How to Make a Cherry Blossom Kimekomi Egg
If you're looking to add a touch of spring to your ornament collection, this Cherry Blossom Kimekomi Egg is the perfect project. In this tutorial, I’ll walk you through how to create this stunning design using the Japanese kimekomi technique. It’s an advanced project, ideal for ornament artists who are already comfortable tucking small and curved sections.
🌼 New to kimekomi? Start with my beginner’s tutorial and grab your free guide by signing up for my email list!
✂️What You’ll Need
Polystyrene smooth foam egg or ball (as your base)
Cardstock (for creating a petal template)
Sharpie or similar type marker
Cutting tool (like an X-Acto knife)
Various fabric scraps (for petals and background)
Glue stick
Decorative cord
Pearl-headed pins
Tucking tool (I use an upholstery needle)
Straight pins (optional)
Small fabric scissors
🖊️Step 1: Create Your Template
Start by cutting a single cherry blossom petal shape from cardstock. This will be your template. Use it to trace full blossoms randomly around your foam egg using a Sharpie. Placement should be uneven for a more natural look.
Once your blossoms are traced, use your cutting tool to carefully carve grooves along the outlines.
🌸 Step 2: Add Fabric to the Blossoms
Place fabric over each blossom petal and tuck it into the grooves using your tool. Trim any excess fabric as needed. Repeat this for each petal on each cherry blossom until all your blooms are fully covered.
🌿 Step 3: Fill in the Background
Now that your flowers are in place, it’s time to do the background. Draw in some random, organic sections around the blossoms. Just like before, tuck and trim fabric into these new sections, making sure everything is smooth and neat.
✨ Pro Tip: Tucking Curves & Corners
When working around tight curves or sharp angles, use the snipping technique: make small cuts in the fabric near corners and curves to help it bend and lay flat without bunching. This method is borrowed straight from sewing techniques used on necklines and armholes, and it works wonders for kimekomi!
🌀 Step 4: Add Decorative Cord
To give your design that extra flair, it’s time to outline your petals with decorative cord. Apply glue in the seams by scraping a bit off the glue stick with your tucking tool and placing it into the seams. Then gently press the cord into place, and snip the ends to fit. You can also use straight pins to hold the cord in place if needed.
Once a blossom is outlined, finish it off by adding a pearl-headed pin right in the center.
🥚 Final Reveal
And voilà! Your cherry blossom kimekomi egg is complete. The combination of delicate fabric petals, soft background tones, and detailed cordwork makes this ornament a true springtime showstopper and is sure to impress.
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