Handmade paper flowers

I found this pattern on the internet (I wish I could remember where, if you know please tell me).  I wanted to show you how I put together the flowers.

Start out first with a flower template. 

I printed the template on a sheet of regular paper.  I think put that template on top of 2 sheets of cardstock.  I cut out the template and the cardstock at the same time.  This way I would have 3 flowers when I finished.

Next I took my Tim Holtz's distress inks (in Dusty Concord, Chipped Sapphire, Broken China, Mustard Seed, Spiced Marmalade, Fired Brick, Festive Berries, Evergreen Bough, Peeled Paint, and
Worn Lipstick).  I may have done this step backwards but I wanted the edges to be inked that is why I inked it this way. It was more difficult I won't lie but I like the way the edges look.  I inked both sides of each flower.

After I inked the flowers, I dropped drops of water on the flowers, and then I scrunched up the petals into flower type shapes.  This is sort of time consuming but I think it is totally worth it.  

After I scrunched the petals I took the heat gun to the whole flower.  When it was completed I rolled the flower starting at the widest point.  When I got to the small point (center) I tucked the end around the flower and used hot glue to hold in place.

The purple one after scrunching

Here comes the rolling

Spray Inks on a budget---I shall call them Champion Sprays

I have to have some spray inks, but I just had a new air conditioner installed so I have NO extra money.  I googled and googled and watched youtube videos to see how to make them.  I found some good ones, but I am changing it a bit to suit MY style.

First I went to Wal-Mart and bought those mini squirt bottles in the travel section.  I bought different colored ones because I indeed to make the glimmer inside match the bottle color.

I filled each bottle 2/3 of the way full with regular lukewarm water H2O.  I then took this paint by Folk Art (Metallic Pearl White).  I squirted a bit in the bottle and it covered the bottom.

Then I took a different acrylic color and squirted it in the bottle. (Yellow got Canary Yellow by Apple Barrel---Red got Folk Art Naphthol Crimson----Blue was pool blue by Folk Art---Green used Hunter Green by Apple Barrel and Purple consisted of plain purple by craft smart).  I squirted some of this on top of the metallic pearl, closed up the bottle and shook it up.

Then I read online that someone added ModPodge to theirs for the archival quality. I did not see how that could hurt even using the things that I used so I added a bit to each bottle and shook it once again.

Time for the test!!!!!!

My very own blending device

I love Tim Holtz...love love, but have to decide do I want the inks or the tools?  Duh, it's the inks.  However, I need the tools too.  I had to try and make the tools so that I can have more inks.

Today I have watched many youtube videos on making your own and thought about how I could do this.  I went to  Michael's to peruse the aisles to see how I could achieve this.

I found blocks for .99.   I was going to try and make mine multi-sided.  Why?  Because my space is limited and I need space savers. I felt like I could get 4 different ink colors on each cube.  We shall see.

I took foam taped and attached to all the areas that I will use for my stamping surface.

I cut felt to fit each side and BAM!!!  I have my very own version of the Tim Hotlz blending tool.

Because I don't intend on removing the felt for a long time, I labeled the cube with the stamp colors.  I like this idea...I do like Tim's better.  The handle feels so nice in your hand, but when you have to choose supplies over tools...well to me supplies always wins.  

Update:  I am still using these little blocks in 2020.   I still love them.  They have held up beautifully and still very functional.  Tim no longer makes the rectangle tool, he likes the circle tool.  With the release of the new ink, Speckled Egg, I have had to buy my first circle tool, as I am out of rectangle sponges.  I love the size of the circle tool, I have yet to test it, but as I stated before, I love the feel of the handle in your hands so I am sure I will love it.  I am very glad I made my own tools back in 2011 because it enabled me to get all the inks.

Flower tutorial

I have decided that I am a flower making machine. I have shared some of my flowers with you...but today I discovered (after a couple of attempts) a new better and way prettier flower.  Actually TWO...one is super simple, the other a little harder but not much.

the two types of flowers

This on the outside of the swirl, I drew scallops (these will be your petals)...use a marker that matches so it won't show. I did black for instructional purposes.

Cut out the swirl.

Start rolling the flower from the outside of the swirl in.

My finished rose...I love it!!!

Back of the flower with the stitch and two more completed roses.

Flower #2:

I cut a very ugly rectangle of felt

folded it over on itself and stitched up the side.

I have a snake looking thing....

I grab the thread and start to gather the rectangle and now it makes a circle.

I moved the inside of the flower through the middle and underneath.  I stitched it in place.

A button found it's way to the center and I have a very simple tiny "who knows" what type of flower it could be.  Very cute on a card or page though.