How to Eat for Free

Food is one of life's necessities, and many people overlook the cost of food, but it really does add up after a while. I have lived in many situations, and I have not always had much money for food. Here are some simple ways to eat for free; they have worked for me in the past, and I know they will work for you!

A common way to get free food is to join a food bank. Food banks are amazing places that can really help if you are in need. Most areas have one, and they are usually located in churches. When you join a food bank you are usually required to bring an identification card and a bill. These items will help prove who you are, where you live, and that you need assistance. You can find your local food bank by doing a simple Google search. Food banks are great, and the amount of food they give you depends on the amount of people living in your home. Food banks usually have the staples like bread, meat, canned vegetables and pasta, but they also have different luxury items such as cookies and juice. Food banks usually also have toiletries and cleaning items. Food banks are great places, and when you have a little more thank you need you should give back to them.

A less orthodox method of eating for free is by eating food that might be thrown away if you do not get to it first. This method may sound strange or disturbing, but it is not a bad as it seems. Many places throw away fresh food every day. America is one of the most wasteful places in the world. Many bakeries, delis and bagel stores throw away whole garbage bags full of bread and donuts. These delicious and fresh items should not be wasted. Many bagel places and delis will actually just hand these items to you at the end of the night if you speak to the manager earlier in the evening. They do not want to waste food either, but they only sell items that are baked that day. Feel free to ask you local bakery about their waste policy, and I am sure you will end up with bags full of fresh bread

Another method of eating for free is working at a farm on a work exchange program. Many farms will provide room and board for a few hours of work a week, and you can find places like this all over the world. Sustainable farming internships are a great way to live for free. These situations will teach you the basics of growing your own food as well, and this can be beneficial because you can then grow your own garden the next season and have your own supply of free food.

Survival is essential in these times especially with the growing economic crisis. Many people are struggling to eat and to live, and I hope these tips have helped you become better able to take care of yourself.

Stuffing: An Easy Thanksgiving Side Dish on a Budget

Thanksgiving is a holiday that everyone loves. You eat until you fall asleep and then you do it again. You can watch some big balloons on television or some wood soldiers marching on Thanksgiving, but the best part is the food. An important but sometimes over looked part of the Thanksgiving meal is the side dishes. My favorite side dish recipe is cheap, easy, and simply delicious. Here is the recipe for the best stuffing I have ever had.

My favorite side dish for Thanksgiving is stuffing. Stuffing can me made in several ways, but the easiest most delicious stuffing can be made from left over bread or rolls. I usually save the left over bread from dinner in the fridge for a week and a half. It is good to have a variety of types of bread because it adds different textures. I like to fill the bottom of a sheet tray about half way with the bread. Any type of bread will work, and the more variety the better. Soak the bread in water until it can be smushed between your fingers. You want the bread wet, but you do not want it dripping.

While you are soaking the bread about half a cup of butter in a pan with some diced onion and celery. You can add a bit of crumbled sausage or bacon to the mix for a heartier flavor. Add some chopped or dried sage, thyme, garlic, and cumin to the butter and cook until the onions are soft and brown. Now mix the butter concoction with the bread.

You can put the stuffing inside a turkey or you can cook it in the oven. I usually put the bread mixture in a big tray pan and bake at 350 degrees for about half an hour.

Stuffing can be altered for different tastes as well. You can add a bit of crumbled sausage or bacon to the onion mix for a heartier flavor. You can also try using some leftover fruit bread such as cranberry or raisin bread in your stuffing to give it a sweeter taste. Nuts can add a crunchier texture to stuffing so add them while you are browning the onions.

Stuffing is a great and essential side dish for Thanksgiving, and with this easy recipe and its variations you can enjoy a delicious home made Thanksgiving day meal with the best stuffing ever.

Updating Your Bedroom on a Budget

You Don't Have to Spend a Fortune to Update Your Bedroom

So have you been laying in bed thinking I wish I had some money to fix up my bedroom? I know I have, and I am here to tell you that you can update your bedroom for under $200. Here are five great tips for updating your bedroom.

Color is everything in a bedroom and it sets the mood you are going to be in as soon as you wake up so it is very important to the mood and style of your bedroom. You can find cheap paints on the discount rack at many home improvement centers. If you are not sure about changing the entire rooms color simply paint one wall or two. This will add depth to the room while adding a new flare for your senses.

Another way you can update your bedroom is by adding a textured finish to the walls. You can keep the color you already have when creating this effect. Simply use a large dry sponge to add a detailed textured effect to the walls with a new color. This technique is simple and all you have to do is dip the sponge in paint and press it lightly to the wall moving in an overlapping pattern until the wall is fully colored. Remember when doing this to blot the sponge first or you will end up with uneven color.

Updating your bedroom can be accomplished by changing the lighting in the room. Lighting creates ambience and allows the room to be used in different ways. Buying a new lamp or adding a ceiling fan can completely change the atmosphere of the room, and these items can be purchased second hand or at discount prices.

To update your bedroom on a budget you can add a border around the room using stencils. These items do not cost a lot or take much time to complete. Using a stencil is simple, and all you will need is a stencil brush, some paint, and a good stencil. Stencils come in a wide variety and are very in expensive.

Another simple and inexpensive bedroom update can be made by changing the curtains. Curtains are inexpensive and can be made at home. First measure your curtains and figure out how much fabric you will need. Go to your local fabric store and check out their clearance rack. You can always find great deals on fabric on these clearance racks. To make your own curtains simply sew a hem on the top and the bottom, but make sure the top hem is wide enough to fit your curtain rod. This curtain will add a fun and personal style to your bedroom.

Updating your bedroom on a budget does not have to a struggle, and there are many minor changes you can make that will guarantee your bedroom a new style so be creative.

Three Fun and Free Ways to Show Your Love

 

When you love someone, it is nice to show it to them. If you want your relationship to last and you want your significant other to feel loved, you have to make sure they know how much you love them, but showing your love does not mean you have to break the bank. Here are some fun and free ways to show your love every day!

My first favorite idea for showing your love is the secret note. I love to write love quotes are a simple I love you on a scrap of paper. Then I will stick this note into my boyfriend's pocket so that when he least expects it he finds a sweet little note from me. This idea also works great if you decide to make your darling a bag lunch for work. Just make your love their favorite sandwich, add a cookie or an apple, and a little note that says something special.

Another completely free way to show your love is by helping your significant other out. It is easy and simple, but this idea is usually overlooked. A simple helping hand can show the person you love how much they really mean to you. Take the garbage out, do the dishes, or even just make dinner. Anything to help your significant other out will show how much you care about them because it shows that you value their time. This also shows that you are being considerate, and this is an important part of a healthy relationship.

Showing your love is important in keeping your significant other happy, and a great way to show your true feelings is to give your love a massage. I am not saying go out and buy a bunch of funny oils or weird vibrating machines. A simple foot, neck, or back rub does not require anything fancy. If you do want to bust out some heated oils or some fancy tools feel free, but don't feel like you can not give a good massage without them. Giving a massage is simple as long as you remember these few tips. Remember to start softly; you don't want to hurt anyone. Slowly increase pressure until your partner is comfortable and feels good. Move your hands in circular motions and work up and down and out. A good massage works the tension out. Also remember to end slowly; a massage is like a workout; it is important to have a warm up and cool down session.

Showing your love is fun and it does not have to make you go broke. You can show your significant other how much you care in many simple ways. You do not have to buy any expensive gifts because actions speak louder than roses, and a gift from the heart is a much more powerful message than a gift from your bankroll. So I hope you have enjoyed my suggestions, and I hope you have made someone you love very happy today!

Three Shabby Chic DIY Wedding Decoration Ideas on a Budget

 

Shabby chic themed weddings are romantic and unique. The popular theme can be incorporated into your wedding decorations easily and without costing a fortune. This article will provide you with instructions on creating three shabby chic inspired DIY wedding decorations that can be made on a budget!

1. Tissue Paper Garland

This shabby chic inspired DIY decoration is simple and inexpensive. All you will need is cord or ribbon, scissors, and tissue paper. Feel free to use whatever colors you like to match your scheme. Start by cutting the cord to your desired length. Then cut the tissue paper into strips that measure about 12" by 1 inch.

When you have several strips cut, start you garland by folding a strip n half. Place the folded loop underneath the cord and stick the opposite end pieces through the loop. Pull gently and your first strip will be firmly attached to the string. Fill the entire garland with strips. Remember to leave a few inches on the ends of the string to tie your garland.

2. Felted Balls

Felted balls are a fun way to incorporate your colors and style into your wedding. You will need warm water, felting wool, dish detergent, and two bowls. You will also need a place for your felted balls to dry. I use a paper plate on the counter.

Start by breaking the wool into pieces depending on the size ball you want. You can experiment with different amounts until you get the size you like. Then fill a basin with warm water and a little dish soap. You want the water soapy but not all bubbles. Now dip your wool in the water and slowly roll the felt in your hands. Keep the dry basin underneath your hands during this part. The water will cool as you push it out. Remember to roll the wool gently and after a few minutes you will have a wonderful tightly packed felt ball. Leave the ball to dry and continue until you have enough for your wedding decorations.

These felted balls can be glued to skewers and used as flowers. They can be strung on cord with a needle to make a garland, and they can be used as bowl filler.

3. Butterfly Jar Centerpieces

These shabby chic centerpieces are budget friendly to make and also double as party favor gifts. For this DIY wedding decoration you will need mason jars, moss, rocks, sticks, dried flowers, and any other nature items that are inexpensive and available. You will also need butterfly stickers, a printer and scanner, scissors, and glue.

Start by decorating the jar with the nature items. Make a pretty little habitat for your butterflies. Then use your scanner to scan the stickers. Print out the image to the same size as your stickers. Turn the printed sheet upside down and attach the stickers to their matching image. Then cut out the image to have a beautiful double sided butterfly. Fold along the middle and use the glue to attach the butterflies to different parts of your nature scene inside the jar. These special shabby chic jars are easy and fun to make.

These ideas are a budget friendly and fun way to add shabby chic style to your wedding decorations. They are guaranteed to make your big day just as special as you are!

5 Beach Themed DIY Wedding Decoration Ideas on a Budget

 

Beach themes are a fun and casual way to celebrate your wedding. There are plenty of decorations that can be made to show your personality and match your décor style. This article will provide you with detailed instructions on creating five DIY beach themed wedding decorations on a budget.

1. Beachscape Terrarium

For this DIY wedding decoration you will need shells, sand, small pieces of driftwood or stones, and other small beach themed items. You will also need a glass bowl, jar, dish, or candle holder. Fill the dish with the sand to assemble, and add the other beach themed items randomly in the sand. You can also write the bride and grooms initials in the sand as well once it is placed on the table.

2. Shell Candle Centerpieces

Another fun and easy handmade wedding project is shell candles. For this you will need deep shells, wax, and wicks. Simply add the wicks to the inside of the shells and pour melted wax into the candles to create this unique decoration. You will also need a plate, dish, or bowl filled with pebbles, shell pieces, or sand to display your candles in. This wonderful beach themed decoration will amaze your guests.

3. Tin Pail Table Numbers

A whimsical and fun beach themed tin pail place marker is inexpensive to make and simple. You will need mini tin pails and number stickers or paint pens. You can also use sand, pebbles, shells, or candles to fill the pales and use them as favors or centerpieces as well as table numbers. Simply attach the stickers to the pails or handwrite the number on the front of them. You can also add ribbon or little flowers to the handles or brim of the pales for a more DIY touch.

4. Messages in a Bottle Guestbook

This guestbook idea is perfect for a beach themed wedding and will add a magic touch that will be unforgettable. For this decoration you will need a large glass jug or bottle, several pieces of paper, tea bags, twine, scissors, water, and a pen. Start by brewing a few teabags and letting the water cool.

Then rip the paper into smaller note size pieces. Dip them in the tea to age the paper and make it look weathered. Then cut the twine into pieces about six inches long. When the paper is dry, roll it up into a scroll shape and tie with the twine. Remember to tie it into a bow so your guests can open it and write you a note on your big day!

5. Shell Garland

Another budget-friendly idea for your beach wedding is a shell garland. This can be made easily using cord, ribbon, or twine, jewel glue, and shells. Simply cut the garland the appropriate length and use the jewel glue to attach the shells along the length of it. You can also add bows or streamers to the garland from the cord or ribbon used for the length of it.

Making beach themed wedding decorations is an inexpensive way to add your own personal touch to your big day. These ideas are fun for beginners and advanced crafters, and they will help you add style to your wedding while saving money!

Home Decorating Crafts with Picture Frames

 

Yard sales, dollar stores, and thrift stores are always filled with cheap and interesting picture frames. You can use these frames to make several home decorating crafts. This article will provide you with detailed instructions on creating home decorating crafts with picture frames.

Family Collages

Making collages with picture frames is a great home decorating craft for your old picture frames. For this craft you will need a picture frames for each member of your family; these frames can come in any shape or size. You will also need photos, images from magazines, or other items that remind you of the people your frames will be dedicated too. Glue, tape, paper, markers, scissors, hammer, and nails are also needed items for this home decorating craft.

Start by gathering all the materials together and separating them by person. Then cut a piece of paper to fit inside the frame. Arrange the other gathered items on the piece of paper and write the name of the person somewhere if you like. Place the paper in the frame and repeat for the rest of the family.

Finish this home decorating craft by hanging your picture frames in a cluster in your home. This family collage adds warmth to your home decorating while using unwanted picture frames.

Memory Board

Picture frames are a great tool for creating memory boards. These boards can hold pictures, notes, and anything else you would like to remember. For this craft you will need a large picture frame, ribbon, scissors, batting, fabric, cardboard, a hot glue gun, and hot glue sticks.

Start by cutting the cardboard to fit in the picture frame. Cut the batting to match the cardboard. Then cut the fabric so it is slightly larger than the cardboard on all sides. Place the fabric face down on work space. Place the batting in the center of the fabric. Place the cardboard on top. Use the glue gun to glue the edges of the fabric to the back of the cardboard.

Then cut several long pieces of ribbon. Lay them on the work area at a diagonal to the cardboard. Space the ribbon about 4 inches apart. Then lay more pieces of ribbon going in the opposite direction creating diamond shapes. Place the fabric covered cardboard on top of the ribbon lattice and glue ends to back of cardboard. Next add a drop of glue to the points where the ribbons overlap and press into the fabric to secure. This home decorating craft is a great way to use a picture frame.

Picture frames can be useful for many crafts. These home decorating ideas are fun and easy; they will add a special touch to your home decor.

May Day Party Ideas on a Budget

 

May Day is a great holiday for celebrating the coming of spring, and you can share this excitement with your friends and family by throwing a May Day party on a budget. This article describes several ideas for throwing a party for May Day party without going off budget.

Invitations

Invitations are fun and easy to make by hand. For this invitation you will need index cards, spring patterned scrapbook paper, markers, glue, scissors, and some May Day inspired stickers such as flowers or butterflies.

Start by writing out the information that is important about your party on the blank side of an index card. Then measure the card against the scrapbook paper. Cut a piece slightly larger than the index card so the patterned paper creates a border. Then glue the cards together, add the stickers, and mail them to your party guests.

Games

Some fun May Day games should include spring ideas such as an outdoor scavenger hunt. Provide guests with lists and bags to place their items in. For adults you can add riddles to make the game more exciting. You can also play blindfolded game of guessing smells and tastes of spring. Try fresh fruit, scented oils, and other things that remind you of spring. Everyone who guesses right can get points or prizes. These games are great for your budget because they use things found around the home.

Food

May Day food should include fresh vegetables and fruits that become available in spring. For this May Day party it is also nice to add herbal teas and fruit punches to bring the bounty of spring to the party. Light fare is appropriate and budget friendly for your party, and inexpensive appetizers of crackers and nuts complement the fruit and vegetables of spring.

Decorations

Decorations are also easy and inexpensive for a May Day party. Gather fresh or flake flowers, pine cones, acorns, and other nature items. Make garlands, wreaths, and centerpieces using this spring treats. Fresh fruits and vegetables and herbs also add to the May Day decorations and they can also feed your guests.

Throwing a May Day party is perhaps the best way to get everyone excited about the new season. It is also a great way to have fun with the people you care about without spending a fortune.

Ten Tips for Redecorating Your Home on a Budget

 

Your home is where the heart is, but if you are unhappy with the way your home looks, don't fret. Here are ten tips and tricks for redecorating your home on a budget.

1. Redecorating on a budget is easy, and a couple of simple changes can make a huge difference. Start small. If you are sick of the color of your couch just buy some cheap new pillows and the couch will take on a whole different appeal. You can find a lot of cheap pillows at thrift stores and yard sales.

2. A quick fix in many rooms of your house is shelves. Shelves can be bought inexpensively and many can be repainted or decoupaged to suit your needs. You can find shelves in many thrift stores, yard sales, or craft stores. A new shelf can give you more room, and add a place for your to put your sentimental items.

3. Repainting furniture can completely change the look of a room, and it can be done easily and cheaply. Many home improvement stores have discount paint that people ordered but did not want. All you need is some paint and newspaper. Move the furniture outside and sit on newspaper. Just paint and wait until it is dry, and you will have a whole new look.

4. A great tip for redecorating on a budget is a wallpaper collage or border. Many home improvement stores provide wallpaper sample books. You can use these samples to create a unique wall collage or a border around a room. All you need is wallpaper paste and sample wall paper scraps. This project is fun and super cheap.

5. Sponge borders add a new twist to a room as well, and they can be achieved easily. All you need for this project is some household sponges and paint. Simply cut the sponge into a pattern you like; stars and moons are my favorite for this project. Now dip the sponge in paint and press against the wall. It will leave the pattern of the sponge, and you can continue around the room in a border.

6. A great tip for redecorating on a budget is to change your lampshades. This can be done buy painting them with fabric paint. You can also add a new look to your lamp shades by gluing some beads, flowers, or ribbons to them. Just remember to use glue that can tolerate heat.

7. Another fun project that will update the look of your home is contact paper decals. You can make these easily by using clear contact paper. Simply draw a picture you would like on the paper, paint it in with acrylic paints, and spray it with acrylic sealer. Now using a pen knife cut the picture out of the sheet of paper and remove the backing. Place it on the wall, and it will give the room a dramatic effect.

8. In your kitchen it is easy and inexpensive to add a new twist as well. Buy new handles for all the cabinets and replace them. This is a simple fix that can add a whole new look; I have used many different doorknobs and handles for an eccentric look that I find very appealing.

9. Another easy and inexpensive way to redecorate is to buy slip covers. Many slip covers can be bought cheaply, and you can even make your own if you are feeling crafty. This will change the entire look of a room, and it makes cleaning easier.

10. Hang your photos. Cheap frames can be bought at thrift stores, craft stores, yard sales, and dollar stores. So break out your old photos and hang them. This will make a room feel much more personal, and you will get many memories from these pictures.

It may seem like an impossible task to redecorate your house on a budget, but these simple tips can help you find a new style in your home without putting a dent in your wallet.

Update Your Bathroom on a Budget

 

My bathroom is one of the most important rooms in the house. It is the room where I can draw a warm bath and relax. If you love your bathroom, but feel like it needs a new look I am here to tell you that you can update your bathroom inexpensively and easily with a few tricks. This article will give you five tips on how to update your bathroom on a budget.

First you must think of your bathtub because that is where you spend most of your time relaxing in your bathroom. A new shower curtain is the first step to updating your bathroom. You can find bath curtains for cheap at many local home good stores. Remember to pick your curtain wisely because you will have to coordinate everything else along with it. After you hang your curtain trim a few inches off the bottom and spray it with vinegar; this will decrease the growth of mold.

Now that you have a new theme or color tone for your bathroom you will need new hand towels to match. You can find many varieties of hand towels for cheap, and if you want to customize them to match your décor you can attach some iron-on patched to them for style. If the hand towels you already have are a lighter color you can dye them to match your new curtain, but remember to consider what colors mix well with each other. If you dye a yellow towel blue it will probably come out green.

A simple and useful way to update your bathroom is by adding shelves. Shelves can alleviate closet space and clutter, and they can give you room to add some knick knacks that you have always wanted to put out. Shelves are inexpensive and easy to assemble. You can even buy unpainted shelves from arts and crafts store that you can decorate to match the room. If you are afraid that you may not have room for shelves you can buy shelves that fit over toilets and in corners. There are a wide variety of shelves that can suit your needs and tastes for cheap.

Mirrors are an inexpensive bathroom update that is easy and accessible to all people. Mirrors come in all shapes, sizes, and styles. They add light and depth to the room, and they allow you to get a better view of the back of your hair as you are getting dressed. Mirrors can be found for cheap at yard sales and thrift stores.

Another way to update your bathroom on a budget is by adding a plant. There are many herbs that will add a beautiful look and smell to your bathroom, and they are very cheap. A few small plants lining your windowsill will add style to your bathroom. If you do not have a windowsill you can add fake flowers in a small vase to add color to the room instead.

There are many inexpensive ways to update your bathroom so be creative!

3 Rustic DIY Wedding Favor Ideas on a Budget

 

Rustic weddings are all the rage right now. The best part about rustic themed events is being able to contribute your own personal touch. Here you will learn 3 DIY rustic wedding favor ideas that are budget friendly.

1. Lace Covered Candle Holders

These romantic wedding favors are DIY and double as a centerpiece. For this project you will need jars, vases, or bottles, lace fabric, scissors, a little glue, and ribbon. Start by placing the bottle on top of a piece of lace. Gather it up around the bottle and trim the fabric so it slightly overlaps the top of the bottle.

Then lay the fabric out and cut around the edge to even it out. Place a little glue on the bottom of the bottle and center it in the fabric. Pull the fabric up around the top of the bottle and tie with a piece of ribbon. Bow the ribbon and add some glue to the inside of the bow to help hold the fabric in place. Allow the glue to dry overnight and add whatever you like to the bottles for this rustic wedding decoration and party favor.

2. Burlap Candy Bags

Burlap is inexpensive and comes in a variety of colors to match your wedding décor. For this party you will need some burlap fabric, scissors, twine, and fabric glue and stick pins or needle and thread. Start by cutting the fabric into strips slightly bigger than the size of the favor bag you would like. A common size strip of 3" x 7" would make a bag that is about 2" x 3".

When you have all your strips cut simply fold n half and sew the sides together to make a little bag. If you prefer the no-sew method use fabric glue along the edges to be attached. Remember to hold it together to dry by pinning it together with stick pins. When the bag is ready you can fill it with whatever treats or gifts you would like and tie it shut with twine.

3. Chalkboard Mason Jars

This next wedding favor idea is a lot fun. You will need mason jars, a paintbrush, chalkboard paint, and masking tape. Start by taping around the top and bottom of the jars so your chalkboard has a nice edge. Then follow the instructions on the paint for applying it and let dry. Remove the tape and your rustic favor is ready to go. Add flowers or candy or use them as tale markers as an added incentive.

It is hard to have a wedding without sticking to a budget. These DIY ideas will help you make your own rustic wedding favors without spending a ton of money.

Stuffing: An Easy Thanksgiving Side Dish on a Budget

by Sarah Ganly @ sarahganly.blogspot.com

Thanksgiving is a holiday that everyone loves. You eat until you fall asleep and then you do it again. You can watch some big balloons on television or some wood soldiers marching on Thanksgiving, but the best part is the food. An important but sometimes over looked part of the Thanksgiving meal is the side dishes. My favorite side dish recipe is cheap, easy, and simply delicious. Here is the recipe for the best stuffing I have ever had.

My favorite side dish for Thanksgiving is stuffing. Stuffing can me made in several ways, but the easiest most delicious stuffing can be made from left over bread or rolls. I usually save the left over bread from dinner in the fridge for a week and a half. It is good to have a variety of types of bread because it adds different textures. I like to fill the bottom of a sheet tray about half way with the bread. Any type of bread will work, and the more variety the better. Soak the bread in water until it can be smushed between your fingers. You want the bread wet, but you do not want it dripping.

While you are soaking the bread about half a cup of butter in a pan with some diced onion and celery. You can add a bit of crumbled sausage or bacon to the mix for a heartier flavor. Add some chopped or dried sage, thyme, garlic, and cumin to the butter and cook until the onions are soft and brown. Now mix the butter concoction with the bread.

You can put the stuffing inside a turkey or you can cook it in the oven. I usually put the bread mixture in a big tray pan and bake at 350 degrees for about half an hour.

Stuffing can be altered for different tastes as well. You can add a bit of crumbled sausage or bacon to the onion mix for a heartier flavor. You can also try using some leftover fruit bread such as cranberry or raisin bread in your stuffing to give it a sweeter taste. Nuts can add a crunchier texture to stuffing so add them while you are browning the onions.

Stuffing is a great and essential side dish for Thanksgiving, and with this easy recipe and its variations you can enjoy a delicious home made Thanksgiving day meal with the best stuffing ever.

How to Make a Fabric Flower Corsages Easily and Inexpensively

I have been making all sorts of fabric flowers and bouquets lately, and it is a complete obsession I think at this point. I am thinking about flowers when I fall asleep at night. I made some corsages yesterday, and I thought I would share with you by providing simple steps on how to make a fabric  flower corsage easily and inexpensively.

Here are some pics to help you see the finished fabric flower corsage.You can also click the pic if you liked the corsage but didn't want to make it yourself.

                                                              Dahlia and Peony Corsage

This corsage is easy enough to make; you will need cotton fabric, chiffon fabric, pearls, wire, lace, satin ribbon, scissors, and needle and thread. A burning candle is also important. 

Start by cutting a couple of circles out of the chiffon, and make sure to vary the sizes. Then cut a 12" x 3" long strip from the cotton. Also cut three 4" long strips of lace and a 12" long piece of satin ribbon. Then cut triangles out of one side of the cotton strip. This will create the zigzag edge of the dahlia. 

Cut 2 short pieces of wire and thread a pearl on each. Twist the wire right underneath the pearl to make a small stem. Use the candle to slightly melt the edge of the chiffon circles. This will create a cup like shape. Then use the candle to seal the end of the satin ribbon.

Thread the needle and sew all the chiffon cupped petals on top of each other. Then sew a straight stitch across the botton of the cotton strip that is straight. Pull the thread tight so the strip forms a circle. Sew the 2 ends together.

Stick the wired pearl into the center of the cotton bud and sew shut. Then stick the other wired pearl through the center of the chiffon peony and sew around the base of the wire. Wrap the ends of the wire together so the flowers are facing away from each other, but still close to each other. 

Then wrap the lace strips around the wire to cover it and tie in a knot. Sew the completed embellishment to the ribbon, and your handmade fabric flower corsage is complete. 

 Here are some pics of other corsages I made yesterday as well. You can see how similar steps in this corsage are used in the other ones.

Chiffon Peony and Dahlia Buds on Satin Ribbon and Pearl Beaded Lace

Lace and Satin Ruffle Rosette Corsage on Satin Ribbon

Hope this how to helped you and if you have questions, comments, tips, and tricks I would love to hear them!

You can check out more wedding items and pretty accessories here on my etsy shop!

Stay tuned for more fun how to articles!