Craft This Cool and Unexpected Centerpiece Using Mini Vases

This is not your average centerpiece, but it's still really easy to create! With just some glasses, fabric, and string, you will be able to create a stunning decoration for your tabletop. We used canvas here because the simple, basic material lends a surprising air of casual sophistication, while letting the flowers themselves pop. The visually appealing sculptural look of the serpentine vase makes a strong statement, adding elegant appeal to any table and inspiring a range of gorgeous looks with basic buds and blooms from your own backyard or lush flowers from an exotic market. Plus, the moveable connected cylinders can be twisted and turned to curve down your table with optimal elegance. And although it's ideal for a dining room table, we can easily envision this "serpentine" vase slithering along a set of shelves, perched on a console table or wrapped into a circle on a smaller side table.

MATERIALS

• 7 cylinder vases (for each centerpiece) like these or these
• Tailor's measuring tape
• Heavyweight fabric -- choose something that doesn't easily fray, we used canvas
• Scissors
• Tailor's pencil or colored chalk or pencil that matches your fabric
• T-square or quilter's ruler
• Sewing machine or hand sewing supplies
• Matching thread

This project is all about being as exact as possible. The results will be worth it!

Start by carefully measuring your vases. Sometimes there are slight variations with the manufacturing, so you want to prepare for that. Measure the height and the circumference of each vase using tailor's measuring tape.

Next you're going to put some of your basic math skills to use as you measure and then cut your fabric. It's okay if you cheat with a calculator (we won't tell)! The width of your strip of fabric should be exactly the same height as the vase. So, for our 7.5-inch-tall vase, we cut a 7.5-inch-wide strip. The length of the strip should be half of a vase's circumference multiplied by 7, plus however long you want your "tails" to be on the ends. For example, if the circumference measures 6 inches, you will multiply half of that number (3) with 7, which equals 21 inches. Then add space for the length of "tails." Cut two strips of the same size.

Now you're going to measure and mark your fabric for sewing. Place the two strips of fabric on top of each other. Measure out the length of your tail and draw a line with your pencil or chalk. Be sure to keep the line square. We suggest using a T-square or quilter's ruler for the best results.

From that line, measure half of one vase's circumference and draw a line. Continue until you have eight total lines. It's essential to be as accurate as possible to create a snug fit for your vases. Use your machine to sew along the lines, or sew by hand.

To finish, carefully slip your vases into each slot.

You can display your connected vases along the length of your table, slightly curving it as you like. Or you can connect both ends together to create a circular shape. One group of vases will look wonderful, but try making multiples for a more interesting composition. Fill with a few sprigs of your flowers or other garden goodies.