Why not make your beloved an honest declaration of love with a Valentine's rosette? As with horses, dogs and chickens, you can now let the love of your life know that they are 'best in show', in your life at least. All it takes is a pair of scissors, some glue, a few stitches and about half an hour of your time.
Confronted with Spotlight's impressive range of trims I had to strongly resist the urge to create boudoir-inspired rosettes. Eschewing the ruched elasticated white satin with baby pink trim, I settled on more sedate but ultimately less awe-inspiring options. You may be braver in your choices.
Step 1 - Trace around a cup onto lightweight card to create a circle of desired size. Cut it out and use as a template to cut 2 felt circles, a front piece and a back piece.
Step 2 - Decide what look you want for your front piece. You could layer different coloured felt circles to create a target, or simply leave it plain. Hearts, stars or flowers could be cut out and sewn to the felt base. If using lettering, make a template from baking paper and pin to the felt. Backstitch the lettering in place.
Step 3 - Once you're satisfied with your front piece, glue it to the cardboard backing. Measure out your trims of choice, hold in place and hand-stitch to the edge of the felt and cardboard. Play around with layering different combinations of trims to create an indulgent and, dare I say it, romantic look. Turn end of trim under and stitch in place to finish off.
Step 4 - For the tails, measure a piece of ribbon roughly twice the diameter of the rosette, fold in half and secure with a couple of stitches just below the fold to hold in a V shape. Glue or tape to the back of the cardboard base and cover with the other piece of felt using glue to secure. Attach a brooch fixture or safety pin to the back with strong glue such as Araldite.
Materials/Tools
• Cardboard
• Felt
• Embroidery thread and needle
• Paper scissors, paper and pencil
• Trims
• Safety pin or brooch fixture
• Glue
