I got the loveliest bouquet of flowers at work on Monday, looky here!
Aren't they gorgeous? They're from a co-worker (who, by the way, has got to be one of the coolest moms, ever) in our Albany office. She thought I deserved a little extra something because a matter that required my immediate attention came up after I had gotten home on Friday night, and I had to head back out and work a little later. A thank you would have done the trick...I was completely floored when I saw the delivery guy with the flowers. And they came in such a lovely cup, and with a matching saucer (I think the graphics are Kinkade reproductions), to boot! I definitely owe her a nice thank-you gift.
Look familiar? It's an Amish puzzle ball, or katamari. I've also seen them called baby "grab" balls. They're basically three tapered, pointed ovals sewn together and stuffed, and then joined in groups of four. A great tutorial is available here. I've always thought that they were absolutely beautiful, so, naturally, I jumped at the oportunity to make my own.
I initially wanted to purchase some sage green or lavender buttons to decorate the ball, but these gold ones really caught my eye. You can't see them so well in the photograph, but the center consists of a cluster of gold-colored rosebuds. I think they have just the right amount of sparkle...just looking at them makes me happy.
I carried the cut-out oval pieces, a bit of stuffing, and a needle and thread along with me in a little bag, and have been hand-sewing the pieces together during my subway commute. It's the perfect little project to carry around for some fly-by crafting. I've been warned that making them is addicting...and I've got to admit that I'm awfully tempted to make a whole slew of them (picture one of those ball bounce attractions for kids...but full of puzzle balls instead of those solid-colored plastic balls). Bwahahahahah!
pretty flowers! what a nice surprise!
and the puzzle ball is cute. (and so is the little carrying bag. did you make that, too?)
Posted by: lera | October 19, 2006 at 01:35 PM
Pretty, pretty! I like them a lot!
Posted by: rachel | October 19, 2006 at 04:11 PM
I can just picture you crafting away! LOL Thanks for the katamari tutorial link - I've been wondering how those little things are made! I saw one on Craftster with magnets to hold pins, and wanted to make one of my own!
Lovely flowers, lucky you! :)
Posted by: Kari | October 19, 2006 at 06:13 PM
Its very attractive artificial flower's, I am very thankful to you. I want to get information about How to make this Flowers and Puzzle Ball; I hope you will help me. I like it so much.
Posted by: Term Papers | January 13, 2010 at 05:05 AM
I hav been wandering online since the past couple of hours and accidentally came to your blog post..Just admiring the way you conclude your post:*********** I've been warned that making them is addicting...and I've got to admit that I'm awfully tempted to make a whole..... *********
Posted by: Florist Italy | March 09, 2010 at 03:51 PM
I'm getting married and I was looking for some ideas for winter wedding flowers. My colors are light pink and espresso brown. THANKS FOR THE IDEAS!
Posted by: soft cialis | April 26, 2010 at 07:04 PM