Flower Power!

Hello!  Thank you all for your amazing thoughts and e-mails in regards to my post yesterday. I was thrilled that my creations inspired you to create. Many of you would like to know how I created my large and fluffy flowers. So today I will take you through this process step by step.  It may seem like a long post but it takes no more than 5 minutes for me to make a flower now (but it did take me 15 mins. when I first did this).
**Note: I only use Stampin' Up! card stock to make these flowers as the paper holds up well to the distressing and separates cleanly to reveal the inner layers.**

First, choose your punch or punches pending on the size and layers you want: 2-3/8" Scallop Circle, 1-3/4" Scallop Circle, Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer (set to the solid flower), and/or Boho Blossoms - be creative with your pairing! Punch out some flowers - remember that each punched flower will separate into two separate ones later on.  *For fuller flowers punch 2 different 2-3/8" Scallop Circles.

Now on to the fun part...distressing! If you need to vent some frustration or give the kids a project to do, this is it.  Basically crumple up each punched flower, lay the flower back open, and crumple up again. Repeat this distressing process 6-10 times until the edges of the paper begin to peel apart. *I've also seen some folks use the crimper several times to achieve this too.

Once the edges are peeling apart, you're ready to start separating the punched flower.  To do this follow the separation that has formed from distressing the edge of the paper until you have two separate flowers. *If you're having trouble separating, then you may not have distressed the paper enough - crumple some more!

Now you're ready to assemble your flower!  Layer your flowers on top of one another, place on your paper piercer mat and using your paper piercer tool poke a hole in the center through all of your punched flowers.  Then secure all of these flowers with a silver mini brad.  You could also use a regular brad but I would first punch a hole with the paper piercer and then use the Crop-a-dile.  *When assembling I like to show the inner layer of the card stock as it has a linen look and a soft texture, so I have this side facing out (I also like the subtle hue difference in the color of the paper).

Now crumple up your flower & fluff to your liking! Don't like the way it turned out? Crumple and try again. To adhere to cards I recommend using Stampin' Dimensionals as they do the best job of holding the flower/brad combo in place (for bigger flowers 2-3 do the trick).  Don't just limit yourself to cards, try on presents, decorations, wreaths, etc. The possibilities are endless!

For the flower made from Wisteria Wonder with Lucky Limeade (center), I punched two different 2-3/8" scallop circles, one punched 1-3/4 scallop circle and two punched solid flowers from the Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer.  After distressing and separation I had 4 large Scallop Circles, 2 smaller scallop circles, and 4 solid blossom punches adhered together with a silver mini brad. *Having more 2-3/8" circles gives the flower a larger and fuller effect.

For the pink flower made from Regal Rose, I punched two different 2-3/8" Scallop Circles and two 1-3/4 scalloped circle.  After distressing and separation I had 4 large Scallop Circles and 4 smaller scallop circles adhered together with a silver mini brad.

I've read about this technique on several different blogs including InkBig and just had to sit down and find out what worked for me.  Please let me know how this technique works for you!  If you have any questions or suggestions, please leave a comment at the end of this post or send me an e-mail.

Enjoy! ~Julie