Fringed Flowers - Mix it Up!

So, while I was creating my project a few weeks ago, I discovered what (to me) was a new technique for fringing flowers.  While most people use a 45-degree fringer with a folded strip, I opted for a regular  un-folded strip and the result was pretty charming, if I do say so myself.

This is a "normal" 45-degree folded fringed flower:

Here's how you make these:

1.  fold your strip in half (not that easy)

2.  insert folded strip into 45 degree fringer with open edge on the top

3.  fringe full length of  strip and adhere a center strip (if using one)

4.  begin twirling (I use a curling coach for fringed flowers - it really helps)

5.  add a dab of glue when one strip meets the other and after every few turns

6.  press center down and fluff up a bit

And here is my poofy princess:

Cute, right?  Here's how to make it:

1.  fringe two different color strips and align in opposite directions

2.  glue one strip on top of the other

3.  do it piece by piece so it's straight

4.  add a center (if using one)

5.  roll as normal and secure end

6.  puff up 

There are tons of tutorials online about how to fringe flowers.  (I talk a little about it at the end of this post.)  Google it!  You'll be surprised at all the cool techniques you can learn.  Best part?  You don't need regular quilling strips.  You can use whatever text-weight paper you have on hand.  I used polka dotted paper as well as book pages.  Simply cut your strips anywhere from 1 inch to 1/2 inch for folded and anywhere from 1 inch to 1/4 inch for non-folded fringed flowers.  You don't need a fringer.  You can use a bulldog clip or any straight-edge to guide your cuts.  The key is not to cut all the way through the strip and try to keep your angle the same (that part's not that easy).  Clip the open side and cut along the folded side.  Spaced-out cuts will be less puffy than cuts that are closer to each other.

Experiment and have fun!  You can't really make a mistake.  It's all about what you like.  Here's another alternative:

Simply adhere strips in alternating directions end-to-end.  Add a center. if you like.  They don't have to be perfect, remember, they're handmade.  

Let me know if you decide to try it.  I'd love to see what you come up with!

I may be away for a little as I am currently (failing at) trying to create inventory for my first craft fair.  I'm nervous and excited.  I also got a part-time job so that's not making it easier!  Beacon's calling me y'all!  Gotta try my best to see if we can get up there someday in the near future.

Signing out for now.  Stay sweet and keep twirling them strips!

Oh!  I got my fringer here (incase you're wondering where to buy one). They're pretty pricey but look around for sales.  I got mine at 50% off.  I love me a sale!