Make a Lush Holiday Corsage~~Your Grandma Would be Proud!

I love making these ribbon corsages! They remind me of back when one of my great aunts or grandmothers would wear this holiday "bling" on their coats!~~These corsages are delightfully over-the-top and really make a statement if worn on a jean jacket or tote. They are very easy to make and can be designed to suit any holiday or occasion. Here's how to make one...or dozens; it's up to you!

First gather some supplies:

You'll need four lengths of two different colors and/or textures of ribbon. I chose four seven inch length of 1-1/2 inch wide vintage gold and new pink grosgrain ribbons. Mix and match colors or you may chose to use one color. You'll also need four lengths of thinner ribbon (I chose gold and pink satin ribbons at 1/4 inch wide). What goes in the center of the corsage is up to you. If you can find them, aluminum light reflectors make great "trays" to hold the vintage and new bits and bobs for your corsage. Also gather flocked birds, millinery flowers,bits of tinsel, small ornaments, plastic flower beads, and anything else you can think of. It's your choice!

You'll also need needle and thread, glue (I like Scotch quick-dry adhesive because of the precision tip), scissors, a fabric scrap, iron-interfacing scrap, and a pin backing.

Here's the first step. This is easy. I promise...

Sew right sides of your ribbon together with about a 1/4 inch seam allowance. Turn right side out.

Then, step two (see? I told you this is easy)...

Criss-cross the ribbons, hand sewing them together. I like to stitch them in pairs and then stitch the pairs together. Running stitches in a circle in the center of the ribbon loops make the loops stay together very well. Make sure the seams are in the center and not on the outside of the loops.

Then, on to step three...

Repeat the criss-crossing with the narrower ribbon, over lapping contrasting colors over the wider ribbon, and sew down near the center. Then take your aluminum reflector and sew it down--this puts it tighter against the ribbons than glue, but you make choose to glue the reflector down if you feel it will be secure. Instead of a reflector, you may make a "Yo-yo" of ribbon by making a running stitch along one side of a ribbon loop and gathering the ribbon until you have a circular ribbon Yo-yo.)

Now, step four, the really fun part!...

Glue, glue, glue you vintage bits and bobs down, layering millinery flowers, bits of tinsel, ornaments, a plastic flower, beads, and the bird. You may layer your items first in a small dish without gluing, of course, to get an idea of how to place them on your corsage. You'll not want to stop adding your items once you get started, and that's the hardest part, stopping. Just remember you can make another and another and...

The final step!...

Iron on a scrap of interfacing onto your fabric scrap. Cut out with decorative pinking or scalloped scissors. Sew on pin back  and make a little tag, because you are proud of your creation, I just know you are! Glue the backing down, allow it to dry completely, and then wear your creation with pride!

I love making these and am happy to offer them on etsy just in case you'd rather me do the work, which I am thrilled to do for you! Thanks for looking at my tutorial, and happy happy crafting!~~~XXOO, Beth

Comments

[Linda Lilly Cottage]

ooohh pretty!! Thanks for the lesson Beth, i have ribbon but I sooooo need a stash of goodies like yours to go on them. I could have these pinned all over my Christmas tree( it is a very big Christmas tree). OK am off to raid my collecting boxes and see what I can find, I will share pictures if I finish something presentable!! Kiss Noises Linda Lilly Cottage

[Han Fang]

Love this corsage, my favourite so far!

[mary beth]

I would love to be a fly on the wall at your house...I adore everything you create.

[Selena]

Just delightful. I love the colors, material and that sweet little bird.

[priscila]

omg love this

[Jessie]

love love love - and I just happen to have all of those supplies in my stash. Must get to work on one of these lovelies!

[barbara]

This is so pretty, and you're really nice to share the instructions. I've been using those reflectors, too - I love how they kind of cradle everything in place. I love how yours came out.

[Rachel]

Oh how beautiful! I love it! I'll be linking.

[Belinda]

Oh, wow! This is so pretty, Beth! How I wish I could sew and create pretty little treasures like you do. Of course, even if I were able to sew, I'm sure I wouldn't be able to come up with the cool things you do...you have the eye for color and fabric combinations, plus the talent to bring it all together. :-)

[Tamy]

gorgeous!
what a fabulous gift idea
so personal and chic!!
thanks for sharing

[Brenda Wampler]

Wowza! Just beautiful! Now I am stressing about the ones I am going to make. Had it all just right in my head, and then saw yours! They are just awesome!

[Amber]

This is such a cute idea!

[Stacey Newton]

Love this tutorial! This looks like a fun Saturday craft - I can wait to try it:)

[Caleen]

Thank you.. Thank you.. I love old corsages and yours have a vintage feel to them. I appreciate the tutorial and now I will make some! Thanks:)

[April]

That's so cute! It's funny, this week I had the idea to make corsages from layers of old reflectors. I thought it was totally original-I guess great minds think alike:)

[April]

That's so cute! It's funny, this week I had the idea to make corsages from layers of old reflectors. I thought it was totally original-I guess great minds think alike:)

[Mary Isabella]

I love these. I know my Mother would love to have one of these...m...

[Gabreial W.]

This is wonderful, I love it!

[Ellie]

That's fantastic! Beautiful work!

[Ellie]

That's fantastic! Beautiful work!

[cable_zombie]

These are just too beautiful, I could not keep them to myself! So glad I found your site ^_^

[Maria Rodarte]

Beth thanks so much for showing us how to make these wonderful corsages. my best friend is having a baby. SInce she is 3000 miles away we have to do a virtual shower. These will be great to send to everyone.

[jen duncan]

super cute idea Beth. I bought a bunch of the foil light reflectors in pink and silver last year...thinking I'd craft with them. This is the second year that they ended up on the tree lights 'cause I hadn't thought of anything. Maybe this year they'll go to the craft area instead of the storage boxes after Christmas. Thanks for sharing!

[Lori]

Beth, that is TOTALLY gorgeous!!! oh my!!! i have a couple of tart molds that i have been wanting to do something with...thanks for this tutorial, now i know what they will become...i will make mine into ornaments for my tree!!!

[Lori]

Beth, that is TOTALLY gorgeous!!! oh my!!! i have a couple of tart molds that i have been wanting to do something with...thanks for this tutorial, now i know what they will become...i will make mine into ornaments for my tree!!!