Dresden Design #4 - Large Paper Flowers

I know, you are thinking "another project with the Dresden Plate, really????"

Yes, really!!!

As you can see, all I did was cut out both a large and small Dresden Design pattern 
using SU Ridinghood Red paper.

The centers and under leaf are made from:

Basic Black, So Saffron (a pale yellow), and Old Olive (an off green) paper.

The shapes for the centers are made with a SU flower die for the Sizzix Big Shot, 

but you could use any flower paper punch.

First, I attached the center of the flower together by building the paper center 

and then putting a jumbo silver brad through the entire center piece.

After that, I hot glued 5 red Dreden petals to the center

(see how I matched the large petals with the way the green center petals go).

When the center is attached to the petals, then you can hot glue

 the bottom leaves under the flower

(be sure to only glue the center, so that you can fold the leaves down).

Putting this piece under the flower also helps to stablize it.

When my flowers were made, I just simply attached them to some artificial stems 

that I used from some old silk flowers.

Now you have beautiful handmade paper flowers that your friends may try to steal.

For more projects that use the Dresden Design click the links below:

#1 - Felt Snowman

#2 - O Christmas Tree

#3 - Lovely Lampshade

Dresden Design project #3 - Lovely Lampshade

Dresden lampshade

This is a fun project that anyone can do in a short amount of time.
I had an old lampshade that I wanted to dress-up with SU's new Dresden Design die.
(If you do not have the Dresden Design, you can cut out your own Dresden pattern. 
Go to http://www.patternsfromhistory.com/colonial_revival/dresden-pattern.htm to print out the pattern.)


My lampshade is covered in SU Designer scrapbooking paper.  
It is a 2-sided paper, so I was able to use both sides 
(isn't it great that they are made to coordinate with eachother!).

To make your lampshade - 
1. cut dresden pieces using 2- 12x12 pieces of scrapbook paper.
    (You could also use a fabric instead.  I made two sizes. 
2. lay your paper pieces on the lampshade with smaller ones on top of large.
3. when you know that you have enough pieces, just pin them in place 
    (I did this so I can change it later, but you may want to glue it down if it is to be permanent.)

Since I am not a "pink" person, I made this one for display. 
After I take it off display, I will recover it with my colors.

For more ideas for the Dresden plate design search this blog 
and stay tuned for a few more amazing things you can do with this pattern.


Linking up with:
Jenny Matlock: Alphabe-Thursday

Dresden Design Project #2 - O Christmas Tree

 Since it was snowing again today, 

I will take you to another Winter project - my Christmas trees 

made with the Stampin Up' Dresden die.

I made 2 types of trees.

One that is sewn and another that is hot glued.

Both are very easy.

Dresden Potted Christmas Tree

To make the sewn Potted Christmas trees:

1. cut 4 Dresden plate pieces out of 4 differant pieces of material.

2. sew those 4 pieces together with a 1/4 in seam allowance, 

    tapering the center to a point. 

3. turn piece right-side out and stuff with batting, stuffing, or cotton

4. use a long cinnamon stick for the tree trunk by pushing it into the center.

    (it should stay by itself if you have stuffed the tree tight enough,

     if not, use some glue)

5. for the pot, I used a napkin ring (use whatever you like, I crumbled some

   clear boxing tape and stuffed it into the base to make the tree trunk stand    

   in place - very professional, huh? It looks like ice :))

6. the white felt snow was made with another Stampin Up Sizzix Big Shot and     

   wrapped around the tree with hot glue to keep it in place. *Notice in the   

   first picture that the smaller tree has all of its bottom curves cut off and is  

   edged with more white felt cut with that same die.

***********************************

To make the hot glued cone Christmas Tree:

1. Choose 3-4 differant shades of green fabric and cut them out in the  

    Dresden plate pattern. (I used both sizes.)

2. Make a cone as the form of your tree. (I used a cardboard 12x12 piece that    

   comes in my SU scrapbook paper packs.)  My cone was about 8 in. high.

   *To make the cone - roll the paper in one hand (like the above picture)

   and secure with glue or staples.  Then, cut the bottom of your cone so that  

   it will sit flat (like the picture below).

3. Now hot glue your Dresden pieces onto your cone tree form.
    Start from the bottom and work up.  My large pieces on the bottom hardly  
    overlapped, but the top ones did.  When you get to the top, be sure your 
    last piece forms a point.
4. Place a star on top!

You can also make a tree wall hanging, like this one!

Hope you enjoyed these Wintry Dresden projects!

Dresden design #1 - Felt Snowmen

I made these cute little snowmen the other day,

just in time for the Saturday snow.

After all, it is still Winter, so I am allowed to make snowmen!

They were so easy to make.

You need the following supplies:

white/off-white thick or furry felt

black embroidery floss

sewing needle

scraps of red plaid and solid green material

black brads

stuffing

gluegun

Step#1 - cut 2 Dresden pieces out of felt

(I used Stampin Up's new Dresden design die in my Big Shot Sizzix machine)

(Tip:it is best to cut thick or furry felt one layer at a time)

Step#2 - sew around your snowman with a blanket stitch leaving the head unfinished and the curved bottom separated.

(Tip:notice, I started around the bottom curve of one side 

and went all the way around to the other curved opening.)

Step#3 - stuff your snowman

Step#4 - cut strips of your solid green scrap material for the hat

I think I cut a piece that is about 2x6in.

(Tip: make sure it is wide enough to go around his head 

and long enough to fold over twice.)

Step#5 - using your glue gun, pipe hot glue in a line 

along the edge of your fabric.

Step#6 - immediately fold just enough of the material 

over to cover the glue.

Step#7 - repeat step5&6

Now you have a fold for the bottom of your hat.

Step#8 - Now hot glue the hat to your snowman's head.

Step#9 - Wrap & glue the green strip all the way around.

Step#10 - Using your red plaid scrap pieces, 

cut scarves and top ties for the hats.

Step#11 - Tie on your scarves and hat ties.

(Trim when finished)

Step#12 - add your black brad eyes by just poking them in.

Now you have some cute little snowmen for next Christmas.

I really enjoyed watching the snow fall, 

while I made these cute little felted men.

Stampin Up's New DRESDEN DESIGN Die

This is my new die for my Big Shot.

It is called Dresden Design.

Usually people use a Dresden to make these beautiful quilt pieces.

quilt designs

 To make a Dresden plate, you normally have to hand cut all of the pieces.

That is why I like my new Big Shot Die, I can cut 8 layers of cotton fabric at one time.

It can also be used to make many other things, 

like the following pictures.

Take a look at the many different projects you can make with these beautiful curvy pieces.

paper flowers

 I just love using a new tool, especially when it works so well.

covered lampshade

 I guess that is how God feels.

He must really delight in using us, when we are doing our very best for His glory.

Dresden trees & snowman

 When we are so in tune with Him,

and spiritually sharp,

He can use us to share His Word, which cuts to the heart.

Dresden tree picture & snowman

 God can use us to make something beautiful out of nothing.

Dresden bird

After all, that is exactly what He has done in my life.

He has taken someone who is worthless and has made something useful.

I hope that you too, have allowed God to change your life.

 2Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: 

old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." 

Dresden Whale

With God, the possibilities for your life are endless.

This great new tool has also given me many possibilities.

In the next few posts, I will attempt to show you how I made these great projects.

If you do not have the new Dresden Design die for the Big Shot from Stampin Up,

you can go to this website - http://www.patternsfromhistory.com/colonial_revival/dresden-pattern.htm

It shares the history behind the Dresden pattern, differant Dresden variations, and if you click on the Dresden Plate PDF you can print off your own pattern.

Happy Crafting!