Vintage Pleated Flowers

Recently took a class learning to make these wonderful pleated flowers with the "Amanda Jane" smocking machine... Wowzer, fun class but intense. Needed a glass of wine after that one. I have a new appreciation for women who make those beautiful dresses and blouses using this machine. But the end result is so worth it. My pictures are featured on "Vintage Affair" blog. These were made using everything vintage, except the thread...... very cool.

Each one was made with a little different technique. The gold one, actually was yellow ribbon, but once it was pleated it takes on a whole different effect. Vintage chenille was used for the flower center and the stamens were dipped in German glass glitter. The beige flower has vintage pearl stamens and the blue flower was made reversing the top layer of the ribbon from the bottom so it looks like it's two differnt colors of blue...

For the last several months I have been fortunate enough to participate in some wonderfully creative classes with artist and book author Arlene Baker. She is amazing and hosts a monthly class offering a dfferent technique class each month. Thank you so much Arlene for your hospitality and knowledge offered to us ladies.