Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Heartfelt Creations Design Team Semi-Finalist

I was so excited today when a friend told me I had made the Heartfelt Creations Design Team Semi-Finalist stage!!  I've never been on a design team, so I'm really hopeful about getting this one! I love their products!!! Especially all of their flowers! If you would like to vote, please visit their blog here Heartfelt Creations.

Saturday, April 27, 2013

Delicate Rose Tutorial - 1 1/2"

My 2nd most loved flower is an exact replica of the 1" Mini Delicate Rose, but in a larger size.  The finished flower is about 1 1/2" across and about 1" tall.  They are just as beautiful!!
Supplies needed:
EK Success Retro Punch Med (Whale of a punch) - 6 punched out layers
Deco Scissors
Embossing pad & stylus
glue
Ink (optional)


Using the deco scissors, cut off the tips of each petal. On one, you will cut about 1/3 the petal off. This will be your center bud. Optional: ink the edges

 
Starting with the bud (the one you cut more of the petal off), place it on your embossing pad. Using a stylus (or paintbrush), starting at the outer edges of each petal in a circular fashion, press down on the petals to curl them inward. Then press into the center of the flower in a circular fashion to draw all the petals into a bud.

 
Then, place glue on the inside of each petal. Roll the bud between your finger. Tip, make sure one side of the petal overlaps the next petal for a better bud look. Hold it in place for a minute to let the glue seal. Set aside


Grab your next layer. Using a skewer or small paintbrush, roll back each petal. Then, while holding the roll back in place with your right hand (if you're right-handed of course), use your thumb to press into the center of each petal and cup the petal around. You want each petal to have a fold in the middle while still having the roll backward. This helps to shape it tightly around your bud.

Then place that layer on your embossing pad, in a circular motion press in the center of the layer to draw the petals up and together.


Place glue on the inside of each petal and at the base, then put your bud inside and wrap the outer layer around it, making sure to overlap one edge of each petal like you did on the bud. Gently roll it with your fingers to help shape it around the bud and allow the glue to seal. Set this aside.


The last 4 layers: using a skewer or small paintbrush or something similar
 
two of the layers, you will roll each petal back at a slight angle. See bottom row.
 
two of the layers you will roll each petal back (no angle)


Using a larger ball stylus or paintbrush, press in a circular manner the center of all the layers. On the two bottom row ones that you rolled at an angle, you'll be more agressive in drawing up the petals, since these will be the middle layers. On the top row with the straight back roll, just slightly press the centers.



Taking the first angled layer, place glue on the inside of each petal and at the base. Place the already made bud in the center and wrap the angled petals around it. There will only be a slight overlap of petals on this layer, The "tall end" of the angle will kind-of tuck into the "short end" angle of the petal next to it. Hold in place a bit to allow the glue to seal.


Take your next angled layer, place glue on the inside of each petal and at the base. (do not be afraid to use the glue! I want my flower to stay like I make it, so I tend to use a generous amount of glue). Place your flower into the new layer, there will be no overlapping of petals, just try to alternate the petals to fill in the "bare spots". Hold this in place a bit to allow the glue to seal.
 

 
On your last two layers (straight back rolls), place glue onto each petal and the base. Alternating the petals, add them to the base of your flower. Hold each in place for a bit to allow the glue to seal.

Here is the finished Delicate Rose. So delicate looking. Making both sizes of roses makes for a wonderful grouping on a layout or card.


 
Here is one with a bit of diamond dust on it. Remember, if using diamond dust, it's always better to sprinkle some on with a spoon or something rather than dip the flower in it. I love sparkle and shine! Try some Glimmer Mist or Perfect Pearl Mist spray too!





I hope you have enjoyed this tutorial! If you haven't already, be sure and check out the mini Delicate Rose Tutorial! Thank you so much for stopping by!!!

Stephanie

Delicate Rose Tutorial - 1" Mini

Finally...the long awaited tutorial for my most loved flower, the 1" mini delicate rose!  I love this rose and make it all the time!  Definitely a fave for me!
 
Supplies needed:
EK Success Retro Punch small - 6 punched out layers
Deco Scissors
Embossing pad & stylus
glue
Ink (optional)
 

Using the deco scissors, cut off the tips of each petal.  On one, you will cut about 1/3 the petal off.  This will be your center bud.  Optional: ink the edges
 

Starting with the bud (the one you cut more of the petal off), place it on your embossing pad.  Using a stylus (or paintbrush), starting at the outer edges of each petal in a circular fashion, press down on the petals to curl them inward.  Then press into the center of the flower in a circular fashion to draw all the petals into a bud.
 

Then, place glue on the inside of each petal. Roll the bud between your finger. Tip, make sure one side of the petal overlaps the next petal for a better bud look. Hold it in place for a minute to let the glue seal. Set aside
 

Grab your next layer. Using the finest end of the one of the stylus' or something similar (these petals are small and you want a small roll.  You may have to use a toothpick if you don't have anything else). Roll back each petal.  Then, while holding the roll back in place with your right hand (if you're right-handed of course), use your thumb to press into the center of each petal and cup the petal around.  You want each petal to have a fold in the middle while still having the roll backward.  This helps to shape it tightly around your bud.

Then place that layer on your embossing pad, in a circular motion press in the center of the layer to draw the petals up and together.


Place glue on the inside of each petal and at the base, then put your bud inside and wrap the outer layer around it, makign sure to overlap one edge of each petal like you did on the bud.  Gently roll it with your fingers to help shape it around the bud and allow the glue to seal.  Set this aside.


The last 4 layers: using your fine tip stylus or a toothpick or a quilling tool or something similar
 
two of the layers, you will roll each petal back at a slight angle. See bottom row.
 
two of the layers you will roll each petal back (no angle)
 

Using a larger ball stylus or paintbrush, press in a circular manner the center of all the layers.  On the two bottom row ones that you rolled at an angle, you'll be more agressive in drawing up the petals, since these will be the middle layers.  On thetop row with the straight back roll, just slightly press the centers.


Taking the first angled layer, place glue on the inside of each petal and at the base.  Place the already made bud in the center and wrap the angled petals around it.  There will only be a slight overlap of petals on this layer, The "tall end" of the angle will kind-of tuck into the "short end" angle of the petal next to it. Hold in place a bit to allow the glue to seal.


Take your next angled layer, place glue on the inside of each petal and at the base. (do not be afraid to use the glue! I want my flower to stay like I make it, so I tend to use a generous amount of glue). Place your flower into the new layer, there will be no overlapping of petals, just try to alternate the petals to fill in the "bare spots". Hold this in place a bit to allow the glue to seal.
 
On your last two layers (straight back rolls), place glue onto each petal and the base.  Alternating the petals, add them to the base of your flower. Hold each in place for a bit to allow the glue to seal.
 

Here is the finished mini rose.  So delicate looking...perfect to add a bunch or just fill in a bare spot!


Here is one with a bit of diamond dust on it.  Remember, if using diamond dust, it's always better to sprinkle some on with a spoon or something rather than dip the flower in it.  I love sparkle and shine!  Try some Glimmer Mist or Perfect Pearl Mist spray too! 
I hope you have enjoyed this tutorial!  Thank you so much for stopping by!!!

Stephanie

Friday, April 26, 2013

No Matter What layout

Here is my latest layout I've been working  on. I had a lot of fun with this trying some different techniques and ideas.
 
I titled it "No Matter What" which is a song by Kerrie Roberts.  This layout kind of represents where I am from where I came from 2 years ago.  I'll share the journaling at the end if you want to read.
 
I sewed around the edges using the zig zag stitch, but didn't bother changing my bobbin. I thought the effect of the black and white thread ended up looking pretty cool. 

I made the flowers myself. All the little roses are my 1" delicate rose.  For the 3 larger orange flowers, I used the Heartfelt Creations Tattered Blossoms Die and matching stamps.    The leaves are the Heartfelt Creations Leafy Swirl stamps.  I made the bling myself.  My friend, Kelly, picked me up a huge bag of the look-alike dew drops from Michael's, so I colored some with butterscotch alcohol ink and adhered them to the layout.


 
I printed out one verse and the chorus from the song. Distressed each individual word and inked it, then applied it!  I will be crazy if I EVER do that again! LOL  I wanted to pull my hair out!!! 
 
I did some random stamping and embossing on the layout.  
 


I took a strip of paper and punched the bottom with Martha Stewart Doily lace punch. I then dry embossed with the Darice crackle folder. Rubbed Versamark embossing pad on the raised parts and embossed with copper.  Those little title words were a pain too! LOL
The paper is Bo Bunny Olivia.

One of the scrolls is the words of the song.  The other is my journaling. I first saw these scrolls done by Kay at Kay's Kreative Korner, and I really liked them!  I should've looked more closely to how she adhered them to her page. I put wire around mine, poked through to the back and twisted!

So, here's my journaling if you are interested.


Going through my divorce was
the hardest thing I’ve ever had
to endure.  Betrayal, loss, grief, guilt,
remorse, shame, hurt, denial, sadness,
 and anger broke my heart  over and
over. I was devastated, I was heartbroken.
 I lost over 20 pounds in a month and
 cried more tears during that 6 month
separation than I have cried in my entire
lifetime.  I didn’t think I would make
it through the night, and when I did;
I didn’t think I’d make it through the
day.  My survival through that time
was only through the loving arms of
Jesus and the children God gave me.
I had to keep going for them, and
God gave me the strength to do so.  
This song, No Matter What, became
popular during that time, and I listened
to it over and over.  Drawing some
comfort from the fact that even
though I was heartbroken, God indeed
did have a plan and a purpose.  2 years
later, I’m in a better place.  I’m still single,
raising my children and working, and
sometimes watching myself coming as
I’m going.  God has provided amazingly
for me over the last couple of years in
So many ways. I haven’t seen the purpose or
plan for what I went through, but no matter
what, I’m gonna keep loving and needing
 God. I’m holding onto His promises for
my future, and I know I can trust Him.  I
don’t need to know what the future holds,
because I know Who holds the future!
I am safe in His arms!

Thanks for looking!
 
Stephanie

Fiesta Flower Tutorial

This is the tutorial for the fiesta flower.  I made it several years ago, but tweaked it last weekend.  I know when this flower was introduced by Prima, there were several tutorials made from different people to copy the style.  Please, if my tutorial and/or flower resembles someone elses, let me know.  If necessary, I will pull mine off the internet.
 
Supplies needed:
Tim Holtz Tattered Floral Die - 3 large layers, 1 medium layer, 2 small layers
Punch Bunch sprig punch - 6 punch outs (or anything that'll resemble a sprig)
Embossing pads & stylus
Paint brush (or something round to curl petals)
Water spritzer
glue
 
Tip: If the backside is plain white, you may want to ink or spray the back with glimmer mist because it is going to show on the finished flower.
 

I like to "texture" all my petals before beginning. To do this, lay each one upside down on an embossing pad and "scratch" all over with a fine tip stylus.  Then, using a large tip stylus, rub all over the petal for a wrinkly look.

Or...another great way is following this technique by Charlotte Ravn. Spray generously with water.  Wrap the petal around something smooth (paintbrush), hold the petal in place and pinch the edges toward the center. Pull out the paintbrush and allow to dry.  This creates a great wrinkled look!  BUT...be careful when pinch the edges...inevitably, I always end up tearing them, so I don't use this often even though I love the look.

Once they are dry again (can speed this up with a heat gun), using the paintbrush or skew, roll each petal inward.  The bottom layer will just be rolled a little bit, the next layer up a little more, and so on.

Once I have rolled them, I like to gently pull it out, so it isn't rolled tightly. The outer petals should semi overlap the petals of the next layer.

On the smallest layer, rather than roll, I like to place it on the embossing pad and using the stylus, start at the outer edges and rub in a circular motion towards the base of each petal to get it to cup and curl in.
 

 
Assemble your flower, making sure to alternate the petals on each layer.  Once they are all together, glue the tips of your sprigs and place them in the center.  Finish by adding a jewel or pearl on top of the sprigs.
 

As usual, I love to add some sparkle to my flowers.  I place some glue along just the edges of the petals and sprinkled some diamond dust on them.  I prefer to sprinkle rather than dip, because when you dip a flower in diamond dust you get way too much!  That stuff is SHARP!!!  I have actually cut my finger when I got stuck with a piece of it trying to wipe off the excess when I dipped the flower.  I have learned! LOL

 

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial!  Thanks for stopping by!!!

Tomorrow will be my tutorial for my 1" Mini Delicate Rose!!! It's finally here!!!

Have a great day!
Stephanie

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Flaire Blossom flower tutorial

 
Today, I'm going to share with you my tutorial for what my friends have helped me name as the "Flaire Blossom".
 
Supplies needed:
Tim Holtz Tattered Floral Die - 2 large layers, 2 spindly layers, 2 medium layers
Mini rose & pearls
Glue, tweezers, stylus, skewers
Embossing pads


On each of the layers, flip upside down on your embossing pad.  Using a fine point stylus, "scratch" multiple lines on each petal. Then using your large tip stylus (I used the white one above), vigorously rub the petals to create the wrinkled look.  I do this on the thinner, firmer embossing pad as it seems to create better texture.


Take the two large layers and two spidly layers and roll back each petal.  Then place on your embossing pad and press in a circular fashion in the middle of the layer to pull up the petals.

Using your tweezers, take the two medium layers and "pinch and twist" each petal.  To do this, place your tweezers on the tip of the petal, then twist it.  Once twisted, pinch the twist with your fingers and pull out the tweezers. Then place these on your embossing pad and press in a circular fashion the middle of the layer to pull up the petals.
 Assemble your flower by gluing the layers together making sure to alternate the petals.

Place your mini rose in the center of the medium layers.  Then take small white pearls and glue around the mini rose. 

I used crystal stickles to lightly go around the edges of the petals on all layers.

 That's it...the Flaire Blossom.

As with all my tutorials, if you believe that I have copied you or someone you know with my design, please contact me.  If necessary, I will pull my tutorial.
 
 
Thanks for looking
Stephanie

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Morning Dew Flower Tutorial

Good morning!  Today I have another flower tutorial for you.  Some friends of mine helped me name this flower "Morning Dew"
 
Supplies needed:
Tim Holtz Tattered floral Die - 2 Large layers, 2 medium layers, 1 small layer
Mini rose
Scissors & embossing tools
Glue
Embossing pads - I have two, one that is firm and another that is squishy
 

Take your first large layer and flip it over on the firm embossing pad.  To create the "wrinkled" petal look, I took a very fine point embossing stylus and "scratched" all over the back of each petal.  There is no rhyme or reason to the scratching, just go crazy with it, but don't poke a hole through your paper!!

Then, I took the large rounded end of the this embossing stylus (can use a large paint brush) and I rubbed all over the petals, making sure to get the edges too.  The more you rub, the better your "wrinkles" are going to be.

Repeat this on the other large layer as well.  On the 2 medium layers, cut between each petal, then also do this to them.

Take each of the above layers and roll back the petals on each one.  Then place on your embossing bad and rub in the middle to pull the petals up a bit. 

On your smallest layer, place it on your embossing pad and starting at the outer edges of each petal working inward, use your embossing stylus to crinkle and pull up the petals.

Assemble your flower by gluing the layers together making sure to alternate the petals.  Place your mini rose inside the smallest flower.



As always, I like to add a little glitter or diamond dust to the tips of the petals. On this one I added diamond dust.  It's better to sprinkle the diamond dust on your glue rather than dip your flower, because a little bit goes a long way.


 
 
Thank you so much for stopping by!  I hope you find this tutorial useful!
 
As always, if you feel my flower or tutorial is a duplicate of yours or someone you know, please let me know!  I will look into it and pull my tutorial if I find that to be the case!
 
Thanks,
Stephanie

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Nesting Petals Tutorial

Today, I'm sharing with you another tutorial for a flower I have created. 

Here is the flower you will be creating.

Supplies Needed:
*Embossing Stylus, skewer
*Embossing pad(s)
*glue
*Water spritzer
*Tattered Florals Die - 3 spindly layers, 2 medium layers, and 3 small layers


Take the 3 spindly flowers. Flip your layer over on the embossing pad (mousepad) and using the stylus (or a small paintbrush or skewer), emboss 3 lines down each petal of all three layers.  This is all you need to do on your bottom layer.  On the other 2 layers, using the skewer or paintbrush, roll each petal under.  Then lay them on the embossing pad and press down into the center of the layer in a circular motion to draw the petals up.
 For the 2 medium and 3 small layers, spritz with water one at a time.  Lay on your embossing pad and using the stylus, gently press each petal starting at the edges and working inward to curl up the petals.  Each layer, you will curl up a little tighter than the one before.

Assemble the layers starting with the flat spindly layer on bottom and working your way up alternating the petals as you go.  Place a bead or pearls in the very center of the smallest layer. 

You can add some stickles or diamond dust to the petals on the spindly layers to add some sparkle!
This is a pretty easy tutorial and flower. 

Stay tuned throughout the week for more flower tutorials!  I have 4 more to go and more to make!!!  I'll even be sharing with you my tutorial on making my delicate 1" mini roses and 1.5" delicate roses!!

If you feel that this flower resembles one you have created a tutorial for or know of a tutorial for, please let me know so that I can review that tutorial and talk with the creator.  I do not want to step on anyone's toes and will gladly pull my tutorial down if need be!!

Thanks for looking!
Stephanie

Monday, April 22, 2013

Prickly Rose Tutorial

Today, I'm going to share with you a tutorial for my Prickly Rose.  I created this flower

 
for the Tim Holtz Tattered Floral Challenge.  I was disappointed, as I'm sure were many others, to not have won, but at least I got to challenge myself to create a new flower, which I always love doing.

Supplies Needed:
* Tim Holtz Tattered Floral Die - 2 spindly  layers, 3 med layers, 1 small layer
* Scissors, Tweezers
* glue
* embossing pad
* embossing stylus
* skewer

There are many items that can be used to supplement what you may not own.  You can use the backside of a mousepad for an embossing pad. You can use the end of a paintbrush for embossing tools.  I use a skewe to roll petals, but you can also use a paintbrush or any other small round tool to do this. 



 
Take the two spindly layers. Stick your tweezers on the end of a petal, twist the petal and then pinch your finger on the twist to make sure it stays in place while you pull out the tweezers. Repeat this on every petal.
Turn each one over on your embossing pad. Using an embossing stylus, press the base of each petal to cause the petals to curl under.  Then, flip your flower over and press in the middle section to draw the petals up.  Do this on each of the spindly layers.
 
 
Take your 3 medium layers, cut a little bit between each petal.  Using your skewer, roll each petal back at a slight angle.




Place each of these layers on your embossing pad and using your stylus press down in the center of the layer in a circular motion to draw the petals up.  One side (the higher angle) will overlap the next petal (the lower angle).


Place your smallest layer on an embossing pad, using the stylus, beging to rub the inside of each petal starting at the edges and rubbing into the center and then down to the base to get the petals to curl up and inward.

 Place some glue on the inside of each of the petals. Carefull begin to "roll" your bud. It creates a nicer bud if you make sure one edge of each petal overlaps the edge of the next petal.   Roll your bud and hold it in place until the glue dries to keep the shape.
Glue your spindly layers together offsetting the petals.  Then glue the 3 medium layers together offsetting the petals. 
 

Assemble your flower by gluing the bud into the medium layers, then glue the medium layers onto the spindly layers.

You can add some diamond dust or stickles to the spindly layers as I did in my first picture in the post.  I think the plain is a great flower for a boys page, but making it sparkle with diamond dust makes it a perfect accent on a girly page.
 
I generally try to stay clear of any other flower making tutorials, because I don't want to subconsciously copy someone else's design.  If you think this flower or any other flower I create resembles one from someone else, please leave me a comment or contact me through email to let me know who and what.  I will check their tutorial and contact them about this.  I do not want to infringe on anyone else's designs and I will pull my tutorial if this happens!

Thanks so much for visiting my blog.  Please stay tuned for more flower tutorials coming soon.
 
Sneak peak:



Thanks,
Stephanie