✨ Behind the Scenes: Dahlias, Craft Fair Prep & a Dash of Rock ’n Roll!
Hi lovely readers,
I know I’m a bit late posting this week, but I didn’t want to skip out completely. As we head deeper into autumn and closer to the craft fair and holiday season, things are getting busier than ever here at Rockin’ Threads Creations! Between making new stock, updating my listings, and, of course, crocheting, it’s full steam ahead in my little creative corner.
Lately, I’ve also been working on some new social media content and videos. One of them gives you a peek behind the scenes at how long it really takes to make a crocheted Dahlia flower. Spoiler alert — it’s not a quick job! Each one takes roughly eight hours from start to finish.
Don’t worry though — I’ve sped the video up to just one minute, because I wouldn’t dream of boring you with an eight-hour crochet marathon. 😄 Each petal, each layer, every stitch is made with care and attention to detail, and that’s what makes each piece unique. It’s also why pricing handmade work can be such a challenge — I never want to exclude anyone from enjoying my flowers, but like everyone else, I’ve got bills to pay (and sadly, the lottery hasn’t decided to fund my yarn addiction just yet!).
So, grab yourself a hot brew and settle in — here’s what’s been going on at Rockin’ Threads Creations lately. ☕💐
What’s Happening Behind the Scenes 🌸
As I mentioned before, I’m preparing for the MK Handmade & Vintage Winter Fair, which takes place from Friday the 31st of October until Sunday the 2nd of November.
It’s not just about building up stock — I’ve been putting a lot of thought into how I want my stall to look this year. I’ve ordered new backdrops and have been sketching out ideas for my setup. (I’ll probably rope Alex into helping soon so we can do a little test run at home — fingers crossed it all comes together the way I imagine!)
And of course, it’s also time to spread the word. This is where you can help — tell your friends and family that I’ll be at the MK Handmade & Vintage Winter Fair! If they’re after an everlasting flower or a unique handmade gift, this is the perfect time to find it.
October’s Birth Month Flowers 🌼
October is the month of the Marigold, a flower that symbolises warmth, passion, and creativity. But did you know that October actually has two birth flowers? The second one is the Cosmos, also known as the Tiger Flower or Mexican Aster.
The Cosmos symbolises balance, harmony, peace, and modesty — beautiful traits to reflect on as we move through the season of change. I don’t have a crocheted version of this one yet, but never say never! It might make its debut in the future.
Would you like to see a crocheted Cosmos flower from me one day? I’d love to hear what you think in the comments below!
A Touch of Rock ’n’ Roll 🎸
On the personal side of things — we’re heading out tomorrow to see a Dutch Rock ’n’ Roll band called The Explosion Rockets! They’re doing only two gigs in the UK this year. One of them is tonight in Wales (a bit too far for us), so we’ve got tickets for their Swindon show tomorrow instead.
I’m really looking forward to catching up with my sister and her family, who are the band’s road managers for the weekend. And yes, I’m finally getting the chance to dress up again — vintage dress, petticoat, and all! Though after a few too many “quality control” snack breaks while crocheting, it might be a bit of a squeeze. 😅
What about you? Do you have any fun plans for the weekend?
That’s all from me for this week. Thank you for following along with all things Rockin’ Threads Creations — I can’t wait to share more behind-the-scenes peeks, new designs, and crafty adventures soon.
Until next time,
Willeke 🌸
Rockin’ Threads Creations
Blooming Beauty 🌹 Celebrating Roses, the Birth Month Flower of June!
Welcome to Rockin' Threads Creations! 🎉 As the vibrant month of June rolls in, we celebrate the exquisite Rose, the birth month flower. Whether you're an interior designer looking to add a touch of elegance to your projects, a bride-to-be planning your dream wedding, or simply a home decor enthusiast, Roses offer timeless beauty and deep symbolism. Let’s dive into the meaning of different Rose colors, explore some captivating varieties, and discover how to keep them fresh in a vase. Plus, I’ll share some creative ways to incorporate Roses into your flower arrangements and introduce you to my special crocheted Roses available on our website and Etsy shop. 🌼
The Meaning Behind Rose Colors 🌈
Roses come in a rainbow of colors, each carrying its own unique significance:
Red Roses ❤️: Universally recognized as a symbol of love and passion, red Roses are perfect for expressing deep emotions and romantic feelings.
Pink Roses 💕: These convey grace, elegance, and admiration. They’re ideal for saying “thank you” or “I appreciate you.”
White Roses 🤍: Representing purity, innocence, and new beginnings, white Roses are often used in weddings and to mark significant life events.
Yellow Roses 💛: Bright and cheerful, yellow Roses symbolize friendship and joy. They’re great for lifting spirits and celebrating happy occasions.
Orange Roses 🧡: These vibrant blooms express enthusiasm, desire, and excitement. They add a pop of energy to any arrangement.
Purple Roses 💜: A symbol of enchantment and love at first sight, purple Roses bring a touch of mystery and elegance.
Varieties of Roses 🌹
With over 150 species and thousands of hybrids, Roses offer a vast selection to choose from. Here are a few standout varieties:
Hybrid Tea Roses 🌸: Known for their large, elegant blooms and long stems, these are classic choices for cut flowers and bouquets.
Floribunda Roses 🌺: These Roses produce clusters of blooms, offering a more abundant and bushy appearance.
Grandiflora Roses 🌷: A hybrid between Hybrid Tea and Floribunda, they combine the best of both with large flowers and plentiful blooms.
Climbing Roses 🌿: Perfect for trellises and arbors, these Roses bring a vertical element to gardens and can create stunning floral displays.
Miniature Roses 🌼: Ideal for smaller spaces or containers, these Roses offer all the beauty of their larger counterparts in a more compact form.
Rainbow Roses 🌈: These mesmerizing Roses feature petals dyed in multiple colors, creating a stunning, vibrant effect that brings joy and wonder to any arrangement.
Keeping Your Roses Fresh in a Vase 🌸
To ensure your Roses stay fresh and beautiful for as long as possible, follow these simple tips:
Trim the Stems ✂️: Cut the stems at a 45-degree angle under running water to prevent air bubbles from forming. Re-trim every few days.
Remove Lower Leaves 🍃: Strip away any leaves that would be submerged in water to prevent bacterial growth.
Use Fresh Water 💧: Change the water every two days and clean the vase to keep it free from bacteria.
Add Flower Food 🍯: Use the packet of flower food that comes with your Roses or make your own with a mix of sugar, lemon juice, and bleach.
Avoid Direct Sunlight and Heat ☀️: Place your vase in a cool, shaded area away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Creative Uses for Roses in Flower Arrangements 💐
Roses are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways to enhance your floral arrangements:
Centerpieces 🌺: Create stunning centerpieces by mixing Roses with greenery and other complementary flowers like lilies or peonies.
Bouquets 🌸: For a romantic touch, pair Roses with delicate baby’s breath or eucalyptus.
Wreaths 🌿: Craft beautiful wreaths using a combination of fresh and dried Roses for a lasting display.
Floral Garlands 🌷: Ideal for weddings or special events, garlands of Roses can adorn tables, arches, and entryways.
Single Stem Decor 🌼: Sometimes, simplicity is key. A single Rose in a chic vase can make a powerful statement.
Crocheted Roses: Timeless Beauty for Any Occasion 🌸🧶
At Rockin' Threads Creations, I understand the sentimental value of handmade items. My crocheted Roses are crafted with care and attention to detail, offering a sustainable and everlasting alternative to fresh flowers. Perfect for home decor, special occasions, or as unique gifts, my crocheted Roses bring a touch of handmade elegance to any space. 💕
Explore my collection of crocheted Roses on my website and Etsy shop. Whether you’re an interior designer looking for unique decor pieces, an event planner seeking the perfect accents, or a bride-to-be wanting to add personal touches to your wedding, my crocheted Roses are a beautiful choice. 🌟
Thank you for joining me in celebrating the beauty of Roses this June. Stay tuned for more floral inspirations and handmade creations from Rockin' Threads Creations! 🌸🌹🌺
🌸 Welcome to the Dahlia Delight Blog of Rockin’ Threads Creations! 🌸
Hey there, flower enthusiasts and decor divas! Today, we're diving deep into the enchanting world of dahlias – those vibrant blooms that add a pop of color and elegance to any space or event. Let's blossom together and uncover the beauty and meaning behind these stunning flowers! 🌼
The Meaning of Dahlia: Did you know that dahlias symbolize elegance, inner strength, creativity, and change? These blossoms are not just a feast for the eyes; they also carry deep meanings that resonate with our souls. So, next time you're gifting someone dahlias, you're not just giving flowers; you're sharing sentiments straight from the heart! 💖
Varieties Galore: Prepare to be dazzled because dahlias come in a kaleidoscope of varieties! From petite pompons to dinner plate-sized blooms, there's a dahlia for every taste and occasion. With over 42 species and thousands of cultivars, you'll never run out of options to explore! Some popular varieties include the Decorative, Cactus, Ball, and Waterlily dahlias. 🌺
Left to Right: The Decorative Dahlia, Waterlily Dahlia, Ball Dahlia, Cactus Dahlia. I got these images from Google
Keeping Dahlias Fresh Indoors: Want your dahlias to stay fresh and fabulous indoors? Here's the scoop: Trim the stems at an angle, remove any foliage that might sit below the waterline, and place them in a clean vase filled with fresh water. Keep them away from direct sunlight and change the water every couple of days for maximum longevity. Voilà! Your dahlias will thank you with their radiant beauty! 🌿
Floral Arrangement Fun: Let's get creative with dahlias, shall we? Whether you're styling your home or planning a dreamy bridal bouquet, dahlias are your go-to blooms for a touch of sophistication and charm. Mix them with eucalyptus for a rustic chic vibe, pair them with roses for classic romance, or go bold with a monochrome arrangement featuring various dahlia hues. The possibilities are endless, darling! 💐
Rockin' Threads Exclusive: Psst! Calling all fashion-forward flower lovers! Rockin' Threads has just dropped a fresh batch of crocheted dahlias in a rainbow of colors! These handcrafted beauties are the perfect accessory to elevate your style game or add a whimsical touch to your home decor. Head over to my website shop or Etsy shop to snag yours before they're gone! 🌈
Join the Rockin' Threads Creations Newsletter: Hey, trendsetters! Want to stay in the loop with all things Rockin' Threads and beyond? Sign up for the Rockin' Threads Creations newsletter and dive into a world full of discounts, behind-the-scenes peeks, new items, and exclusive sneak peeks! Be the first to know about my latest crochet creations, get insider access to my crafting process, and score sweet deals on your favorite handmade goodies. Don't miss out – join my creative community today! Just click the link here 💌or the sign up form below.
So, there you have it, folks – a bloomin' good time exploring the wonders of dahlias! Whether you're sprucing up your space, saying "I do," or simply indulging in a little floral therapy, let dahlias be your muse for all things beautiful and meaningful. Until next time, keep blooming and spreading joy wherever you go! 🌟