5 Petal Pretty Flower

This was one of the first flower files that I created. I love this little flower because it is so versatile. It can be pretty and elegant or just cute. It also lays fairly flat. A lot of my flowers are pretty bulky so it is nice to have a flower that works well in a scrapbook or a card that needs to be mailed without a lot of special packaging. (I do put a piece of cardstock on top of it when I mail it. That keeps it from getting caught in the postal machines.)

Materials needed:

2 five pointed flower shapes

You will also need:

A stylus, paper piercing tool, rubber mat (or mouse pad), glue, and (if

desired) chalk, color spray, ink  or Mica powder.

If you do not have a paper piercing tool, just use a narrow smooth round tool such as a bamboo skewer, end of a paintbrush, or round toothpick. You could also use the upper end of the stylus (away from the ball at the end).

Directions:

1) Color petals with ink, chalk, mist, or mica powder.

2) Place a petal shape on the mat. Use a stylus to emboss each petal
making large circular motions with light pressure at first. Then go over
the petal again with smaller circular motions and medium pressure.
Do this to all the petals on both flower shapes. This breaks down the
fibers in the paper and allows you to mold the petals. (see figure 1 below)

3) Now use the piercing tool to press against the backside of each petal while holding your thumb against the front. Slide your thumb and the tool from the base of the petal to the tip. With a light pressure "curl" each petal downward. (Similar to pressing curling ribbon between scissors and your thumb)






4) Place flower shape on mat (or against your finger) and press piercing tool

against the center of each petal as shown.









5
) Use piercing tool to "round" each petal. I hold one side of the petal
with one hand and with the other hand I place the needle tool on the

front of the petal and press my forefinger against the back of the petal.
Starting from the center and working toward the edge, I use gentle

pressure to "curl" the edge upward. Then I switch hands and shape

the other side of the petal.



6) Use the bottom of piercing tool or pen/ pencil to press the center of the flower down, cupping the flower shape. (similar to the way this flower shape goes down in the center)

 

7) Pinch the inside of each petal at the base. (where the petal comes off

the center area)

 8) Curl the ends (tips) of the petal. I place the piercing tool at the back tip
 of the petal from the center to the right side. (see lines on red flowers
above)Then I use my finger to roll the edge of the flower over the needle
tool and downward. Then I do the
left side. (see image above)
The petals look like this when I am done.

9) Put glue in the center of one of the flowers. Place the other flower on
top, staggering the petals.

10) Add rhinestones, beads, glitter, or brads to the center and you're done.

Here is the cut file for this flower.

Pretty Flower