Everlasting Flowers

This week the Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge asks us to create something from scratch. Something oh so very homemade. It could be an embellishment with layers, a rosette, a flower or perhaps you build something or otherwise craft a piece by starting with little more than a simple paper or other raw materials. What will you make from scratch?

As I write this it is raining outside and it was the perfect opportunity to create my own everlasting flowers and they don't even need watering!

I began with square pieces of Tissue Wrap, six layers to each. Each of mine were cut 6" x 6".

Fold the square pieces in half.

Fold the pieces into a concertina.

Fasten a pipecleaner around the centre of the concertina piece. Fold the piece in half to make sure you have the pipcleaner in the centre.

Cut the ends of the piece so that they are rounded in shape.

Flatten out the tissue as shown.

Pull up each layer of tissue to the centre, scrunching the tissue as you bring up each layer.

Colour the edges of the petals with Ripe Persimmon Distress Ink.

Repeat the steps above to create two blossoms.

Add splatters of Ripe Persimmon Distress Paint to each blossom.

I love the pop of colour the ink and paint give to each of the blossoms.

The next step was to decorate an old bottle, applying a coat of Gold Embossing Paste and then setting aside to dry. Applying Gold Embossing Paste gives a base for the Crackled Texture Paste and prevents it from chipping.

Once the Gold Embossing Paste was completely dry I then added a good thick coat of Crackled Texture Paste and once again set aside to dry (I have no patience when it comes to allowing things to dry!).

Once the crackle was completely dry I then coloured with Monarch Orange Archival Ink and then heat set with my heat tool. I then applied Potting Soil Re-inker with a piece of Cut 'n' Dry Foam to tone down the colour a little. I also poured some of the Re-inker into the cracks, I love those cracks! I then dried all the ink with a heat tool.  I added some natural twine and ribbon coloured with Ripe Persimmon Distress Ink along with a Heart Charm for added interest.

To add to the rustic charm of this piece I also included a few natural twigs to the display.

For more great ideas please pop over to the Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge blog and take a look at my fellow team members artwork, they have created some inspirational projects. Remember there is also the chance to win a $50 prize from Simon Says Stamp.  I always look forward to seeing your creations each week.

Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a comment, much appreciated. Tracy x x

Products Used:

Tim Holtz Tissue Wrap

Tim Holtz Idea-ology Heart Charms

Distress Ink Ripe Persimmon

Distress Paint Ripe Persimmon

Wendy Vecchi Gold Embossing Paste

Wendy Vecchi Crackled Texture Paste

Monarch Orange Archival Ink

Potting Soil Re-inker

Cut 'n' Dry Foam

Non-Stick Craft Sheet

Heat Tool

Twine