Simply Sweet Place Card Holder with Layered Fabric Flowers

Picture a pale, softly ruffled block covered in white felt and chiffon, with a border of fluffy fabric blossoms along the front and sides, each one centered with a tiny sparkling gem. Place cards slip into the foam, so guests find their seats at a table that looks as pretty as it is organized.

The flowers are the star. They are cut from stacks of chiffon, lace, organza and tulle, then machine stitched instead of sewn by hand, so they come together quickly and hold their shape. The base is simple floral foam wrapped in fabric. It is a good fit for a wedding, bridal shower or any elegant dinner.

Supplies

2 rectangles of floral foam
1 piece of foam board
1 yard white felt
2 yards each of chiffon, organza, lace and tulle
Scrapbook gems
Hot glue gun and glue sticks
Sewing machine and thread to match your fabric
Sharp scissors, straight pins, scrap paper and a flower pattern

Make the flowers

Cut the base fabric. Cut one piece of felt and one piece of chiffon, each 46 inches by 20 inches. These wrap the foam base later.
Cut squares. Cut the rest of your chiffon, lace, organza and tulle into 5.5-inch squares.
Build the stacks. Layer the squares into stacks of 15, from top to bottom: 2 chiffon, 2 lace, 2 organza, 2 tulle, 1 chiffon, 2 tulle, 2 organza and 2 lace. Pin each stack in the center.
Cut the shape. Print or draw a flower outline, pin it on top of a stack and cut carefully around it. Sharp scissors matter here. A scrap of paper under the stack helps the bottom layers cut cleanly.
Stitch. Sew a straight stitch through the center of a stack. Then twist the top half of the layers so the petals no longer line up perfectly.
Fold and stitch again. Fold half of the layers in along the first stitch and sew another straight line across it, perpendicular to the first. Repeat on the other side. The extra stitching gives each flower body so it keeps its shape.

Build the holder

Glue the two foam rectangles together along their short ends and let the glue dry.
Glue the foam board to the center of the joined foam. This adds strength and keeps the base from bending.
Lay out the felt and set the foam base on top. Starting at the middle of each side, pull the felt taut and hot glue it down.
At the ends, fold the felt like gift wrap. Glue the sides in first, then bring the bottom piece up to the top and glue it very securely.
Cover the felt with the chiffon in exactly the same way.
Starting in the middle, glue the flowers along the front and side edges. Tack down any petals that flop forward with a small dab of glue.
Press a gem into the center of each front flower. If one will not stay, add a little extra glue.

Variations and tips

Change the colors. Keep the layer order but swap in blush, ivory or pale blue fabrics to match your table. Using thread close to the fabric color keeps the stitching out of sight.

Resize the pattern. A smaller flower outline makes dainty blossoms for a tighter border. A larger one fills the front faster.

Cut in batches. Cut several stacks one after another, with the pattern pinned on top each time, then stitch them in a single sitting. The work goes quickly once you settle into a rhythm.

Mind the glue. Hot glue can burn fingers and melt delicate tulle if it is too hot. Work in small dabs and let each one cool a moment before pressing the fabric into place.

Load the cards. Write each guest name on a card, then slide the cards into the foam so they stand upright among the flowers. Arrange them in table order for a smooth arrival.

Test one flower first. Make a single flower before cutting every stack. This shows whether your pattern size and stitching suit the base, and you can adjust before committing all your fabric.

Plan ahead. The holder can be made well before the event and stored flat in a box away from dust. Fluff the petals with your fingers before setting it out.