Sooooo, this happened? I walked into the studio one day and was like “I WANT TO COVER A COAT IN FAKE FLOWERS” and then everyone proceeded to get up and leave. JK! In my mind, this coat was to be like one of those big fur coats, or even those pom pom coats, but with FLOWERS! Channeling my inner Iris Apfel, perhaps? Anyway, the faux flower coat was born and I will be wearing this outfit every day from here on out. Even to the grocery store.
And if you can work a hot glue gun and snag some dollar store flowers… you can make this too. BA-BAM!
Before we jump into the tutorial lets discuss faux flowers. If you’ve ever bought them before, you know they can get really pricey. Most craft stores like Michaels and JoAnn’s (We got some of ours at Moskatels in DTLA) run really big, frequent sales on their fake flowers. Like 50-60% off kind of sales. So here’s what I recommend… pick a few big/important “must have” blooms and buy them from the craft store. Then, head to a dollar store (my fave is the 99cent store here in LA) and get the bulk of your flowers there. Buy flowers that come in bunches or on garlands from both places, don’t buy individual stems.
I’d recommend going to Goodwill and buying a cheap jacket as it’s going to get covered anyway. If you go with a solid color or floral print, it won’t be too big of a deal if some of the blazer shows through the flowers.
All that sad, this is not the cheapest project around. If you follow all the steps above, you’ll likely spend around $50-60+ dollars. It’s an investment for sure but also an AMAZING statement piece for the right big event.
DIY Faux Flower Coat
Total Time: About 2-3 Hours
Supplies
Variety Faux Flowers (We used about 150 medium-large blooms plus some smaller fillers)
Hot Glue Gun
Jacket (Preferably collarless)
Scissors and Wire Cutters
Directions
1. Clip a bunch of the medium/large flowers you've purchased with wire cutters (or scissors if the stems aren't wire), about 1/4" from the bloom.
2. Start with the back of the coat. Hot glue your largest, favorite blooms sporadically across the back of the coat, saving some for the front a well. Then go back and continue gluing with the additional blooms.
3. Flip the coat over and repeat on the front and finally on the sleeves.
4. Once all your big blooms are on and the majority of the coat is covered, go back and fill in any gaps with small buds and blooms until your satisfied with how it looks. Sometimes it's helpful to put the coat on during this step, as it looks different on than it does flat!
Photos by Jeff Mindell
On me: Jumpsuit | Blouse | Pink Heels | Sunglasses from Urban (similar here and here)
Sorry that there’s one million photos but we just had a LOT of fun shooting this one. I mean… it’s a FLOWER COAT you guys!!!!! Don’t you just feel like you NEED one!? Happy, happy spring!!!
After I posted this, a couple of you brought to my attention Rachel of I Make. You Wear It and her amazing flower jacket she made a few months back. And I’m so grateful you did! Sometimes two people have such similar ideas, and don’t even know it (*Raises hand*) but I’m happy this introduced me to Rachel’s amazing work! (And one of you might want to swipe up her flower shoes before I do! 😉 )
p.s. Edible flower donuts!
Michelle says
Wow, this is totally amazing! Such an eye catcher!
https://www.makeandmess.com/
Gabriella says
This is too fun! Love all these bright colors – especially today, when we’re getting snow up here in Boston, yikes!
Kristina B says
OMG RIGHT Couldn’t you just die?!?! What the hell!!!!
Renee says
Umm this is a game changer. Thanks for being so bold and awesome! I doubt I will every make/wear this, but it is sooooo fun to look at!! Love your style!
Kelly says
Haha thanks!! Sometimes it’s fun to just make a super pretty (kind of crazy) project, right!?!? 😉
Élodie says
I love it! 🙂 I think I’m going to make one!!
I’m not new to your blog but it’s the first time I dare to leave a comment. Thanks for this incredible source of inspiration you’re bringing everyday (or almost)!
Kelly says
Thanks for commenting Élodie! So glad you love it!! =)
Natalie says
Where is this wall?! I am dying to know. Also, this hands down might be one of my favorite DIYs of all time. I am adding this to my list of things I need to make. Genius!
Jessi says
Ooooh, I would so make this! My boyfriend would NOT walk near me while I wear this XD
It’s a shame though, that you used such a pretty coat to make this. I would by an ugly vintage one in the thrift store to make it.
Erika says
Love it!! Great work! I want to make one now!! I loooooove the jacket that you used…who’s the designer? I’ve been looking for a bright patterned blazer like that as well:) thx!!!! -Erika
Annichen says
Hi 🙂 I love this jacket and I am definitely trying to make one. Where did you buy the flowers? I have been looking at Michaels but the flower are pretty expensive. Thanks!
marisa frasure says
Hello there!
I’ve always wanted to make a jacket just like that, but I thought that it would be a little too colorful to wear in Flint (Michigan). I thought it would also make a wonderful bed jacket. It would be just the thing when you would be just under the weather (so you could have an excuse to break out your favorite nightie to wear under it)!
Arianna says
Omg I just love this super fun, creative and I MEAN I just love it! Thanks for sharing and for the inspiration. www.themoderndaygirlfriend.com
Amy says
OMG i’m definitely making one and wearing it to a festival this summer..Thank you I loooove it
Lyndsay // Coco Cake Land says
I LOVE this so much!! Kelly it could totally count as a Halloween costume too – going as “FLOWER POWER”!! (i.e. another excuse to make and wear this!!) XO
heather says
oh my days! I LOVE this!! I’m a florist and I seriously think that this should be my uniform! I love, love, love this idea! well done!
Suzanne says
I finally made one today after admiring yours and the insane 1960s one by Norman Norell that I’ve been thinking about replicating since I knew it was even a thing!!!!! I got a little bit insane and used tiny flowers on the shoulders in an ombre effect on one part of the sleeve! Thanks for also wearing ALL the crazy creations. I normally leave these statement pieces for the holiday season…. I made one out of bows and christmas balls one year! I don’t feel so alone knowing someone else in the world just loves being colorful!!!! I’m going to post mine soon on my forthcoming new website!!!
Kelsy says
I just finished making this. I love love LOVE it!!!! Going to be wearing it to Northwest String Summit next week.
Spent about $55 at the dollar store. I’m thinking I should of used a thinner base because it might get to warm. I used a medium thickness cardigan. The flowers add warmth. It is still going to be fantastic! Thank you for this wonderful idea!!!
Paula THOMAS says
Jacket looks fantastic. Really don’t believe you could make one as nice as yours for any where near$50-60. Fake flowers are so expensive – particularly good quality ones like those you have used.
Victoria Valenzuela says
Isn’t this too fragile or does my hot glue gun just suck? Also, could this work with a ‘hearty’ fabric-ed dress?
María says
Me encanta, es alegre y divertida, llena de vitalidad
Maria Dolores says
Esto es impresionante y chulisimossssssssssssss me encanta
Xena says
This looks great !
Debbie says
Oh my life! I don’t know that I’d have the nerve to wear it, but WHAT A WALL-HANGING it would make! Thank you for cheering my day.
Gemma says
Gorgeous and I love the photos! But I gotta ask…. Can it be washed? I want to make a flower cape for my niece but 6yos are messy lol