Ume pin tutorial

I have another tutorial for you, yay! Its for an ume flower pin (you can also put it on a magnet, hairclip, keychain or use it as an embellishment... its really versatile!) An ume flower is a plum flower, and it's a popular design motif in Japan. These little flowers are SOOOO easy to make; I made the one in the tutorial in less than 5 minutes (not kidding!) Plus, materials are relatively cheap and easy to come by :D (of course you can dress it up by using some silk or similar expensive fabric!) Here's everything you'll need, including instructions to make an ume!

Materials: embroidery floss/ thread; needle and thread; seed or pearl beads; fabric circle (2" or 5 cm); felt circle (3/4" or 15 mm); optional pinback/ magnet, etc; stuffing!

1. Sew a running stitch around the circumference of the fabric circle, about 1/4" or 5 mm away from the edge.
2. Pull thread tightly, stuff before closing.
3. Stitch through edge of ball to close securely.
4. Knot embroidery thread, pull through center of the ball (from back to front).
5. Create "petals" by passing needle through center of ball from back to front, pulling tightly.
6. Thread a needle and pass a bead to the center of the flower.
7. Continue adding beads as desired.
8. The front should be beautiful! But the back has all your knots: cover them by stitching the little felt circle onto your flower. Add a magnet or a pinback if you like!

Make them in a bunch of colors; you can even sew them together in little bunches!