I’ve been hard at work on some new paper flower designs for my best friends wedding.  Today I will be sharing some trade secrets on how to make paper flowers using the Tim Holtz Tattered Florals Sizzix Die.

Tim’s Tattered Florals die has taken my paper flower making to new heights.  I originally bought my Sizzix machine just so I could use the Tattered Florals die.  If you don’t have it yet you are definitely going to want it once I show you what you can do with it!

If you aren’t sure about taking the plunge into die cutting you can get your feet wet by using paper punches.  You can still use many of the techniques in this tutorial, just watch out for hand cramps!  Check out my Paper Daisy Tutorial using punches and you’ll be on your way to making beautiful paper flower arrangements in no time!

How to Make Watercolor Paper Flowers

 

Just a heads up…this post is going to be photo heavy.  We don’t want to leave out any of the glorious details now do we?  Let’s get started and leave no petals uncurled!

Die Cutting Paper Flowers

I’ve cut all kinds of materials with the Tattered Florals Die.  Everything from cardstock, grunge board, plastic, metal and more!  Like I said, I LOVE this die.  For today’s tutorial we will be using Watercolor Paper (I use Strathmore Cold Press)

 

*TIP* One of the best tips I can give you as you embark on your flower making journey is to create a template for your dies.  I create my templates on scrap card stock and label them.  This way you only have to measure once but can cut a bazillion times!

 

Not only does this save time, it also saves paper!  I always find I need more of one size flower than another so I have created templates for each flower within the Tattered Florals Sizzix die.  This allows me to cut exactly what I need and still get the most out of my paper.

I find myself always needing more of the large flowers.  With the template I can cut as many big guys as I need…with no wasted paper!  *Depending on the thickness of your Watercolor paper you should be able to cut 5 layers at a time.

Coloring Paper Flowers

To color my flowers I used some of my favorite products from Ranger Ink…Distress Ink and Distress Stains.

I layered the Distress Stains to acheive Dark and light tones.  Some Flowers were sprayed with water first…resulting in an even lighter color.

*TIP*  I like to work on a piece of wax paper when using Distress Stain.  This way I can set the wax paper aside and if I need to make more flowers I can rejuvenate the leftover ink with a quick spritz of water…waste not want not…ya know what I’m sayin’?

You can dry your flowers with a heat tool or let them dry on their own.  Edge your petals with a darker color of Distress Ink to add depth.  *I used Dusty Concord Distress Ink.

Curling Petals

First things first, you will need to cut a slit between each petal.  Don’t be shy…this is essential for the curling.

 

*TIP* Here’s another great Tip for ya!  I recently discovered that the end of Tim’s Alterations Die Pick from Sizzix works wonders for cupping your flowers.  Simply place the flowers on a foam mat or mouse pad and press down in the center with the die pick.

The Tim Holtz Alterations Die Pick also pokes the perfect sized hole through the center of your flowers (You will thank me later when you begin wiring).  *I didn’t discover this magic until after this photo was taken…needless to say this rotten old pick is being put out to pasture!  Good riddance!

Large Rose Curling

You can use whatever instrument you feel comfortable with to curl your petals.  I use a chopstick.  A paintbrush, stylus, bead reamer, skewer etc. will work too.  Keep in mind the thinner the instrument the tighter the curl.

Start by curling each petal up and over towards the center.  Roll the paper between your thumb and forefinger to set.  Cup the petals together and curl the ends down slightly over your chopstick.  Squeeze the freshly curled petals together and repeat!

 

Small Rose Curling

*Repeat steps for Large Rose to curl small rose petals

*TIP*  For really full roses you will need 4 layers of the large flower and 2 layers of the small flower.  For small roses combine 3 layers of the small flower.

 

Wiring Paper Flowers

To wire your paper flowers break out those beads and buttons from your stash.  I like to combine beads with regular buttons to give them a little something extra.  I always mix in some vintage buttons from my collection into paper flower arrangements…those I let stand on their own…no beading required!

 

You will need:  32 Gauge Wrapped Floral Wire and 26 Gauge Paddle Wire for this step.

*TIP*  Place your flowers together before wiring to ensure a proper color blend.  When you are satisfied with the look of your flower layers separate them to form an assembly line.

 

If you plan on making a full-sized flower arrangement (in a vase or large container) you will need 18 in of each type of wire.  Consider the container or surface you will be “planting” your flowers on or in to determine the length of wire you will need.

*TIP*  Use Tonic Scissors instead of Wire cutters for cutting wrapped floral wire to prevent unnecessary fraying.  If your wrapped wire becomes frayed and difficult to thread through beads and buttons add a drop of clear nail polish to the frayed end.

 

When combining buttons and beads make sure you thread your bead on first!

 

Once you have your button threaded through the wire hold it between thumb and forefinger twisting all the way down.

 

 

Add a drop of Glossy accents to the back of the button.

 

 

Thread the first petal on and squeeze at the top to secure and mold around button.

 

 

*TIP* For troublesome flowers that don’t seem to want to grip flip your flower upside down and slide your fingers up to the base and press for 30 seconds.

 

 

Repeat these steps for each layer.

 

Here’s a little vintage sparkler I found in my button collection…I think this little lavender rose is my favorite!

Although this dark one with the vintage pearl button is a close second!

 

I really like the mix of tones in this one too…what do you think?

To view my tutorial on how I made the Hydrangea filler with the Tattered Floral Sizzix die Click Here.  This little  Watercolor paper flower arrangement is far from done!  I’m working on cranking out more of these little beauties and turning them into a show stopping Wedding Day centerpiece.  You won’t want to miss it…who knows I may add some new flower designs into the mix

Here are some links to the products used for this project…

 

*UPDATE*
The Centerpiece is complete! Check out the link list below for easy access to all of my Watercolor Paper Flower Tutorials!

I hope you enjoyed our Watercolor Paper Flower making adventure today!  If you can’t get enough of  Tim’s Tattered Florals check out some of my other arrangements using this versatile Sizzix die.  Feeling flowery?  Stop by Tim’s Blog and learn from the man behind this fabulous flower creating craft product …he’s having a Tattered Florals challenge sure to ignite your flower making mojo!

Need some more inspiration for your handmade flowers?  Check out my Flower Fodder Pinterest board to find all kinds of handmade flower inspiration.

Have a flowery day!

Amy*

 

 

 

 

 

Tagged as: Distress Ink, distress stain, paper flowers, Ranger Ink, sizzix, Tim Holtz, Tutorial