Saturday, April 13, 2013

COUNTY FAIR

With the Hernando Conty Fair in town it was time to decide which of my youngest daughter, Isabella's painting to enter. This year Bella decided mom should enter something too. This caught me off guard. I had never even thought of it! What could I enter? And, was I ready to be put out on display and judged in our community? With Bella's encouragement here are pictures from the fair of our entries - along with the ribbons attached! Maybe this fair thing is kind of fun...

Bella's art! So proud of her!
She does such a beautiful job.
This is my first of two wreaths I entered. This one is made up of coffee filter roses. The filters were first dyed in Easter egg dye, baked at a low temperature in the oven until dry then cut and formed into roses. This one was done in lavender. I purchase extra dye kits when they are on clearance after Easter. The dyes are great for dyeing ribbon too. If you prefer a more natural or aged look use tea or coffee for your dye. I used four filters for each rose. I wrapped a straw wreath in light colored fabric, secured with floral pins then glued on the roses. Simple but very time consuming. I chose tulle to hang mine with.

The second wreath was made from vintage papers folded and hot glued to a wreath form. The ends were dabbed with walnut colored ink for extra color. Again, not difficult just a long process. I used a burlap ribbon to hang mine with for a natural look. Any color would look great or Chang your ribbon for the seasons. Flowers can also be added for a different look.

With this wreath rolled fabric roses adorned with pearls and felt leaves have been added.

Coffee filter roses with ink dabbed on, vintage pearls and doily and silk leaves have been added to this wreath.
Be prepared, all of the wreath projects take lots of hot glue! The vintage papers tend to be delicate too so care is needed not to tear them. New papers could be used instead and aged with inks.