When I think of a Tussie Mussie, my first thought is of a Christmas decoration filled with potpourri or a small gift hanging on a Christmas tree. They’d hang alongside other vintage Christmas crafts like strings of popcorn, candles, corn husk angels and hand cut paper snowflakes, back before we could run out to a mega store to purchase everything.
As it turns out, the Tussie Mussie or nosegay is a language in flowers with each flower having its own meaning. In Victorian times, dictionaries were even written with the meaning behind each flower that could be included for friendship, love, joy, health, etc.
Just after I (Carlolyn from Carolyn’s Canvas) agreed to write this post for CheapEatsThriftyCrafts #DoYouRemember week, my sister came across more of our mother’s jewelry that she loved and it has been incorporated into the larger Tussie Mussie above. All the pearls/beads were hers including the strand of small pearls that swirls around, the small hearts around the top [it just so happens there were just enough for each loop-coincidence?], gold with pearl earrings with posts removed so they would lay flat on the surface and the gold “Mom” pendant between them. Mom’s pearlies were just the right accent for the Victorian look I had envisioned for this Tussie Mussie.
Everything I could get my hands on that might be used was gathered: white florals, laces, beads, beaded tassels that were in some Christmas decorations, cording, buttons, fringe, glass Christmas ornaments, fringe, beaded tassels, and florals.
In foreground – lace yardage fused onto Fairfield Stiffen for Tussie Mussie cone shape. Less than a 1/2 yd of each will make several Tussies.
Mom’s jewelry in center box-pearl/gold earrings in front of box from which posts had been removed, pearl strands.
How to Make a Tussie Mussie
1. Press lace onto Fairfield Stiffen.
2. Cut cone shapes using the patterns below from the lace/Fairfield.
3. Bling it up to your hearts content.
I played with all the components to come up with an arrangement I liked using my trusty hot glue gun to secure them onto the cone. It was easier to glue most of the beads, etc. with shape still flat before gluing the cone together. Then it was just a matter of gluing the trims around the top, the handle on, inserting the beaded tassel into the bottom and another trim around the bottom.
White rosebuds and lily of the valley sprigs were picked from the florals for the Tussie Mussie and this is another remembrance of our Mother from her belongings that will be on display in one of our homes. We have made other decorations from her vast collection of jewelry and trinkets so that each child, grandchild and now great, grandchild has a treasured heirloom.
I think I am going to try to find one of those floral dictionaries so I will be able to send floral messages from now on. Cards are great but how much more meaningful to receive a little nosegay with a note of the meaning of each flower. How about one of these as a bridal bouquet? for the birth of a child? or the passing of a loved one?
Please share with us if you create your own Tussie Mussie with the occasion and its meaning. We would love to see it.
May the joy of crafting be upon you
-Heaven help me-
My dark side just kicked in, I have black beads, lace, fringe, buttons, etc. Are there any black flowers out there?
- Vintage Christmas Crafts: The Tussie Mussie and the Language of Flowers - December 15, 2020
- Victorian-Era Style: DIY Little Girl’s Fur Muff with Matching Doll Fur Muff - August 20, 2020
- My Granddaughter Hannah’s DIY Duct Tape Mannequin for Sewing Projects - May 27, 2020
Hey Caroline, spray paint some flowers black, I have spray painted just any colors on flowers….LOL
Nice write up, and I love the Victorian TM….
Monika
I love the Tussie Mussie patterrns. I make several of these for Ft. Davis Historic Site to put on their vintage Christmas tree. In the 1880’s these decorations were also used to hold candies and small gifts.
Enjoyed your tutorial.
Caroline black flowers are out at craft stores .Just saw them at Hobby Lobby out for Halloween decor.
These are beautiful examples of tussie mussies. I love the way you made them. The pattern and directions are terrific.