By Dara

Mother’s Day: May 11th, 2008

With the end of April and the beginning of May, flowers seem to be blossoming beautifully this year.  The beautiful flowers and the warm weather is definitely a reminder that Mother’s day is coming up soon.  It’s one of the greatest days for us to show our appreciation.  Did you know that Anna Jarvis created this special day in 1908?  She was a homesick gal who moved to Philadelphia in 1864 from West Virginia and after her Mother passed away she wanted to honor her by honoring all Mothers.  

If you have not yet decided on a gift, may I suggest the flower pin?  Almost all women enjoy the sight of beautiful flowers.  However, after a couple of days the flower seems to just die away.   For that reason I’ve made my own DIY flower pin.  This way, my Mother can keep it as a reminder that the love I have for her is as gentle and internal as the flower pin I’ve made her. 

Not only can she use the pin on her garments or handbag, but she can use it on accessories as well.  The one I’ve made here, I hooked the pin onto a chain and created this stylish necklace.  I’ve also made other styles of flower pins so she can switch the flowers to match her garment.   The pins are very easy to make.  Just choose a couple of trims you like.  Either grosgrain, silk, satin or any decorative styles of trim.  You can also mix and match like I did. 

 If you decided to make a flower pin, please do share.  We’d all love to see how it turned out or if you decided to make something else, I’m sure everyone would enjoy it as well.  The more ideas the merrier. 

Materials:

•     ½ yard of any style or fabric trim you choose.  (Recommend size 1 ½” or larger in width)
•     ½ yard of another style of fabric trim you choose.  (Smaller than the other trim you’ve chosen)
•     Stitching needle
•     Thread (Color should match with the fabric trim you’ve chosen)
•     Any style shank-button you choose
•     Pin-back
•     Straight pin

Instructions:

1. Lay the smaller trim on top of the larger trim.  Make sure the smaller trim is aligned with the left side of the larger trim.
2. Using straight pins, pin the trims in place.
3. Using the matching thread begin hand-stitching the trim along the left side.  Be sure to stay close to the edge and start from the backside of the larger trim.
4. Space each stitch at least ½” apart. 
5. When you get to the end of the trim, remove the straight pins
6. Then using your fingers, push the end of the trim back towards the beginning of the trim. 
7. Stitch the end in place.
8. Turn the trim around so that the larger trim is facing you.
9. Make sure the edges of both ends of the trim is facing you as well
10. Stitch the edges together, allowing the trim to form a flower shape. 
11. Turn the trim around and add your button in the center.
12. Stitch the button into the center.
13. On the backside of the flower, now stitch the pin-back onto the center.
14. Now your flower pin is ready to be wrapped in a pretty box for your Mother.