Sunflower

Whether sunflowers are reminiscent of summer or autumn for you, there’s no denying they’re a cheerful and uplifting flower. With its broad center and bright petals, this felt version will have you turning your face to the sun.

SUPPLIES

Yellow or gold felt

¾˝ x 9˝ strip of light brown felt

1˝ x 36˝ strip of brown felt
(you can cut several smaller strips)

Sunflower template

Scissors

Hot glue gun and glue sticks

STEP 1: Cut the pieces. Follow the sunflower template to cut out twenty-five gold petals.

STEP 2: Cut the light brown strip. Cut slits ⅛˝ apart along one long edge of the light brown felt strip. Cut about halfway across the strip, being careful not to cut all the way through it.

Step 3: Roll the light brown strip. Add glue to the bottom (uncut) edge of the light brown strip and roll it up, working in sections.

Step 4: Fold the brown felt. Apply a small line of glue along one of the long edges of the brown felt strip. Fold the felt in half lengthwise, pressing the edges together. Continue adding glue and folding the felt in sections until you reach the end.

Step 5: Cut the brown felt. Cut slits in the folded edge of the felt. Make them about ¼˝ apart and cut about halfway across the strip. Be careful not to cut all the way through the strip.

Step 6: Attach the brown felt. Line up the top of the brown felt strip with the top of the light brown flower center. Working in sections, wrap and glue the brown felt strip around the flower center until it is about 2½˝ to 3˝ in diameter. As you wrap, you’ll notice the strip has a tendency to get progressively lower as you work. This will give the flower center a domed shape, which perfectly mimics a sunflower.

Step 7: Start adding the petals. Add glue to the bottom of a petal and pinch the sides together. Add enough glue so that some squeezes out when you pinch the petal. Press the petal against the edge of the flower center, lining up the bottom of the petal with the bottom of the flower center.

Step 8: Finish adding the petals. Continue adding petals around the flower center. Position the bottoms of the petals very close together. After going around the flower center once, add petals to fill in any empty spaces. I like my sunflowers to look free-spirited, so I don’t position the petals in any particular way. Twisting and turning some of the petals keeps them looking natural.