Tussie Mussie’s were extremely popular during the Victorian period. The term comes from two old English/Medieval words. Tussie means “knot of flowers” and mussie refers to the damp moss which was wrapped around the stems to keep them moist. Many of the posy holders used to carry the flowers were quite elaborate and were made from sterling silver, bone and ivory. I gave mine a bit of a twist and began with a paper mâché cone. Here is the DIY for a Valentine Tussie Mussie Candy Container Tutorial.
Valentine Tussie Mussie Candy Container Tutorial
The cone was hand painted and a hole was made on each side so that a handle could be attached.
Vintage paper lace was applied with mod podge to the painted cone.
Some of the paper lace was left in its natural cream color.
I also hand dyed some of the paper lace with food coloring. It was a delicate process but I love how it turned out.
Once the lace was dry happy paper party fringe was applied to the top and bottom of the cone.
Various antique and vintage Valentine image were found online and printed out on cardstock. They were cut out and enhanced with glitter.
I have another project for you on Wednesday where I will provide a tutorial on how the pleated rosette was made.
While you can use the tussie mussie for it’s intended purpose of holding a small bouquet I like the idea of tying one to the back of a dining chair and filling it with candy. What a sweet treat at a Valentine dinner!
They would look lovely piled high on a tabletop too.
The candy cones are a sweet labor of love.
Laura
These are so sweet! Mother would place antique silver tussie mussies on her Victorian Christmas tree each year.
Wishing you a lovely week.
so beautiful! thanks for the tute! I would love to find some antique silver tussie mussie. have never seen one. Happy monday
Oh my goodness, you never cease to amaze. These are so beautiful. Hugs, Marty
Oh my goodness, Laura — you are amazing! I love, love, love these!!! You always do such a great job with crafts, but these are some of my favorites. What a beautiful addition to the home for the month of February.
Thanks for sharing — hope you have a wonderful day! 🙂
Hugs,
Denise at Forest Manor
These are great, Laura! I love that paper fringe. I'll have to look for some of that next time I'm at the craft store. I have four cones just sitting in my craft room and I was going to make a couple of these to use them up. I figured one would be cute for my granddaughter, filled with some candy for Valentine's Day.
Very pretty! I've got to pin this.:)
You are so gifted at creating beautiful paper crafts!! These are simply delightful!!
These are so beautiful and amazing, and while I don't think I'll have time to make my own, I will check out your Etsy shop!! ♥
Love,
Linda
Very sweet for Valentines day! Thanks for sharing this craft with us.
warmly,
deb
I love your Tussie Mussies! My oldest daughter had a silver one with her name on it for her wedding and also one for her sister who was 12. I think someone ran off with the younger one's and she has always felt badly. What a fun project to make with the kids.
Love love love love!!! So beautiful!!! Pinning!!!!!!
These are so sweet and romantic! I love the paper fringe around the top. I made some little ones out of foil paper one year to hang on the Christmas tree with some little treats inside. The kids loved them and insisted they were put on the tree again and again. I think there are a few stashed away yet.
Thanks for sharing the tutorial. 🙂
What a sweet project! I really like the fringe around the opening. Very nicely done Laura as always! Thank you so much for sharing your talent with us.
Blessings, Edie Marie
You have been busy! So very pretty and I love that you always give us a history lesson too!
What a cute idea!
Just darling!
this is adorable! Thank you for sharing at the Thursday Favorite Things hop xo