The Precision & Whimsy of Flat Flowers

What goes into the making of Ducci Designs Flat Flower hair accessories & brooches?

Step 1: Finding the right color & textured vinyl. Not an easy task sometimes to find! I like to use recycled vinyls (and sometimes leather and suede) as much as possible. In fact the very first FF ever made was recycled from a silver platinum bag I had, that had seen better days, I used it so much!! But I saved it and tried something new when I had some free time and on a particular day when the creative juices were flowing..... And one year later, we now have a whole line of different types of Flat Flower accessories!

Step 2: Prepping to cut the flowers. Tools needed: Very sharp, fine point scissors (to get through the thick vinyl), scissor sharpeners (the thick material dulls the scissors fast!), a fabric pen (for drawing design), patience and good lighting!

Step 3: Cutting the flowers. I draw the pattern I want for the smallest layer on the reverse side of vinyl. I then cut out the general shape. Then, the painstaking task of perfecting it to the exact shape I want; no sharp or uneven edges! I repeat this process for each layer of the flower, each one getting a bit bigger (depending on the design it could be 3 - 5 layers). And also this is done for the felt backing.

Step 4: Sewing it together. Tools needed: sewing needle (a strong one), thread (color is important), beads (depending on the design I choose the right beading (color, shape and size). At this point I also have to decide what it's going to be: a headband (elastic or hard), a brooch and/or hair clip. Now, I won't get into the boring technicals of the actual sewing process... You just need to know that I thread the needle and hand stitch every layer and ever bead! Yes, there are nights my fingers hurt! And I should add, the technicals of sewing aren't boring to me!

Step 5: Putting it all together: Depending on what the final piece will be, depends on this... But again I won't get into the boring technical steps... But just know, I sew and glue it all together and then voila`! the DD label is in place and it's ready for the showroom floor!

What I have learned: Precision is needed to make these, no doubt. But more importantly, you have to let go and have whimsy too! A balance, if you will. I was (and still am sometimes) so crazy to get every edge perfect. But now through making so many, and having my supporters (the ones who see the process of it all) tell me that they don't see "that jagged edge" that is glaring at me.... I have learned that perfection isn't always the best, that jagged edge just adds a little homemade character! So now I have more fun with it. I have whimsy! And I am finding the best pieces come from that and then the precision needed to execute! Good lesson for life too I think!

I would like to give a big thank you to the particular people that helped me through the particular journey of this story: Stacy, my roommate and technical & creative assistant. Thank you for not seeing the jagged edges and cutting the DD labels! Alana, my best friend. Thank you for helping me cut out all the layers of the flowers, you did great! You made me see how much precision I have! And last but not least, thank you to my Mom for constantly encouraging me and telling me to "keep those creative juices flowing!" xoxo

Check out all the Flat Flowers on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ducci-Designs/197072036646?v=photos

These and other Ducci Designs one-of-a-kind creations can be found at The Local Collection

(Faneuil Hall Market Place, South Market Building #2135, Boston, MA), at SoWa Market Sundays, June 27, July 18, August 15, September 12 & October 17 and of course email or call me for orders & custom pieces.