Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Kanzashi Flower Brooch

The last craft I made in 2009 was this kanzashi flower brooch. I had some friends over for brunch and crafts and this is what we made. We used the directions from the book Kanzashi in Bloom by Diane Gilleland. I think it was a good choice for the craft get together. It didn't take long to make and it was something no one had made before. It was also nice to submerge ourselves into something that made us stop and slow down from the busyness of the holidays.

If you're interested in making a kanzashi flower, there's a free tutorial at Crafter News from the book "Kanzashi in Bloom". Once you get to Crafter News, scroll down and click on the link "back-to back kanzashi ornaments".

What was the last craft you made in 2009?

What will be the first thing you make in 2010?

Please share!
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17 comments:

  1. Amy's Stocking StuffersJanuary 5, 2010 at 10:09 PM

    That's lovely! The white parts (stamens, technically, I guess?) remind me especially of my hibiscus tattoo!

    The last thing I made in 2009 was a dishwasher dirty/clean magnet featuring photos of one of my cats. (The dirty photo was from when he got into the fireplace!)

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  2. AnonymousJanuary 6, 2010 at 12:08 AM

    I still work on a shawl which has to become longer. The next will be a cardigan, hopefully.

    Annegret

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  3. StephJanuary 6, 2010 at 12:49 AM

    Oh that's gorgeous, well done you. I'm learn crochet at the mo. I finished 2009 making a bag for my daughter and a scarf for a friend and I've started 2010 by finishing a Granny Square Blanket - oooo I'm sooo pleased with myself :) - it's so exciting to be able to make lovely things isn't it. x

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  4. MinkaJanuary 6, 2010 at 12:56 AM

    I love it

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  5. Amy V.January 6, 2010 at 4:11 AM

    I finished a tote type bag I made in a Naalbinding stitch for a friend's last Christmas gift. Really like doing Naalbinding.

    First thing I made was craft tool apron.

    Will be making one of Amy's Stocking Stuffer's ideas! I need a dirty/clean magnet for my dishwasher!

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  6. mellowbeingJanuary 6, 2010 at 8:04 AM

    I love the color & fabric. That needs to get on my "craft resolutions list for 2010".

    Last thing I made was a pair of wristwarmers.

    I already started my first project - first hat. So far, so good

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  7. ValerieJanuary 6, 2010 at 10:17 AM

    Cute! I've been wanting to learn how to make those.

    The last thing I made in 2009 was a series of 12 nengajo (New Year's postcards):

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/digitalmaven/tags/nengajo/

    The first one was actually the final one.

    As for 2010, I have a few swaps to make things for this month, so I'll either be making handmade envelopes or hand-carving a rubber stamp first.

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  8. zakkalifeJanuary 6, 2010 at 12:48 PM

    Amy's Stocking Stuffers,

    Oh, I like the idea of the dirty/clean dishwasher magnet. I didn't see it on your site, did you post about it? Do you have a tutorial for it?

    Everyone,

    Thank you for sharing about what you made and plan to make. I'm always curious to hear what others are making.

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  9. Diane GillelandJanuary 6, 2010 at 1:00 PM

    Your brooch came out beautiful! And I love the idea of all of you taking a little break from the holidays together.

    In case this is helpful to anyone, I also made a little video of the Kanzashi-making process. It's here: http://www.craftypod.com/2009/09/16/now-with-video/

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  10. AyieJanuary 6, 2010 at 3:38 PM

    that's pretty and very unique!

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  11. Pink Little CakeJanuary 6, 2010 at 7:27 PM

    Wow, it is gorgeous brooch! I am not to crafty, but I enjoy seen other's creations. I always whish I can make them myself.

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  12. zakkalifeJanuary 6, 2010 at 7:49 PM

    Pink Little Cake,

    The flowers look a lot more complicated then they really are. I know you could make one. I've seen all the beautiful decorated cookies and cakes you've made. If you can do that, you can make a kanzashi flower for sure.

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  13. Mousy BrownJanuary 6, 2010 at 11:44 PM

    My last and first projects were flowery too! My last was a knitted hat with a huge knitted flower (a restful project for boxing day) My first of 2010 was a flowery brooch made for my sister in laws birthday. Photos of the hat can be seen on my new years mosaic - I'll be doing instructions for the brooch in the next couple of days. I love your Kanzashi flower - definately putting it on my list of things to try - thanks for the inspiration!

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  14. EllenJanuary 7, 2010 at 7:04 AM

    Thanks for posting this lovely craft on my blog ---- it's on my "to-make" list! :)

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  15. Jenna with Blessed Child BraceletsJanuary 7, 2010 at 2:42 PM

    Very pretty! :)

    the last thing I made in '09 was a bracelet. and the first thing I made in 2010 was a bracelet. See a trend here? :)

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  16. Novi On The GoJanuary 12, 2010 at 3:03 PM

    Thanks for the tutorial, the brooch is so pretty! I ended 2009 with flip top mitts and started 2010 with a hat, both crochet.

    Refering to your last post, I've always enjoyed the variety of crafts (and recipes!) for all levels shared on your blog and hope to see this continue along with roundups and Japanese crafts. Thank you for the wonderful inspiration Jessica.

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  17. throwJanuary 27, 2010 at 9:25 PM

    Lovely...the design is beautiful and the color you have chosen is absolutely soft and nice...love the brooch.

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