Card stock

Unbleached muslin

Material scraps for centers – orange, brown and a contrasting print

Wreath twine wire

Stuffing

Mark’B’Gone or disappearing fabric marking pen

Antique clear glass vase

Thread in colors matching material

Hot glue gun and glue sticks

Wire cutters

Strand of clear Christmas lights with white cord – 30 lights

Basic sewing materials

For staining:

Instant coffee, vanilla extract, fragrance oil, sponge brush or small spray bottle

Optional for staining:  Old cookie sheet, wax paper or old rags, glass jar with lid.

#1.  Print sunflower patterns on card stock and cut out.

#2.  On doubled muslin, trace with Mark’B’Gone or disappearing fabric marking pens, outside sunflower pattern and cut out.  You will need 2 (4 layers) for each flower…so the amount you will need will depend on how many flowers you desire.  Picture has 12 sunflowers. 

#3.  On single layer material, trace center of sunflower with same technique as above in step #2, and cut out.  You will need one center for each flower.

#4.  Mark center of each flower and center.  To get this, fold each layered group of muslin sunflowers once and then again.  Mark center with Mark’B’Gone pen.  Do same with center material pieces. 

#5.  Place one of the centers cut out of material in the very center of the layered 4 muslin sunflowers and pin.  Hand stitch around with matching thread leaving a small opening…do not cut thread. Place a small amount of stuffing in center and finish hand stitching closed.  Tie off thread in back of muslin sunflower.      

#6.  Very carefully, snip into sunflowers about 1-1/4 inch apart to make petals being careful not to get to close to the center.

Staining Mixture:

1.  In glass jar, combine 1/4 cup instant coffee with 1 cup hot water.

2.  Add 1/8 cup vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon fragrance oil (I love Cinnabun or Cinnamon Sticks).  Shake to mix thoroughly.

Stain:

1.  Line an old cookie sheet with either wax paper or old rags.  Lay your sunflowers here.

2.  With spray bottle or sponge brush, apply stain to all sunflowers being sure each one is completely covered.

3.  Bake at 200 degrees for 10 minutes.  WATCH CAREFULLY, NEVER LEAVE UNATTENDED.  If you need to bake longer, only bake at 5 minute increments.  Some like to leave the petals exactly as they are when they come out of the oven, wrinkles and all.  I like mine a little more neat so I iron my petals. 

Attaching Stems:

#1.  With wire cutters cut stems; cut wreath wire into different heights - 4 stems at 12 inches long, 4 stems at 13 inches long and 4 stems at 14 inches long.

#2.  On back of sunflower cut a slit center going through both layers of muslin.

#3.  Open this slit and apply some hot glue; press one end of stem into this glue and slide sides back over stem.  Hold for a few seconds.

Finishing:

1.  Gently layer in your strand of lights.

2.  Arrange flowers, smaller stems in front of course.  Insert some dried flowers and even some greenery if you have it.  Tear a length of material 28-1/2 inches long by 2 inches wide and tie in a bow around vase.

You're done with Lighted Sunflower Vase.  I hope you enjoyed making it as much as I enjoyed designing it. If you have any problems or questions at all, please don’t hesitate to email me or visit my "Stitch 'n' Stuff" page at http://www.lilliemaescrafts.com

Terms of Use:

All of my craft patterns are copyrighted.  You may create a reasonable amount of items from my patterns for craft fairs, bazaars, craft malls, and auctions as long as you give Lillie Mae's Crafts credit for the design.  You MAY NOT mass produce items from my patterns.  Copying for any reason at all is strictly prohibited.  You DO NOT have permission to alter them in any way.  No wholesaling of items made from my patterns.  My patterns are not to be shared or redistributed in any form without my express permission.  If you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail me at lilliemaescrafts@lilliemaescrafts.com

To print pattern - right click on picture and click on "Print Picture."

This site has been designed by Bob Greenwalt

Copyright 2007