parts (round ball tools, single knife, extra narrow tool, tweezers etc).

Plants and humans have always co-existed side by side. From the time immemorial we looked to the natural world around us for answers to our questions, and plants were obvious candidates for making sense of life. Wise women (aka witches) and apothecaries as early herbalists empirically tested out pants to see what they did, especially as medicines. Often, when there was no rational explanation, a mysterious one would evolve.

You might be surprised to learn that most of these plants have already been featured in one way or another in my previous work and tutorials (take Roses, Ferns, Holly, Dandelions or even Fennel). Others like Hellebores, Foxglove or Rosemary will still need to be experimented with. I have also prepared 2 new plants worthy of a witch’s attention, fabric Thistle and leather Blackberries that we wil be making during my upcoming October Demonstration (read on for more information).

If you are ready to get your herbarium packed with magical and mysterous plants, here’s is my top 10 list for you:

1. IVY LEAVES

Ivy frequently features in spells for love and fertility. It was once believed that if ivy grew on the walls of a house the occupants were protected from evil. Not necessarily what we think today, right?

A little overlooked, ivy leaves and vines do not get near enough attention from us flower makers. I offered an IVY leaf tutorial as part of my Fabric Lily-of-the-Valley tutorial, and guilty as charged, have not expored it much beyond that.
However, this autumn I am making a black and golded ivy peace for my new collection called La Collection Noire. Keep your eyes peeles, and if you wish to experiment with ivy leaves yourself, I encourage you to do so.

how to make ivy leaves

 

2. FERNS

Ferns have been associated with magic and healing for a long time, and are said to have many magical properties from helping to discover treasures to healing powers and more. The seeds from the fern were believed to grant the power of invisibility, and when the fronds are burned on an outdoor fire they are supposed to draw rain.

For a flower maker fern with its elegant fronds is a very versatile botanical that can be turned into many many wearble pieces. In fact so many that I have made a whole video course to show the potential of this familiar plant. From small brooches to elaborate trims, headpieces and more, ferns are a delight to work with.

how to make ferns

 

3. HOLLY 

Our ancestors believed the Holly tree to possess protective qualities, such as guarding against evil spirits and bad luck. Legend has it that bringing the leaves inside during the winter months would provide shelter from the cold for fairies, who in return would be kind to those who lived in the house.

Holly makes for a perfect seasonal and Christmas brooch (or a headpiece). Whether you choose to make it in realistic green and red or opt for more festive metallics and beads, the shape is easily recognised and admired.

I have a tutorial on a leather version of Holly, however fabric holly can be made as easily. Choose heavy fabrics like satin or dense cotton (or even velvet) and make sure you back your leaves to achieve a 3D effect of the familiar spiky edge.

how to make Holly

 

4. DANDELIONS

Dandelion is an extremely old healing herb which has been used medicinally for as long as humans have recorded their 

histories. Dandelion magic is the magic of practical, gentle, and intentional transformation. Dandelions are associated with the three celestial bodies of the sun (yellow flower), moon (dandelion clock), and stars (parachute seeds).

If I had to choose (I am feeling lucky I don’t have to!) one plant to try out of this list, it would definitely be a Dandelion. Why?

You learn to make several elements including the flower, the dandelion clock, the stems and the leaves, each of which can be used on their own or in infinite number of combinations.
The dandelion clock has been keeping people amazed and amused ever since I made the first one back in 2014. It is the most unusual yet bestselling handmade flowers I offer. I hope you will love making it, too!

how to make dandelions

5. FENNEL

Fennel is considered a traditional midsummer herb. Some ascribe aphrodisiac properties to it.

Fennel was also associated with magical powers of protection, and twigs of it were hung over doors to protect the inhabitants against evel spirits and demons.

Fennel??? I hear you ask.

Personally I am mesmerised by all botanicals, that’s why I made fennel during one of the live demonstrations last year. Lacy and airy, fennel seed umbrella can easily become a whimsical headpiece or a statement brooch.

As an added BONUS during the same demonstration, I showed how to make HONESTY, another unusual botanical straight from the Witch’s Herbarium.

how to make Fennel

6. LOTUS

The lotus flower has been associated with magical properties in many cultures. The ancient Egyptians believed lotuses had the ability to resurrect the deceased, as seen in Book of the Dead transformation spells. Each flower color also has its own symbolism. For example for Buddhist practitioners, a white lotus symbolizes purity.

This showy flower made centre stage during one of the live demonstrations last summer. Thanks to the special petal template this type of lotus can be successfully made using a wide range of fabrics from metallics to velvet and satin as well as genuine leather.

I have even dyed my leather to achieve a realistic look of my lotus bloom. Due to its size and structure this flower is simply perfect for headpieces or hat trims.

how to make Lotus

7. SUNFLOWER

Sunflowers are pure sun magic. Due to their loyalty to the sun, sunflowers were often given to loved ones as a sign of loyalty and adoration.

Sunflowers are considered sacred in some Eastern religions, such as Buddhism, and represent spiritual enlightenment. Their ability to turn towards the sun is a metaphor for the human quest for enlightenment.

Well, another symbolic and super popular flower here. Easy to recognise, easy to wear and easy to make, especially if you opt for the Leather Sunflower which does not need any tools to make.

Cotton, silk satin or organza sunflowers are very beautiful and perfect for straw hat trims. If you have not made them yet, I highly recommend you try.

how to make Sunflower

8. STRAWBERRY

Small but mighty. Highly prefumed, highy flawoursome and no bigger than a fingernail, the wild strawberry shows up in European mythos as a fertility-inducing and love-producing fruit beloved of goddesses such as Venus, Aphrodite, Freyja, and the Virgin Mary. It was said the fruit of strawberry, when shared with another, would produce love.

This charming well known summer berry can be easily made with fabric or leather. Arrange the berries and leaves into a playful brooch or a juicy headpiece for a younger (or perhaps more mature :-D) wearer. The best bit is that you do not need to sew anything here. Just follow the instructions to make your berry feast.

how to make Strawberries

9. THISTLE

Many pagan cultures believe the thistle has magical properties. It is believed to repel thieves, ward off evil, and is a tool for purification. The purification and protection powers of the thistle were once considered so strong it was used as a remedy for the plague.

Following the success of the Leather Thistle Tutorial, I am now happy to offer an all-new fabric version of Thistle.

I am rather pleased with the new arrangement of flower and leaf i have come up with. This makes for a more wearable and stable brooch when arranging just one flower. To learn how to make this version of Thistle please book your spot for the upcoming demonstration.

There is a lot of beauty in the tistle’s rough personality. Let’s uncover it in the Demonstration.

learn more about the Demonstration

10. BLACKBERRY 

Blackberry has a controvercial past. Once believed to be the fruit of the devil, in some cultures, blackberries are thought to represent money and are used in money spells or placed in wealth corners of the home. Eating blackberries is said to bring good luck and financial success. In addition to protection and prosperity, blackberries are also believed to have healing properties.

I have developed this stylised version of blackberries for the upcoming demonstration. The berries and the leaves can be made without any tools, therefore making them perfect for a beginner.

As an additional touch, I am going to show how to make blackberry flowers in case you wish to add them, too.

learn more about the Demonstration

This mini list has just scraped the surface or rather provided the entrance to the Witch’s Herbarium. Many more plants, herbs and flowers can be included into it. Think roses, rowanberries, daisies, irises, echinaceas , the ist can go on and on.  For more tutorials visit my Flower Making Library using the button below.

visit Flower Making Library

Pantone’s Colour of the Year has been going for 25 years, influencing products across fashion, home furnishings, and industrial design.

For the year of 2024 Pantone has chosen a colour called Peach Fuzz. Poetic and romantic, a clean peach tone with a vintage vibe, the colour of the year for 2024 reflects the past yet has been refashioned with a contemporary ambiance. 

Subtly sensual, Peach Fuzz is a heartfelt peach hue bringing a feeling of kindness and tenderness, communicating a message of caring and sharing, community and collaboration. Peach Fuzz presents a fresh approach to a new softness. An appealing peach hue softly nestled between pink and orange, the colour inspires belonging, recalibration, and an opportunity for nurturing, conjuring up an air of calm, offering us a space to be, feel, and heal and to flourish from. 

A surprisingly versatile shade, Peach Fuzz 13-1023 enlivens the skin, adding soft warmth to eyes, lips, and cheeks making all who wear it appear more healthy. 

How I have mixed Peach Fuzz Procion using MX dyes by Jacquards 

Watch the video below to see how I have mixed dyes to create the Peach Fuzz colour which will help you mix your own version of this popular colour for 2024.

Please feel free to share your questions, ideas and successes in mixing the Peach Fuzz colour in the comments below this blog post.

Other blog posts on dyeing you might find useful

Colouring stamens for flowers

3 ways to dye silk petals to achieve the intensity of colour

How to dye silk flowers: white flowers

How to dye velvet leaves

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