Handmade Flowers

I never seem to have the right color flower on hand for the card I am working on, so it was time to start making my own.  I adapted this technique from a technique I learned at a scrapbook convention using fabric.  To start, you will need:

• scissors
• pencil
• quilling tool
• adhesive dots
• paper, in the color of your choice
• distress ink, if you want a shabby chic look

Either use a template or freehand a circle between 1 3/4" and 2" in diameter.  The size of the circle will determine the size of your flower.  Draw a spiral around the inside of your circle.  Now cut out the circle, either with a straight cut or freehanding scallops.  Be sure to transect the line of the circle to keep your spiral segments even. 

You will now start cutting the spiral-again, you can either straight cut or you can freehand scallops as I have done.  be sure to transect the spiral line as you go instead of the inclination to cut below the line.  Also keep in mind that the beginning of your spiral cut will actually be the inner part of the floral, therefore you may want to make the scallops smaller, gradually increasing them in size as you go around the spiral.  

Next, loosely wrap the spiral around your finger to condition it so it is not so stiff and easier to work with when you use the quilling tool.   

Now you are ready for your quilling tool.  Starting from the outside edge, you will roll the paper around the tool, towards you.  This is especially important if you are using designer paper- if you roll away from you, the print will be on the back side of the flower.  

Once you are done, you will remove the coiled paper from the tool and allow it to gently relax in your fingers.  It is at this point that you can work with it a little bit to get the shape you want and the tightness/looseness of the "petals" that you want.  Now you need to put adhesive dots on the base of the flower, as pictured right.  I hope you can see this.  

Finally, the hard part.  Some of you may be asking at this point, what is going on in this picture- rest assured, this is the palm of my hand.  You are going to smash your flower. This helps to adhere the paper edges to the adhesive as well as gives it character.  Don't worry, you will love it!  

And Voila- you have made a flower.  If you want that Shabby Chic look, now is the time to sponge your favorite distress ink on your flower.

The beautiful end result-

Thanks for stopping by- I hope this tutorial was helpful to you.  If you found this helpful, please let me know in the comment section.  This is my first tutorial (and maybe my last!), so if there is anything I need to change, please let me know.

This card is entered in the challenge at Stampin' Sisters in Christ, to use a flower or flowers on your card.