Dahlia!

My Grandma Gladys (and my mom) taught me all about gardening.  Grandma’s Dahlias won many ribbons and every year I was amazed by the rows of these beauties growing in her garden.  Oddly, when my grandmother passed away in the Fall of 1973, her Dahlias never came up again; gone!  We always said, “she took them to heaven with her!”

I always plant them in my garden and couldn’t wait to add them to my Garden Notes collection.  The colors are so brilliant and the varieties are numerous and your projects, whether they’re cards, tags, or on top of a gift box will definitely put a smile on the recipient’s face.

LET’S GET STARTED

Step One

Die cut two (2) of all the petal pieces and (1) for the center in white 85 lb. (230g) cardstock.  I also die cut two (2) stems–one in 85 lb. (230g) and one in 100 lb. (270g) cardstock as shown.  For the leaves, you can die cut 3 to 4 as desired.

Step Two

For the variegated variety, I colored the white petals, haphazardly, in the desired Copic alcohol pen. As you can see, there’s no “rhyme or reason” with the coloring and I do color the underside as well.

Use Beacon Zip Dry glue to adhere the two stems together for each flower and glue it right on my project.  (Remember, all Garden Notes flowers are constructed directly on your project.)

Step Three

Place the largest petal on the Molding Pad, right-side down and use the Loop Tool to shape it.  Then, use the tweezers to pinch each individual petals, as shown.

Place the “pinched” petal on the Molding Mat again and use the Medium Ball Stylus to stir the shape.

Add some Beacon kids choice glue! with a toothpick to the underside and adhere it to the top of the stem.

Step Four

To build the flower, you will repeat the steps above, graduating in size the petals for the next 7 flower pieces. It’s important to off-set the pieces as you build up the flower!

Step Five

For the last two small flowers, place them right-side down on a firm surface, i.e., rubber eraser, and use the Leaf Tool to stem each individual petal.

Finally, place this small flower, right-side up on the Molding Pad and use the Small Ball Stylus to cup the shape.

Use a toothpick to add a small amount of glue to the underneath, center of the flower and adhere in place.  Repeat with the last flower.

Step Six

The center of the flower is created by applying a small amount of glue to the straight edge of the piece while holding the “tail” with the tweezers.  Then, roll up the shape, flare out the filaments with your fingers, dip the bottom into the glue and adhere to the center of the flower.

Now, all you have to do is add the leaves!  I shaded the leaves, when I did the stem, with Distress Ink/Forest Moss, then, place them right-side down on the Leaf Pad and use the Leaf Tool to add a stem line down the center.  Turn the leaf over and bend it up.  Apply PanPastel/Bright Yellow Green down the center.  Next, place the leaf, right-side up back on the Leaf Pad and use the Leaf Tool to add veins on either side of the stem line.  Pinch the stem of the leaf and turn it right-side down, placing it at a 45-degree angle on the Leaf Pad and use the Medium Ball Stylus to shape the end of the leaf.  Dip the stem end into the glue and adhere under the flowers.

That’s all there is to it.  Have fun with this flower that brings back such great memories for me!

Elizabeth Craft Designs Products

Susan’s Garden/Garden Notes Dahlia #1368

Tuberous Begonia

Tuberous Begonias are one of my favorite “potted plants”;  I always include them for a dramatic pop of color in my pots on my porch.  It’s also one of my new Garden Notes flowers that was released in June and is now available.  I wanted to step out the direction so you can get started with adding these beauties to your garden.

These red Begonias enhance the beauty of the Caladiums in my front porch urns.

LET’S GET STARTED

Step One

I die cut the four pieces of the flower twice using Soft Finish White 85 lb. cardstock.  I also die cut two stems; one in medium green 80 lb cardstock and one in a lighter green 100 lb. cardstock.

I colored all the petals with Copic R29, front and back, and I used some Beacon Zip Dry glue to adhere the two stems together. Then, glue the stem directly onto your project.  This is the beauty of Garden Notes–they are constructed right on your cards!

 

Step Two

Place the one of the large 5-petal flowers on the Molding Pad, right-side down, and use the Loop Tool to Shape each petal as shown.  Next, use the tweezers to Pinch in the stem area, holding that pinch with your thumb and index finger, and using the tweezers to Bend down the petals.

Use a toothpick to apply a small amount of glue to the underside center and adhere to the top of the stem.

Repeat these techniques with the second large 5-petal flower; adhering it on top of the first flower, but slightly askew.

Step Three

Place the “fan-shaped petal” on the Molding Pad and use the Loop Tool to shape it. Use the tweezers to Pinch the stem end.  Use your thumb and index finger to hold this pinching while you use the tweezers to Bend the outer edges of this petal.  Repeat with the second petal.  Insert these two fan-shaped petals between the petals of the flower.

Step Four

Place the 4-petal flower on the Molding Pad and use the Loop Tool to Shape it as shown. Next, use the small ball stylus to Cup the shape. Add a small amount of glue to the bottom and adhere it to the center of the flower.

Repeat with the second 4-petal flower, placing it inside the first.

Step Five

Finally, the last two petals are placed on the Molding Pad, using the Loop Tool, Shape, Pinch, and Bend. Lightly dip the stem end into the glue and adhere them around the 4-petal center.

Step Six

Leaves are shaded on the edges with Distress Ink, then place right-side down on the Leaf Pad and using the Leaf Tool, draw a Stem down the center.  Fold the leaf in half, right-side facing you, and use PanPastels and a cosmetic sponge to shade the stem line.  Place the Leaf back on the Leaf Pad and use the Leaf Tool to draw Vein lines on either side of the stem. For a little more shape, pinch the stem line with your thumb and index finger, place the leaf face down on the Molding Pad, and use the Medium Ball Stylus to shape the tip by pushing down and back.

Dip the stem end into the glue and add leaves underneath the flower.

Here’s a couple more examples of using Begonias in your projects:  A card with a Tea Cup-full and a Music Box between some of my Dahlias.

Elizabeth Craft Designs Supplies

Susan’s Garden/Garden Notes-Tuberous Begonia (#1374)

Tool Kit, Molding Pad, Leaf Pad

Soft Finish Cardstock/White 85 lb.

Beacon Kids Choice Glue

PanPastels/Set 1

Other Supplies

Copic Marker R29

Ranger Distress Ink/Forest Moss

 

By Request…

A few weeks ago I posted this card on FaceBook and had wonderful responses.  In particular, Babs asked if I could explain how I put this together.  As I have told everyone, I’m always happy to share my paper gardening tips and techniques so you can create beautiful flowers and bouquets.

 

LET’S GET STARTED

Step One

I trimmed a 12″ x 12″ sheet of Colored Soft Finish Cardstock (Perfect Purple) into a 6″ x 6″ folded card.  For the next layer, I used Soft Finish White (230g/85 lb) and trimmed it to a 5 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ square.  Finally, I used Els van de Burgt Studio “Dotted Scallop/Square” die to cut a 3 1/2″ x 3 1/2″ square from the Soft Finish White cardstock that I used Distress Oxide Ink on.

 That creates your “base” for the nosegay of Pansies.

Step Two

To create the nosegay holder, I used ModaScrap’s “Oriental Corner.”  First, cut it in half, then fold along scored lines.  Add clear-double-sided

 

Step Three

I wanted the look of stems showing in the nosegay, so I die cut three of my Garden Notes “Bouquet Stems & Branches” in a medium green cardstock. I use a bit of clear double-sided tape on the underside of the Stems and adhered them in place.

Step Four

To give dimension to the bouquet, I used a technique of making a “dome” so I wouldn’t have to place flowers on top of each other.  To do this, I die cut a small oval (from Els van de Burgt Studio “Fitted Ovals) twice; one in the medium green cardstock I used for the Stems and one in a lighter green (so you could see I cut it twice!)  Place the lighter green piece on the Molding Pad and use the Large Ball Stylus (from my toolkit) to stir the shape and give it dimension.

Use a toothpick and apply glue to the outside of the shape ONLY!  As I’ve said before, glue tends to shrink when it dries and if you applied glue to the center, it will pull your dimension down and defeat the purpose of creating a dome.

Place the light green oval on the center Stems.

Repeat these steps for the medium green oval, setting it on top of the light green oval.

Step Five

The last step before I started making the Pansies, was to tuck in some of Els “Leafy branches in the top.  I cut the branch in half (at a point where it was obvious to cut), and created a stem-line, using my Leaf Tool.

I also added my Garden Notes Ivy Vine once the Pansies were done.  I die cut them in the Soft Finish White cardstock and colored them using Copic Markers (YG91, YG93).

Since I have made Pansies, several times on my blog, I’m going to refer you to a post I did on February 10, 2016–“Egg-trodinary Spring Bouquet” to see how I create my natural-looking flowers.

I hope this helps you to understand how this card was put together.  Have fun making nosegays!

Elizabeth Craft Designs Supplies

Susan Tierney-Cockburn/Garden Notes

Bouquet Stems & Branches (#1190)

Ivy Vine (#1297)

Pansy (#1089)

Tool Kit (#808), Molding Pad (#809) and Leaf Pad (#811)

Els van de Burgt Studio

Leafy Branch (#1033)

Fitted Ovals (#1114)

Dotted Scallop Squares (#1175)

ModaScrap

Oriental Corner (#1386)

Colored Soft Finish Cardstock/Perfect Purple (#PSF 126)

Soft Finish Cardstock/White 230g/85 lb. (PSF101)

Clear Double Sided Tape –6mm (#506) and 3mm (#505)

Beacon Kids Choice Glue

Prills

 

Other Supplies

Ranger Distress Oxide Ink/Wilted Violet and Peeled Paint

Copic Markers (Pansies V09, V15), (Ivy Vine YG91, YG93)

 

 

 

In Memory of Kelly

May 14th, will mark the 7th anniversary of our daughter’s passing from breast cancer.  Kelly was only 37 years old.  Statistically speaking, one in eight women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer; a statistic I’d rather not know.

Today, I created a card, using my Garden Notes Hydrangea  2 and a wonderful set of dies and stamps I purchased at Ellen Hutson, LLC – “Courage Stamp & Die Set” to benefit Breast Cancer Research Foundation.  Half the cost of the stamps goes to this foundation.

I chose to do the card in shades of a pinky-peach because Kelly said to me once, “Mom, I really don’t like Pink…I wish the color was orange!”  However, hydrangeas were one of her favorite flowers and I have a garden area I’ve planted dedicated to Kelly with hydrangeas and other flowers she loved.  It brings me peace and happiness amidst the loss of a beautiful soul.

LET’S GET STARTED

Step One

First, I cut Colored Soft Finish cardstock, Pink Peach, to a 6″ x 12″ piece.  Fold in half to create a bottom-fold 6″ x 6″ card.  The second layer is Soft Finish 85 lb. white cardstock and trimmed to 5 1/2″ x 5 1/2″.  I die cut the Ribbon and Corners 1 in Graphic 45’s “Portrait of a Lady.”  Garden Notes Hydrangea 2’s stem/head is die cut in a medium green 80 lb. cardstock and also, 100 lb. lighter green cardstock.  Die cut the petal plate twice in Soft Finish 85 lb. White cardstock to give you enough to fill the head of the flower.

Step Two

I used one of the flowers from the “Courage Stamp & Die Set” and VersaMagic “Pixie Dust” and “Persimmon” chalk ink to create a background bouquet.  I used a Leaf from the Set with Distress Ink/Crushed Olive for “foliage”.  Finally, with a bit of watercolor, I extended some stems down.

Step Three

I assemble the stem/head of the Hydrangea, then placed it on the Molding Mat and used the Medium Ball Stylus to shape the head.  It was placed down through the Ribbon and I secured the head with Beacons Kid Choice glue, just around the edges, so you don’t loose the shaping.

Place the individual petals on the Molding Mat or as I use, a “carving block” because it gives a firmer surface.  I also use a round toothpick to cup the centers.

Use Elizabeth Craft Designs small tweezers to pick up the petals, add a bit of Kids Choice glue to the bottom and set in place on the flower head.  Fill the head completely.  I added just three of the smallest leaves that come in the set.\

I also stamped one of the quotes from the Set that best described Kelly’s fight in VersaFine/Black ink.  I also added Starform Stickers/Silver to outline the Ribbon.

Step Four

Once the flower petals have set a bit (about 10 minutes) use PanPastels to “pouch” on color.  I use Bright Yellow Green from Set 2 and Permanent Red Tint (Pink) from Set 1.

“Cancer Divides, We Unite.”  Sadly, I know many of us have gone through this personally with a mother, sister, aunt, or a dear friend.  Please consider donating and let’s see a cure; something I work for everyday of my life.

Elizabeth Craft Designs Supplies

Garden Notes/Hydrangea 2 #1293

Els van de Burgt Studio Corners #1124

Colored Soft Finished cardstock Pink Peach #PSF119

Soft Finished cardstock 85 lb. White #PSF101

Susan’s Garden Tool Kit #808, Molding Mat #809, Leaf Pad #811

PanPastel Set 1 #30115 and Set 2 #30016

Starform Stickers/Silver

Beacon Kids Choice glue

Other Supplies

Ellen Hutson, LLC–Essentials by Ellen/”Courage Stamp & Die Set

Creative Craft/Versa Magic Ink and VersaFine/Black

Ranger Distress Ink/Crushed Olive

 

Tulip Bouquet

Photo from the Internet

There’s nothing prettier than a bouquet of Tulips for Spring!  I’ve never seen the tulip fields in The Netherlands, but when we lived in the Pacific Northwest, the Skagit County Tulip Festival was a sight to behold.

Tulips are easy to construct and if you want to replicate the beautiful colors from Mother Nature, there are a few tricks that I can show you so you can achieve natural looking blooms.

LET’S GET STARTED

Step One

I cut a 6″ x 12″ Soft Finish Cardstock (Pink Peach) and scored into a 6″ x 6″ size top-fold card base.  The background, done in White Soft Finish 85 Lb cardstock was cut to 5 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ and I created a design by wrapping a rubber band around a brayer and rolling it in Distress Oxide/Worn Lipstick.  I also die cut Els van de Burgt Studio Dotted Scallop Squares in the two largest sizes to create a frame for the bouquet.

To create the look of a lush bouquet, I cut a piece of ribbon and secured it down onto my background with a Glue Dot, then die cut the Garden Notes Bouquet Stems 3 times, cutting the stems apart with small scissors for a loose look. I also added some of the leaves at this time before adding any of the flowers, and tied the ribbon into a bow.

Step Two

The Garden Notes Tulip 2 has two petal pieces; 4 petals and 2 petals.  For this project I cut each one 10 times, but your bouquet can be as big (or small) as you like.  I chose to re-create a Tulip variety that I love–pinks with hints of bright green.  To do this I use a combination of products: Copic Marker/RV11 and Distress Oxide Inks inWorn Lipstick and Peeled Paint.Using the marker, I colored the petals, leaving some white on the front, but completely coloring the underside.

Next, I used Distress Oxide Ink Peeled Paint and a cosmetic sponge to dab the green shade in the center.

Finally, I use a dauber and sponged around the outside edges with the Distress Oxide Ink Worn Lipstick.

Step Three

Place the petals right-side-up on the Molding Mat, and use the small Loop Tool to shape them.

Turn the petal over wrong-side-up and repeat this shaping, doing a 3-stroke technique pressing down each petal to get the detail characteristic of the petal.

Finally, use the medium ball stylus to press the outer edge of the petal so it rolls inward.  Next, use the tweezers to pinch the stem edges and finally, with the petals on the Molding Mat, use the small ball stylus to cup the center.

Step Four

Use a toothpick to apply glue to the 2-Petal piece and place it directly onto the project.  Continue to hold in place until the glue grabs and see photo below how I use the Leaf Tool to apply pressure.

Next, use a toothpick to apply a small amount of glue to both sides of one of the petals on the 4-Petal piece.  Bring two petals up and hold in place.  Finally, dip the bottom of the 4-Petal piece into the glue and place it on the 2-Petal piece, making sure that the one petal not secured is set between the 2-Petal piece.

Step Five

After you’ve finished creating all the Tulips you want in the bunch, add a few more leaves.  The leaves are basically done how I do all my leaves, except Tulip leaves don’t have veins, but rather character lines running down it.  I used Distress Ink/Forest Moss and a dauber to edge the medium green card stock, then I place the leaf, right-side-up on the Leaf Pad and use the Leaf Tool to stroke several times down the leaf.  Then, I turn the leaf over, wrong-side-up and using the Leaf Tool, draw a line down the center.  I bend the leaf along this line, backwards and use PanPastels/Bright Yellow Green and a cosmetic sponge to highlight this center line.  Bend the leaf back and use tweezers to pinch the stem end.  If you want dimension on the outer point of the leaf, simply place the leaf, right-side-down on the Molding Mat and use the medium ball stylus to press and push backward; this will crimp the tip!

(There are many tutorials how I do leaves, both on Elizabeth Craft Designs YouTube channel and elsewhere on this blog.)

Step Six

To finish the Tulip, die cut the calyx in a bright green cardstock, matching the number cut to the number of Tulips made.  Place this piece on the molding mat and use the small ball stylus to cup this piece.

Hold the piece with the tweezers and use a toothpick to apply a small amount of glue to the center of the underneath.  Glue in place inside the Tulip.

For the stamen, hold the piece with the tweezers and apply a small amount of glue along the straight edge, then roll the piece up and secure.  Dip the ends lightly into the glue, then into Pollen.

Hold the Pollen end with the tweezers and dip the bottom into the glue and set in place on top of the calyx.  The Tulip is done!

ELIZABETH CRAFT DESIGNS SUPPLIES

Garden Notes Tulip 2 #1296  and Bouquet Stems & Branches #1190

Els van de Burgt Studio Dotted Scallop Squares #1175

Susan’s Garden Tool Kit #808, Molding Mat #809, and Leaf Pad #811

PanPastels Set One #30115

Beacon Kids Choice Glue

Soft Finish Cardstock Pink Peach #PSF119

White Soft Finish cardstock PSF #101

Other Supplies

Copic Marker RV11

Distress Oxide Ink Peeled Paint and Worn Lipstick

Distress Ink Forest Moss

Gerbera Daisy Bouquet for Spring

image taken from the internet

Gerbera Daisies are the fifth most popular cut flower in the world; after Rose, Carnation, Chrysanthemum, and Tulip. It was named in honor of the German botanist and medical doctor, Traugott Gerber, a friend of Carl Linnaeus.  It is attractive to bees, butterflies, and birds, but resistant to deer, which for most home gardeners is a good thing!

I love the brilliant colors of the Gerber Daisy and in a bouquet it can make quite a statement.  Here in the south, Spring has burst and I couldn’t help but create a bouquet in honor of this spectacular season of color!

LET’S GET STARTED

Step One

I used Celadon Green Soft Finished card stock trimmed to a 6″ x 6″ for the card with Els van de Burgt Studio “Through the Lens/Wood” background trimmed to 5 1/2″ x 5 1/2″.  I also used Corners 1 and die cut 4 in another “Wood” paper from the collection.

Die cut two Garden Notes Pottery Pitchers in Soft Finished White 100 lb. card stock with Clear Double Sided Adhesive on the backs.

 Adhere the one pitcher on top of the other, then using Distress/Oxide ink, I colored the pitcher.

Step Two

I die cut 6 stems from the Gerbera Daisy; three in a 80 lb. medium green and 3 in a 100 lb. lighter green to add stability and depth to the stem.  Use Beacon’s Zip Dry glue to adhere the pieces together.

Peel off the Clear Double Sided Adhesive of the Potter Pitcher and feed the stems through the opening.  I also added three stems of ModaScraps Leafy Branch 4 for some foliage.

 

 

I added a foam dot on the back for dimension!

Adhere the Pitcher to the card front.

Step Three

I colored the four large flowers with Copic/R29.

I colored the larger flowers with Copic/R29

I also added some color to the pale yellow medium flower with Copic/RO8.

Next, I added detail to the individual petals of the large flower by placing them on the Leaf Mat and using the Leaf Tool. Then I place the large flower on the Molding Mat and used the Medium Ball Stylus to shape the flower.

Step Four

Use a toothpick and apply Beacon’s Kids Choice Glue!  to the back and adhere it to a stem.  Repeat with the other three large flowers, trying to off-set the petals.

I used ECD’s small scissors to cut in half he medium flower segments; this gives the “frilly” look of the petals.

Place the medium flowers on the Molding Mat and shape using the Medium Ball Stylus as you did for the large flowers.  Apply glue to the center of the flower and adhere to the large flower.  Again, repeat with these steps for all medium flowers!

Next, place the small flower on the Molding Mat and use a stirring technique on the center with the Medium Ball Stylus to give the flower shape.

Finally, place the mini petals on either the Molding Mat or as I use, a “carving block” that I found at my local art store. (These are used to carve your own stamps!)  I use a rounded toothpick to cup the center, but if you’re using the Molding Mat, using the Small Ball Stylus (opposite end to the Leaf Tool). Then, use ECD’s small tweezers to pick up the petals, dip lightly into the Kids Choice Glue, and place in the center of the flower.

I made an array of colors, but you certainly could have done them all in one color. I also didn’t use the leaves that come with the Gerbera; I would choose those if I were doing it in a flower pot!

I added some more sprigs of Leafy Branch 4 in the front and Suzanne Cannon’s “Spring” from her 4 Season’s die.

I hope you try this colorful flower in your bouquets.  It’s easy to make and with just a few details can look as real as the natural ones.

Elizabeth Craft Designs Supplies

Garden Notes: Gerbera Daisy #1292, Pottery Pitcher #1294

Els van de Burgt Studio: Corners 1 #1124

Suzanne Cannon’s QuietFire: 4 Seasons #1199

ModaScrap: Leafy Branch 4 #1317

Susan’s Garden: Tool Kit#808, Mini Molding Mat #809, Leaf Pad #811

Soft Finish card stock/Celadon Green #PSF137

Soft Finish White card stock 100 lb. #PSF102

Soft Finish White card stock 85 lb. #PSF101

Beacon’s Kids Choice Glue! 

Other Supplies

Ranger’s Tim Holtz Distress Ink/Fossilized Amber

Copic Marker/R29, RO8, YRO7, RV17, RV19

Beacon’s Zip Dry Glue

 

Rose 3…a new look

In my latest release, I decided to revamp some of the old favorites and improve upon the technique and size to make them more compatible to my other flowers.  Rose 3 is one of those improvements.  You can always refer to my YouTube video on Rose 2, for basic techniques (i.e., shaping, pinching, bending, etc.), but until I do a new video, I’ve stepped out how I make this Rose and even a bud.

As you will see, it sets next to another new die, Garden Notes Fairy~Rose Petal.  Check out all the new releases at Elizabeth Craft Designs…there’s some pretty amazing designs.

LET’S GET STARTED

Step One

The die set includes everything you to create the flower.  I chose to die cut the petals from Soft Finish 85 lb. card stock and shade the ends with Distress Ink/Spun Sugar.  You will notice there are two stems cut and that is because I like to “double up” on the stem to give it some dimension.

I use Beacon’s Zip Dry glue to run a bead down the (lighter green) stem.  Then, set the darker green stem on top.  The glue dries quickly!  I shade the stem and the leaves with some Distress Ink/Forest Moss.

Use a toothpick with Beacon’s Kids Choice glue on the back of the stem and set in place directly on your project.  (Garden Notes flowers are always constructed right on your project.) To create this card, I used Els van de Burgt Studio Dotted Scallop Ovals, Corners 1 and ModaScrap Lace Heart, then I colored my Fairy and placed her on the card.  The Rose stem was set in place.

Step Two

Place the “2-petal” piece on the Molding Mat and use the Small Loop tool to shape.  Next, I use my tweezers and pinch through the center.  Use your thumb and index finger on your opposite hand to hold this pinch, while you release the tweezers.  Continue to hold the “pinch” and use the tweezers to bend the edges of each petal downward.  Finally, place this piece back on the Molding Mat and use the Small Ball Stylus to cup the center.

Use a toothpick to apply glue to the underside of the center and adhere it to the top of the stem (calyx).

Step Three

The next 2-petal piece is larger and shaping it is a little different.  Place this piece right-side down on the Molding Mat and using the Small Ball Stylus, shape just the outer edges of the petal (both ends).  Next, turn the piece over and shape the remaining petal, starting below where you shaped on the wrong side.

Repeat the pinching and bending techniques as you did above.  Then, place back on the Molding Mat and cup the center.  Use a toothpick to add glue to the underside center, then, adhere it to the flower–larger shape goes at the top.

Step Four

The Bud is the center and is created next so the remaining six single petals can be built around it.Place the bud on the Molding Mat, right-side up, and shape it using the Small Loop tool.  Turn it over, with wrong side up, and repeat the same shaping.  

With the bud upside down, use the tweezers to grasp the right side and roll towards the other side.  Use a toothpick to apply a small amount of glue at the “stem” end and roll the shape closed.  Slide the tweezers out, holding onto the rolled bud with your opposite thumb and index finger.

Use your tweezers to bend out the bud edges, slightly.

You can dip the stem end of the bud into the glue and set it in place in the center of the petals. I prefer my bud to lean slightly towards the back petal rather than stand erect.

Step Five

Place the remaining 6 petals on the Molding Mat and shape, pinch, and bend each one.

Build the rose from the center outward with these petals.

If you want to add a “new bud” to the side of your stem.  Die cut the bud and 3 petals. Repeat the techniques used above. I use a toothpick to apply a small amount of glue to the inside of the stem end of the petal to construct this bud.

Step Six

Leaves are shaded with Distress Ink/Mossy Green, then use the Leaf Tool with the piece, right side down, on the Leaf Pad and stem.  Turn over and bend along that stem line and shade with PanPastel/Bright Yellow Green.  Place back on the Leaf Pad and use the Leaf Tool to create veins. Pinch the stem end and bend down on the Leaf; dip stem end into the glue and set on the stem.

I created the Fairies “tutu” using the same techniques for those petals as I did for the Rose.  Her wings are die cut in Shimmer Sheetz.

I love making these Roses and hope you will too.  Remember, if you have any problems, you can email or IM me on Facebook and I promise to answer all your questions.  Happy Gardening!

ELIZABETH CRAFT DESIGNS SUPPLIES

Susan’s Garden~Garden Notes Rose 3 (#1295) and Garden Fairy/Rose Petal (#1290)

Els van de Burgt Studio Dotted Scallop Ovals (#1173) and Corners 1 (#1124)

ModaScrap Lace Heart (#1313)

Tool Kit (#808)

Molding Mat (#809)

Leaf Pad (#811)

PanPastels/Set 1 (#30115)

Soft Finish 85 lb card stock (#PSF101)

Clear Double sided adhesive (#506)

Beacons Kids Choice Glue

Other Supplies:

Ranger Distress Ink/Forest Moss and Spun Sugar

Beacons Zip Dry Glue

Tulip Bouquet for Chinese New Year

“Gung Hey Fat Choy!”  On January 28th starts the celebration of Chinese New Year.  In our family, we celebrate this special time with the addition of our granddaughters.

This holiday has given us the opportunity to learn about this celebration and how “family-oriented” it is, which is what I’ve always been about.  This year is the Year of the Fire Rooster and I have chosen my new Garden Notes Tulip (2) to fill my Pottery Pitcher with a lovely bouquet.  A Leafy Branch (5) is by a new artist with Elizabeth Craft Designs, “Moda Scrap” is perfect as a filler.  I chose Suzanne Cannon’s “Peace” to make this my wish for everyone.

LET’S GET STARTED

Step One

I cut a 6″ x 6″ card in Lady Bug Red/Soft Finish 100 lb. card stock.  The next layer is trimmed to a 5 1/2″  square and embossed with Bamboo.  Next, I die cut Els van de Burgt Studio Corners 1 in gold and outlined the corners. My new Pottery Pitcher is die cut with Clear Double-Sided Paper on both sides; I wanted to use Silk Microfine Glitter/Solar Gold to color my pitcher.

Step Two

Die cut my Stems/Branches in dark green card stock for the Tulips.  I die cut my Tulip 2 in Soft Finish White 85 lb. card stock and used Copic Markers R14 and R29 to shade my petals.

I also die cut some Tulip leaves in dark green and shaded the edges with Distress Ink/Forest Green.  The Leafy Branch 5 was die cut in the same Soft Finished White 85 lb. card stock and then colored with Distress Ink/Crushed Olive to act as a filler for the bouquet.

All leaves were stemmed, using the Leaf Tool on the Leaf Pad and shaped to give dimension.

The Tulip leaves were also shaded with PanPastel/Bright Yellow Green.

Then fill around the stems.

Step Three

Shape the Tulip petal pieces on the Molding Mat, using the small-end of the Loop Tool.

Use the tweezers to pinch the individual petals at the center.  Use a toothpick to add some Beacon’s Kid Choice glue to the underside of the two-petal piece and lay arose the four-petal piece.  Then, add the calyx in the center and while the flower is on the Molding Mat, use the small ball Stylus to cup the pieces.

Step Four

Use a toothpick to apply some glue on the underside of the flower and place it on one of the stems.  The stamen is die cut in black card stock.  Use a toothpick to apply a small amount of glue to the lower edge and, with the tweezers holding one side, roll the stamen up closed.

Dip the top of the stamen into black “Pollen” and using the tweezers to hold, dip the bottom into the glue and set in place inside the flower.

Repeat with these steps with the remaining four Tulips.

Step Five

I finished off my card by die cutting Suzanne Cannon’s “Peace” in Shimmer Sheetz/Fire Opal Gemstone that has been backed with Clear Double-Sided Paper.

Elizabeth Craft Designs Supply List

Susan’s Garden Notes: Pottery Pitcher (#1294), Tulip 2 (#1296), CountryScapes Rooster/Critter 1 (#989)

Els van de Burgt Studio: Corners 1 (#1124)

Moda Scrap: Leafy Branch 5 (#1319)

Suzanne Cannon QuietFire Designs: Peace (#1238)

Embossing Folder/Bamboo (#E100)

Soft Finish/White 85 lb. card stock (#PSF101)

Soft Finish/LadyBug Red 100 lb. card stock (#PSF115)

Silk Microfine Glitter/Solar Gold (#638)

Shimmer Sheets: Bronze (#SS 0215) and Fire Opal Gemstone (#SS 0218)

PanPastel Set 1/Bright Yellow Green (#30115)

Clear Double Sided Adhesive / 5″ x 12″(#501) and Tape (#506)

Beacon’s Kid’s Choice Glue (#814)

Other Supplies:

Copic Markers, R14 and R29

Ranger Industries Distress Ink: Forest Moss and Crushed Olive

Pollen/black

 

 

 

A Simple Gift-Giving Project!

I know when my daughters were growing up, they were always asking me to come up with gifts they could give to their friends and teachers.  This simple project would have been perfect!

Here in the South, we use Ball jars for everything; from canning to drinking our “sweet tea” out of.  This isn’t my original idea, but adding my Poinsettia in the globe is.  Expense-wise, this is pretty frugal since you can buy a dozen jars for about $11.00 and the plastic Christmas balls (which I found at Michaels) will make two and are only $1.29.  What you fill the jars with…well, the ideas are endless from candy to home made cocoa mix.  I made a simple tag with “Noel” on the front, but if you do a mix, print up the recipe.

LET’S GET STARTED

Step One

You will need a hot glue gun for this project.  Measure the metal lid of the Ball jar.  You can cut out a circle with scissors, or use one of Els’ Beaded Circles to die cut–much easier.

Separate the balls.  I snapped off the “hanging loop” to create a smooth area so the ribbon would attached easily.  You can use a nail file to smooth where you snap off the loop.  Use the glue gun to adhere the patterned paper circle to the of the lid, then run a bead of glue to the rim and adhere the lid permanently together with it.

Step Two

I wanted to make a “Peppermint” variety of Poinsettia, so I used some alcohol ink  from Copic R29 refill bottle.  An unused toothbrush works best for giving it the spattering effect.

Die cut the Poinsettia once and the extra petals, twice out of the spattered paper.  Also, die cut the Poinsettia and a few of the larger leaves in a medium green card stock.

I used Distress Ink/Forest Moss to shade the green leaves.

Step Three

Shape all leaves on the Leaf Pad, using the Leaf Tool. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=viBFPXHVkaw)

Repeat these steps for the spattered pieces.

Step Four

I used the glue gun to mound a small amount of glue on the center of the lid to “raise-up” the flower.  Then, I assembled the flower as directed.

Add Prills/Ribbit and Red! It’s Right in the center of the Poinsettia.  I also die cut a few of the smaller White Pine Boughs to tuck under the Poinsettia.  I wanted them to look frosty (it’s a snow globe, after all!) so I used Twinklets/Diamond Dust.

Step Five

Finally, use the glue gun to apply a bead of glue around the edge of the plastic ball and adhere to the top of the lid.

Now, fill your jar and screw on this perfectly beautiful snow globe.  I finished off the jar with ribbon around the rim and a tag with “NOEL” die cut in the same patterned paper that I used for the base.

I hope this simple project helps with your gift-giving list–Happy Holidays!

Elizabeth Craft Designs Products:

Susan’s Garden Notes:

Poinsettia (#1226)

White Pine Boughs (#1091)

Els van de Burgt Studio:

Dotted Scallop Circle (#1172)

Tags & More 6 (#959)

Suzanne Cannon “A Way with Words”

Noel (#1237)

PanPastels Set 2 #30116

Susan’s Garden Tool Kit (#808) ; Molding Pad (#809) and Leaf Pad (#811)

Soft Finished White 85 lb. card stock (#PSF101)

Beacon’s “Kids Choice Glue!”

Prills/Bloomy Day

Prills/Flower Pot

Others Products:

Plastic Holiday Balls (found at Michael’s)

Ranger-Distress Ink/Forest Moss

Copic Refill/R29

Twinklets/Diamond Dust

Ribbon

Glue Gun & Sticks

 

Technique Tuesday–Creating the Spiral Rose

Whether you’re doing the Rose Hedge or the Rose Vine, the spiral rose is the easiest flower you’ll ever do!  I had a request to step out this rose, so LET’S GET STARTED!

Step One

This is the rose from the Rose Hedge.  Each bush will probably hold about 3-4 roses in addition to the leaves, which also are included.

Step Two

With the Reverse tweezers, that come in the Tool Kit, grasp the inside projection.

Step Three

Now start to roll towards the other end.  Stop rolling when you have about 1/4-inch left.

Step Four

Use a toothpick and apply a small amount of Beacon’s Kids Choice glue to the unrolled end of the rose.  Roll the rose closed and hold with the index finger and thumb of your opposite hand a few seconds to allow the glue to set.

That’s it!  All you need to do is use ECD’s small tweezers to hold the petal end, dip or use a toothpick to apply glue to the bottom of the Rose and set in place on the Hedge or Vine!

Add a few leaves and you have a finished Rose Hedge or Vine!

Elizabeth Craft Designs Supplies

Susan’s Garden/CountryScapes – Rose Hedge (#1196) and Flora 5/Rose Vine (#1130) 

Tool Kit (#808)

Beacon’s Kids Choice Glue