Flower Power

I had a request to share the flowers I have begun (and I stress BEGUN) in preparation for the postcard project from a Ustream video over at Following the Paper Trail channel.

The flowers are made with organza (I found it at Joann's) and the Sizzix Circle #2 die.  I used 4 of each size circle and then layered them graduating in size.  I then took my Ranger Heat Gun and applied heat directly to the flower layers from above always being careful to move the flow of heat around (unless a crispy flower is the goal...lol).  Because the organza is synthetic, it is perfect for this technique as it melts easily.  It's fun to watch the edges of the circles begin to curl. I did this in a well ventilated room but outside would probably be best so as not to breathe in any yucky fumes.

Wondering how I might apply color to the cream organza, I dipped my cream circles in a baggie filled with Spun Sugar reinker and a smidge of water and what I got was a pale peachy pink with some circles paler than others.  Hmm...back to the drawing board.  I don't know if you'll be able to see in the picture, but the cream flower looks like a hybrid flat cabbage rose...lol.

This last flower is one I've been dying to try.  I first saw a wonderful tutorial on Lin Brown's blog, Yours Artfully, a very talented mixed media artist.  I love her metal work which oftentimes she combines with Tim Holtz embellies.  She made several flowers using aluminum and Ten Second Studio metal embossing tools.  This particular flower is made using the Tim Holtz Tattered Florals die, embossed with different textures, painted with a black dabber, rubbing off most of the black paint, and then alcohol inking.  I used a Tim Holtz gear for the flower center.

I will continue to experiment with the organza flowers.  I will be in search of other dies that might lend themselves to the heating technique.  Will post more results as I try out new dies!