filigree | Lainesworld Craft Blog

October 29, 2011

Pin Craft Christmas Bell Tree Decoration using Pinflair components and Christmas Ribbon

Pin Craft or Pinflair is the art of pinning fabrics, or sequins etc to shapes or forms. Pinflair Polystyrene shapes are an ideal medium, allowing easy construction. Use filigree etc for finishing. easy to make Christmas Craft project in less than an hour

Requirements

	Polystyrene Bell Shape 4 “ other sixes available
	Christmas Ribbon approx 6 metres 15mm wide
	Sequin Pins
	Filigree cap
	Gold or Silver Cord

Preparation

Cut ribbon into approx 58 10cm lengths. This number may vary depending on the closeness of the overlays

Method

	Find and mark the centre point of the base of the bell.
	Place a ribbon length on a flat surface face down
	From the centre of the the ribbon, fold over end by 45 degrees
	Fold over the other end the same way.
	Place the ribbon on the base of the bell and secure the fold point the the bell with a sequin pin to just off the centre point you marked on the base of the bell.
	The ribbon can be placed either face up or face down to provide a different finished effect. The bell illustrated was made with the face down.
	Secure the fold two fold ends to the bell.
	Repeat the process on the opposite side, and again at ninety degrees to them.
	This will then give a cross structure over the base of the bell.
	Repeat this again from the centre filling the for gaps between the ribbons.
	Depending on the width of your ribbon, and the size of the bell, you may have to add extra layers
	Once this initial round is completed, simply repeat the effect by adding more folded ribbon in layers, moving away from the base of the Bell.
	Continue layering until you reach the top of the bell.
	Fold over and ribbon ends and secure a filigree cap to the top of the bell to cover the ends, using a Teardrop Hatpin.

Finishing Effects

Finish off the Bell by adding:

	A hanging cord to the Filigree Cap
	Coloured Pearl Headed Pins to the sides of the bell.
	Secure a filigree Ball to the base of the bell using a Teardrop Hatpin to represent the bell chime

Hints and Tips

	Try using an egg cup or cup to hold your bell upright while working on the base.
	Use decorative paper strips rather than ribbon
	Use Sequins or Bridal beads to add extra glitter to your bell
	Use a thimble for easy pin insertion and prevent finger pain.
	Use small lengths of ribbon on small bell sizes.
	For the accomplished pinner, try using a thinner ribbon for a very detailed effect
	Try using other polystyrene shapes as bases.
	As an alternative to ribbon try using Christmas Fabrics, simply cut in lengths and folded in the usual way.
	Try starting at the top of the bell and layer your bell the opposite way.