Somerset Life...

Last August, I approached Jenny Doh {the lovely editor of Somerset Life}, about the opportunity to write a how-to article on making one of my Paper Posy Pomander Balls.
 
She happily agreed and encouraged me to include step-by-step photos of the entire process. After receiving so many emails with requests on instructions, I thought this would be a great way to share how to make these pretty decorations

 
The article is now available in the Somerset Life Winter 2010 edition {p. 119}.

Since I took many photos for this article, all of which could not go to print, I thought I would share some here with some basic instructions. For full details make sure to get the article ;)

First you will need LOTS of coffee filters...

 
Then group them in layers of 3-4, pinch at the bottom and staple...

Next comes time to dye. For the ball featured, I used regular tea bags and some red food coloring.

Dip approximately half of the posies in the tea stain dye and the other half in a mixture of tea stain and red food coloring {a very small amount is all that is needed to turn them pink - adjust amounts according to your preference}.

I use tin foil to place them on. I have shown them above lying on their sides, but have found that you can fit more and get better coloring if you place them with stapled side upright.

Wait for the posies to dry {approximately 24 hours indoors - in the summer I place them outside and they dry within a couple of hours}. When they dry, open up the layers and smooth out wrinkles to create full, "blooming" posies.

You will need a small styrofoam ball {approx. 3-4"}, several corsage pins and approx. 25-30 paper posies.

 
 
I place the pin in the bottom section near the staple and then insert into the styrofoam ball...

Continue around the entire ball alternating colors...

 
Fill in the entire ball {being delicate when pushing in ones in the top and bottom so as not to crush ones on the opposite side}. I fill it in and then start gently pushing them aside to see if there are any open spaces where I can place more...I prefer a really "full" look when I create them.

Last, take some ribbon and insert into the top with a pin {you may need a dab of glue on the end to keep it in place, depending on the weight of the ball}.

 
There are many variations you could do with these balls...including larger or smaller sizes and so many different color options.  You could also turn them into topiary trees by placing a dowel or stick in the center and  then securing in a planter or container. They would make great wedding, shower or birthday party decorations.

I hope that you enjoy the article if you are interested in making these on your own.

In the same issue you will also find four of my photographs in the Miscellany section. I was so delighted to see that many of my images in one issue...

I hope you enjoy it! There are many beautiful articles and projects in this issue...perfect in time for Valentine's day.

Till next time...

 

Comments

[Leah C]

Oh Alice, your paper posies are so pretty...congratulations on the Somerset article! You can bet I'll be buying a copy of this issue:) Enjoy!

[sandra blanks]

Alice,
Your posies are just gorgeous!!!! Love all these photos as well as the beautiful article in Somerset. Your last post (with the recipe card) is stunning!
Hugs,
Sandra

[Rebecca Ersfeld]

Hi Alice
Congratulations on such a nice article, you really did a nice job on it with wonderful picures! I enjoyed it very much.
Blessings

[Jackie]

Congratulations Alice!! Your posies are so beautiful and I will definitely be making some to decorate for Valentines (and spring too!) ~ I think my girl would love to make them too (she's 12). Thank you for sharing your amazing photos!!

[Tracie~My Petite Maison]

So beautiful, Alice
Thank you for showing us how to make the posies. Congratulations on your four photos in the Miscellany section too. Personally, I am not surprised and think the magazine should be filled from cover to cover with your photography.
xo~Tracie

[Tiina]

Beautiful!!! Congratulations!!!! I love it all and look forward to getting the magazine....Love Tiina...

[karin@creativechaos]

I love these!

[yael]

so lovely...I love your artwork
yael

[Zita-Mlle Magpie]

Thanks so much for sharing this super pretty project, Alice. Your article in Somerset Life was beautiful!

[Jo-Anne]

Your back, I've missed you!
How clever is your project Alice, I'm not suprized the editor fell in love with it. Congratulations sweetie, its gorgoues!!!
Jo
xo

[Allison]

Wow, these are just beautiful. I am giving an engagement party next month and these will be the perfect decorations! I can't wait to make them! Thank you so much. (I will be sure to pick up a copy of Somerset because I'd love to see the additional photos/info.)

Your blog is so inspiring. Keep up the lovely work you're doing!

[monica]

Such a delight to find your comment today! Thank you!
Many congrats for the publication, your work is so romantic and beautiful!
Monicax.

[Julie Marie]

Hello Alice... oooh, those are so beautiful, I want to try to make one... I am sure mine won't turn out as pretty as yours, but I will have fun making it! Now I am off to Barnes and Noble to buy the magazine... love to you... kisses Renoir... xoxo Julie Marie

[Nancy Jo]

HI ALICE,
Thanks for for posting this. I did get the magazine, it seems I have become obsessed with all their magazines, so I pre order them and don't have to pay shipping. They are the best magazines around. As always your part was great. I wonder if you could make those with colored tissue paper? Would that work?
So Happy to see your new post, I check everyday. How is the moving in thing going? All settled yet?
Nancy Jo

[Dawn @ The Feathered Nest]

I loved your article Alice!!! Somerset Life is my very favorite publication Stampington puts out...and seeing you there is wonderful! What a beautiful and simple project ~ so much bang for the buck!!! I hope all is well with you and your sweet family ~ hugs and love, Dawn

[cathy]

Hi - love your ball - yes I had seen it in Somerset Life and wanted to make one - now you have just reminded me.
I also am in this months latest issue of Artful Blogging - isn't it great being published!!!

[Uberart - Beth]

I have that issue and never put it together that YOU'RE the gal who wrote the article! Your pictures are some of my favs in that issue! Thanks for sharing more of your pictures.

PS- I have that same chandelier.

[Denise]

your posies are so gorgeous.......I think I will try it! Thanks for the instructions....

[Robin Thomas]

Wow, so beautiful. Congratulations. Thank you for the tutorial. I hope to have the time soon to give it a try. For now, Your lovely pictures are enough.

[Joy Jones]

Hi Alice! I came by to leave a note of thanks for your sweet words about my being published....and here you are with your own exciting news! Congrat's to you dear one...your work and photos are so lovely and your beautiful blog is always an inspiration. ~ xo Joy

[tina aka forrestina vintage]

Congrats on the article in such a distinguised publication; very pretty project. :)

[Koralee]

Oh my how have I missed your sweet blog..just came by to say hi and so so happy I did. I love those pom poms and congratulations for making it into the pages of Somerset..I can see why you have!!! Your images are lovely. I was going to make some for my daughters wedding shower but never did get around to it. I am off to visit some of your past posts and add you to my sidebar...I really do not want to miss another one of your lovely posts...pure inspiration in it's most loveliest form...xoxo

[Angela Harris]

Congratulations Alice! What a big year for you! An etsy featured seller and magazines! Your feature was stunning! My article in this issue was right before your on pages 116-118 :)
Here's too many more!!
~Angela Harris

[bleudelavande]

They are so wonderful, I adore them!!!!
Tank you for sharing my friend!
Have a nice day

[susan]

Hi Alice, Your paper flower are so pretty. I will have to get the issue, your photographs are really wonderful! Hope you are well, congrats! Susan
ps I visited yesterday but had trouble leaving a comment :) Enjoy your weekend!

[kelly]

How exciting and the pom poms and your pics are so pretty!!
Hugs~Kelly

[Betty Jo]

These are exquisite. I adore your blog and your Flickr photostream. ♥

[Jenny Snyder]

I ran right out and bought it. Love it!

[Andrea - Faded Plains]

How wonderful of you to share how to make these darling Paper Pomander Balls with us...I think I'll make some this summer to hang outside under the trees...dinner under the Posies...sounds magical to me.

[Maureen]

Congratulations. You must be over the moon about it all. Thanks for sharing.
Maureen

[Suzanne]

Hi Alice,

I have this issue...would you please autograph it for me!?

I have written a few articles on some of my projects that will be in the Spring issue ~ they ARE so wonderful to work with at Somerset and so encouraging of our creations. I know it keeps me motivated and I love seeing the works of those I know {you!} through these blogs, Etsy, and Flickr.

Congratulations, once again for a great read.

Ciao bella,
Suzanne

[Allison]

Alice, this post and your article are just SO beautiful. And the photos. Thank you for several minutes of transporting me to 'all things lovely world'. Just beautiful,,,

[kimberly]

Your posies are magnificent!!! Congratulations on the magazine article, it looks fabulous!

[Laura]

Hi Alice
Thanks for sharing the details of making these fun pomander balls! Your article was great...as are all the features, photos and articles that you have written or been a part of! Happy day!
:) Laura

[Tiffany]

stunning!! I still need to go pick up my copy.....now I think I need to go today!
xoxo, Tiffany

[Margaret Bouwmeester]

Alice, as usual your work is divine! How sweet and generous of you to show everyone how to make those gorgeous pomander pom poms!!! Thank you and congratulations for being published!
Hugs,
Margaret B

[Mamaayanna]

beautiful! talented you!!

[Carmelina Lounsbury]

coffee filters! who'd a thunk it?

i love how that project turned out!

ciao

[Beach Vintage]

I adore this. Pretty and perfect.

[diane from vintage-tickled-pink]

i love them i saw them in my fav magazine and after rereading your instructions i am definately gonna try them. thanks. diane from vintage-tickled-pink please visit my new blog.

[Ingrid]

So lovely! I foresee one of these in my craft room!! Thank you. Hugs, Ingrid

[Heidi (LaundryGirlPhotog)]

These are so beautiful. I will try making them with my girls soon! Congratulations on your article and photos, you have a beautiful blog!

[Victoria@Whimsy by Victoria]

Hi Alice! I am new to your blog via Natasha Burns. I love looking through and reading your posts. I loved your famed doggie...I hope he wins! I will be putting your blog on my reading list and be back often to visit. Looking forward to knowing you better. :) I am giving away a copy of this issue on my blog for My Favorite Things...Blog Anniversary. It is so inspiring and I too loved this article. Thanks for posting on it. Would love to have you stop by for a visit.

Have a wonderful week!

Hugs,
Victoria

[MRS. KEVIN]

IM GOING TO ATTEMPT TO MAKE A POSY SOON FOR MY SISTERS NEW ROOM. I CANT HARDLY WAIT. YOU DID A FABULOUS JOB. ALSO, THE PHOTOS TURNED OUT STUNNING =]

HOW DO YOU MAKE YOU PHOTOS LOOK SO PROFESSIONAL? PLEASE HELP =]

[Somerset Locksmiths]

Hi Alice, congratulations for the article, you must be very proud of your beautiful work.