Zipper-de-do-dah!

I have a tutorial to share with you today. It was actually featured in last month's GCD Studios newsletter, so if you get that you may have already seen it. If you don't and you'd like to sign up, you can do that by e-mailing inthestudio@gcdstudios.com :)

This tutorial is actually inspired by my love of thrift store shopping. You see, I always end up picking up random things like these metal zippers (note that I don't really sew) and then wonder what I am going to do with them once I've gotten them home. Well, I think I've come up something pretty cool and I'd like to share it with you...zipper flowers.


You will need a zipper (length doesn't really matter), scissors, needle
and thread.

1. You'll need to start by cutting the zipper from the hardware, so you end
up with one long strip of teeth.
2. Fold one corner down...
...and begin to roll.
3. Once you have one complete roll add a couple stitches to keep it
together.
4. Then take a few running stitched along the bottom edge.
5. Gather these stitches and roll then stitch to hold in place.
6. Continue stitching, gathering and securing until the flower reaches the
desired size.

7. To finish it off, trim the remaining length of zipper from the flower,
tuck the end under and stitch to secure.
8. Simply glue to your project to embellish!

Here is the first card I created, using the yellow zipper flowers.

Supplies: (all GCD Studios unless noted) Patterned Papers: Melody Ross Artsy Urban, Sheer: Melody Ross Artsy Urban, Scalloped Scissors: Fiskars, Ribbon: Offray, Zipper: Thrift store find
Size: 5x5"

I just love the detail the zipper edge adds!

I used papers and a beautiful bird sheer from the GCD studios Melody Ross Artsy Urban collection. I love how these funky flowers go with the fun homemade feel of these papers! The sentiment was cut from one of the patterned papers.

I also created a flower from a red zipper that had slightly larger teeth.

Supplies: (All GCD Studios unless noted) Patterned Papers: Melody Ross Artsy Urban, Chipboard frame: Melody Ross Artsy Urban, Sheer butterfly: MelodyRoss Artsy Urban, Ribbon: Wrights, Border Punch: EK Success, Rub-ons: Doodlebug Designs, Zipper: Thrift Store Find
Size:5x7"

I did a bit more gathering on this one, so it is open a little wider. Who knew zippers could look so elegant!

I hope you give this technique a try, it's pretty easy and I love the results!

Hope all my fellow US residents have a fabulous fourth! We are having family come and stay. My brother and SIL have kids close in age to ours, it should be a great weekend!

TGIF!!
Heidi