Saturday, May 11, 2013

May Basic Training

Welcome to May's Basic Training!
 
Homemade "Water" Flowers!

If you're like me, and every other scrapbooker I know, you have so many flowers.  Sometimes, no matter how many flowers I have in my stash, I can't seem to find the "perfect" flower for my layout.  Or, if I really like the patterned paper I'm working with, I make my own flowers.  I have several different flowers I like to make.  Today I'm going to show you a very easy, pretty flower.
 
Supplies needed:
Flower punch or punched out flowers
Spray bottle with water in it
Adhesive
Buttons or brads
OK, Let's get started!

First you will need some cut out flowers.  I used a punch for mine.  If you don't have a punch, you can use your flower dies or cut out from your Cricut or Cameo. 

 
 Next, you will want to choose your patterned paper.  I usually use 2 different patterns, but, it is up to you.  Punch out your flowers,  2 large and 1 small.  And, you will need a spray bottle with water in it.
 
 
 Next, you want to take a punched out flower and spray both sides with water.  Saturate the entire flower, and shake off the excess.  You will lay the flower down on your table and "pinch" and "push" up the petals towards the center.  If they start to come un-done, re-do it until it stays in place.  Be careful as the wet flower will rip easily.





 
Once you have finished all of the flowers, set them aside to dry completely.  If I am in a big hurry, I will use my heat gun (holding the flowers with a long pair of tweezers).  Once completely dry, the flowers will hold their shape.
 

Next, you will need your favorite adhesive.  (I usually use ultra thin large glue dots for these flowers.)  You want to stack them alternating petals.  Large on bottom and in middle and small on top.  Sometimes, I just use the two large flowers, depending on what I want to put in the middle.  But, for this flower, I used all three.

 
Now, you will want to find a center for your flower.  Buttons and brads work great!

 
That's it!  Now you have a pretty flower that will coordinate perfectly with your layout!  You could also ink the edges, mist your flower or use stickles.  If you don't like the "pinched" look, you can wad the paper, or form it in a different way.  The possibilities are endless!  Get creative with this!!!   I really hope that you will try this fun, easy technique!

Here is my layout with my homemade flowers:
 
 
We would love to see your newly created
"homemade water flower" project! 
Submit a project showcasing your homemade flower element, for a chance at becoming our featured S.W.A.T. girl.  One winner will be chosen from all of the entries.  Be sure and link up your project using Mr. Linky.  Have fun, and be creative!

~Melinda
 


4 comments:

  1. EEEEEEEEEEEEEEK! Super in love, Melinda!!! EAsy, gorgeous, and perfect!!!

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  2. These flowers are so fun and easy! Thanks for the tutorial!

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  3. So love this technique. Going to make some soon

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