TUTORIAL - Versatile flowers

I have used these handmade flowers on several projects so I thought it would be time to provide a little tutorial. In changing the middle to coordinate with your project, the possibilities are endless on the "looks" you can create with this simple flower base.

STEP 1 - To start, you will need two punched or die-cut flowers with 5 or 6 wide petals. Mine are 2.5 inch punched from my EK Success Daisy punch.

STEP 2 - Mist the flowers (with water or a paint mist if preferred) and curl each petal and pinch while curled around the object to create wrinkles. Note - this will not work if not wet enough.

STEP 3 - Once your curled and pinched petals are almost dry, use a rounded stylus (or end of a paintbrush) and press the middle of each flower into a foam mat. This will raise the petals. now, let completely dry in this shape.

STEP 4 - While off-setting the petals, glue the centers of the dried layers together, pressing into the mat again with the stylus. I used Helmar 450 quick dry glue. Pinch the petal ends to shape them a little more. 

STEP 5 - Now it is time to add a center of your choice. Below, I simply glued a coordinating flower into the middle.

On another project, I used Helmar gemtone glue to add loose pearls and used Clearsnap chalk ink on the petal ends for an antique look. I also pinched the ends a little more to simulate a poinsettia.

Depending on the punched or die cut flower style, the paints and inks used as well as the choice to decorate the middle - the variations you can create are endless!