tulle circle package

Tulle circles and beads from our local dollar store

Dollar Tree has an impressive wedding supplies section! Every time I walk past it, I see something new that could be a great supply for crafting. One of the most promising crafty supplies in the wedding aisle is the package of pre-cut tulle circles.  Julie Anne Eason of SeriousSewing.com thinks so too, and she came up with two ways to use tulle circles. I think the circles have a lot of potential! What would you make with them?

Two Ways to use Tulle Circles

by Julie Anne Eason of SeriousSewing.com

Our local dollar store has a bridal section with plastic champagne flutes, paper decorations, invitations and thank you notes. I also found these pretty white pre-cut tulle circles. Tulle is that white netting they use for bridal veils and ballerina tutus. It’s often cut into circles for making birdseed bundles to toss at the bride and groom as they leave a wedding reception. I picked up a package of these little babies and ran home to whip up some super-quick and ultra-cheap holiday gifts. Here are a few things you can do with them.

1) Make sachet pouches:

Project Estimate:

  • Package of tulle circles, $1
  • Ribbon, on hand or $.50 and up
  • Various spices, on hand or buy in bulk

Cost: Less than $1 each (the bigger your stash of herbs, spices and beads–the cheaper this project gets!)

mulling spices in a mugMulling spices turn everyday cider into a holiday treat

By simply adding a small handful of herbs, spices or potpourri to the middle of the circle and pulling up the sides to make a bag, you can create a variety of useful sachets for cooking or home decorating. Sew them closed or just tie tightly with a ribbon. If you intend to cook with them, be sure to take the ribbon off beforehand.

The tulle does not melt when simmered, and you can actually wash them out and re-use them after you’re done making your mulled cider or soup stock. The package comes with 15 tulle circles, and you can purchase herbs, spices and potpourri in bulk. So you can make a variety of sachets for just a few dollars. Sweet!

Ways to use sachets:

  • Fill the bags with whole cloves, nutmeg shavings, dried ginger flakes and broken cinnamon sticks for some yummy mulling spices. Simply add the bag of spices to a pot of apple cider and simmer for five to ten minutes, and voila! Hot mulled cider to warm you on a chilly evening. For a more adult beverage, you can add the spice bag to a pot of red wine, add a generous amount of honey and you’ve got a delicious hot toddy. Toss a few sachets into a beautiful mug and you’ve got a great gift for cold weather.
  • Sew two circles together and fill them with sprigs of basil, oregano, rosemary and other savory herbs for creating soup stock. This would make a lovely hostess gift for Thanksgiving along with a recipe for making soup stock from the leftover turkey bones.
  • Fill small or large pouches with potpourri (also from the dollar store) for a sweet smelling closet sachet. These make your dresser drawers and linen closets smell wonderful! You can decorate the top of the bags with beads, embroidery floss, paint or glitter glue to make them even more festive.
  • Fill the bags with candy or other small trinkets and use as stocking stuffers or party favors on your holiday table.

2) Make decorative covers:

wine glass cover

Cover your wine glasses for an elegant table setting

These snowflake spangles were made from metal bead caps

You can also make some beautiful covers for wine glasses or bowls of food by simply serging around the edge of the tulle and sewing some beads or spangles around the outside. Drape the tulle over the glass and let the beads dangle delicately. I made these snowflake spangles from metal bead caps by gently tapping them with a hammer until flat.

Do you have any more ideas for creative ways to use tulle circles? Share them with us in the comments.

Julie Anne Eason is a freelance craft and sewing writer. You can reach her through her website www.SeriousSewing.com where you can find information on Juki sergers, a Brother CS6000i sewing machine review, and where to find the best price on adjustable dress forms.