Shabby Chic Tussy Mussy

I want to share with you today an unusal project. It's always fun thinking outside the square and playing with ideas. I wanted something different to give as a gift and have played with this idea before and the papers from Webster's are so delicious I thought they would look pretty as a Tussy Mussy :)

 

A Tussy Mussy is a beautifully decorated cone shape filled with gifts. Made from paper unlike in the earlier day when material Tussy Mussys were so popular. During the English Gregorian period (1714-1760), pestilence was rampant and indoor plumbing was not. Elegant ladies would often carry small bouquets of fragrant herbs and flowers to fend off noxious odours. Also known as nosegays, tussy mussies remained popular through the Victorian era.

Let's get started.

 

Wbster's Pages - A Christms Story - Holiday Decor

Either free hand or using a template cut a cone from your chosen patterned paper. Make a 5cm edge down one side and fold. Use decortive edge scissors or border punch to make a pretty edge if you have no lace or trim. Can be made in any size, if you don't have a template cut your cardstock into a square and either remove the top by cutting to give you a straight top edge or even leave it and use when decorating your edge. I cut mine as I like the look of the lace around inside and out :) Carefully roll the cone, can be a bit tricky. If you are having trouble try rolling around a thick piece of dowl or something similar to help curl and adhere using hot glue gun or strong double sided tape.

 

Now for the fun part, decorating!

Kaisercraft - Paper Booms - Ruby

May Arts - Faux Suede with Ruffle Trim - Red

Tim Holtz idea-ology - Adornments - Christmas

Melissa Fraces - Trinkets & Baubles

Mini Rose Lace Trim from my stash

Beaded Trim from my stash 

Pearl Strips from my stash

 

 Attach ribbon for hanging. I tied a knot but you can use almost any method for securing the ribbon.

 

Using bot the beaded trim and mini rosette ribbon glue around the edge.

 

Using hot glue gun as you need a strong adhesive, position you applique, blossoms, tulle, charm and binding.

 

I used some extra lace as it needed a contrasting colour to break it up a little.

 

Add a charm and stick pin.

To finish off I made an angel using gems and jewelry findings. Secured these to a jewelry pin and added a large bead, again using your hot glue gun, slip the sharft into the bottom of the cone.

 
Use your Tussy Mussy for Christmas, Easter, Baby Shower, Birthdays, Halloween or any occassion you like :) Fill with gifts like make-up for a teenager or singlet, bibs & socks for an expectant Mum, Lollies or chocolates. Hope you enjoyed this tutorial and I have inspired you to get creative.

Make sure you check back regularly to see what wonderful projects are coming up.