A corsage is a small representation of flowers, real or artificial which is worn by women on any part of the body, usually on the front of a dress or on the wrist for special occassions like a birthday, or a wedding. The flowers can be arranged as a bouquet and tied or laid out flat on a flat surface, arranged aesthetically amidst foliages and other embellishments. 
A corsage was an accessory that women wore every day at one point in time. It was very popular during the 19th century and even fruits were used to decorate the corsages. But today, corsage is more of a vintage-inspired accessory except for very special occasions like a wedding. It is also given as gifts for birthdays and holidays. For weddings, corsages are used to tie a color scheme together – it is coordinated with the outfits and the theme. For parties, women are gifted corsages; corsages are also made from flowers from bouquets given to them as present.
How is a corsage worn?
It can be worn on the front of the bodice or near the shoulder of your dress. Or you can wear it tied to your wrist. To make corsages from natural flowers gather flowers from your garden in the colors of your choice. Cut interesting leaves in different shapes to go with your corsage. Arrange them on a surface, preferably felt. Tape them carefully. A corsage pin can be used to fasten the corsage to the lapel or the front of the dress.
How to make easy fabric flowers for your Corsage
You can make beautiful fabric flowers by the following the tutorials given here – DIY ribbon flowers; felt flowers; fabric flowers
Or follow the simple tutorial here – Flower making with fabric.
Step 1
Cut out a 7 1/2″ circle for the flower and 2 1/2 ” circle from a thicker fabric for the base – use a drapey fabric for the flower fabric and a thick dense fabric like felt or canvas for the base
Step 2
Start gathering the circle on the outer edge with running stitches
Step 3
Start attaching this gathered circle to the base you have cut. Stop attaching at the end, leaving a small portion unattached. This portion is for you to turn the shape inside out.
Step 4
When turned inside out this is how it will look. Attach the rest of the portion with the needle and thread.
Step 5
This is how it will look on the front.
Step 6
Using your fingers, pinch the center of your fabric and twist so that it resembles a rose. You can use a needle and thread to stitch the twists in place – do this unobtrusively
Step 6
Cut a green color fabric circle for making a leaf – you will need one such circle to make one leaf. Cut several for more leaves.
Step 8
Fold it by the middle and make running stitches along the outer edge.
Step 9
Fold the semi circle shape and then gather the running stitches. The fabric will now be shaped like a leaf.
Step 10
Tie thread around the base of the leaf.
Step 11
Arrange under your flower
Step 12
Make a small bracelet with elastic thread and beads. Attach the flower to the bracelet for a quick corsage.
Another alternative is to use a ribbon to tie it to the wrist.
Related posts: DIY Brooch ; Make your own rosettes
