Scrap N Grow

Archive for the ‘Cricut’ Category

Happy May Day everyone.  I am excited to reveal and share a new Paperie In Bloom bouquet with you.  This month’s featured bloom is the lilac, a harbinger of Spring.

Paperie In Bloom: May 2013 Blooming Lilacs

If this is your first time to Scrap N Grow, welcome.  Each month, I select and feature a new bloom with an accompanying tutorial.Then throughout the month, I feature additional projects that highlight the bloom of the month. This month’s tutorial is a different format,primarily pictures. I would appreciate your feedback regarding if the pictures are more helpful or if I should revert back to step by step written instructions.

Step By Step Blooming Lilacs Tutorial

Lilac Die Cut Shape

Apply Color To Lilac Die Cut

Apply Additional Color to Lilac Die Cut Shape

Punch Center Hole In Lilac Die Cut Shapes

Mold Petal Shapes and Complete Final Assembly

Paperie In Bloom: May 2013 Blooming Lilacs

Paperie In Bloom: May 2013 Close Up #1 of Lilacs

Paperie In Bloom: May 2013 Close Up #2 of Lilacs

Due to complexity and weight of a lilac bloom, I used artificial stems.  I disassembled the silk blooms and used the plastic stems to attach my paper petals.Each branch of lilacs has 3 medium sized blooms and one large one. Each branch has about 400 petals and took about 2 hours to complete final assembly. Attaching the petals was very tedious but well worth it.

Thank you so much for stopping by. Have a great rest of the week.

Michelle

Good morning and Happy April Fool’s Day everyone!  I can hardly believe it is already April.  I have an amazing treat in store for you today, a new Paperie in Bloom tutorial.  I absolutely love with this month’s Paperie In Bloom featured flower, forced magnolia branches.

Paperie In Bloom: April 2013 Forced Magnolia Branches

If this is your first time visiting Scrap N Grow, Paperie in Bloom is a monthly blog feature.  Each month on or about the first, I select a new flower/bloom to showcase. Then throughout the month, I feature additional inspiring projects to highlight the chose bloom of the month.  Last month, we made a spring bulb garden box over the course of 4 weeks.

Paperie In Bloom: March 2013, Spring Bulb Garden Box

This month’s Paperie In Bloom is the magnolia. I am smitten with magnolia’s impressive size and sweet smelling blooms that scream Spring to me.  Consider yourself forewarned that the tutorial is a long one…but well worth it. Grab a beverage and enjoy.

Magnolia Branches Supply List:

Provocraft Gypsy and Cricut Electronic Die Cutting Machine

Cricut Cartridge: Flower Shoppe (Image used is 3rd row down and 4th image in from left hand side)

Bazzill Card Stock.

Coloring Agent if not making white magnolias.  I used Distress Ink Spun Sugar and Picked Raspberry

Mini Mister

Jewelry Wire, Flat Nose Jewelry Pliers, and Wire Cutter

Inkessentials Glossy Accents

Hinge Clips of Jaw Clamps

Magnolia Branches Instructions:

1. Select petal shape and size accordingly to your preference (mine are approximately 1X4 inches). I used die cut image from the Flower Shoppe Cricut cartridge.

2. Die cut petals. I cut 12 for each single bloom, 24 for each double bloom, and 6 for each magnolia bud.

3. Color petals as desired with a coloring agent.  I used Ranger’s Distress Inks Spun Sugar and Picked Raspberry. Once colored on both sides, I used a mini mister to blend the colors for a gradation of color effect.

4. Next, cut a length of thin gauge jewelry wire about an inch shorter than the length of the petal.

5. Slightly bend one petal so that you form a center crease.  Place a bead of Inkessentials Glossy Accents and lay wire into adhesive.

6. Lay a second petal on top of petal with wire to create a wire sandwich. Use a set of hinge clips or jaw clamps to hold together until dry. This is to prevent rippling seam edges.

7. Once wired petals are dry, go ahead and lightly shape them as desired.

Pictured below are a few close ups.

Paperie In Bloom: April 2013 Magnolia Flower In Bud Close Up

Paperie In Bloom: April 2013 Single Magnolia Bloom Close Up

Paperie In Bloom: April 2013 Double Magnolia Bloom Close Up

Final Assembly Instructions:

1. Gather supplies including: faux branches, hot glue gun and heat safe mat, and tweezers.

2. For each branch, I made one magnolia bud, one single bloom, and two double blooms for a total of 4 flowers on each branch.  To save time, I used fuzzy faux branches for mine and repurposed 1/2 inch plastic cup circles from my stash of artificial stems.  Other viable options include using real branches or floral tape wrapped wire branches covered with Flower Soft or Flocking Powder.

3. Using a hot glue gun, adhere 3 petals in a triangular pattern. Adhere next 4 petals offset to the first three for a single bloom and for the bud.  Repeat this step 2 more times for a double bloom. NOTE: If your center base does not have a center hole already, be sure to punch one before adhering petals. This is where your flower will attach to the faux branch. For the bud, I used a tiny Styrofoam egg shape in the very center to help shape and give substance to the bud.

4. Once all flower assemblies are complete, attach flowers to faux branches and shape again as desired.

Magnolia ID Tag Supply List:

2 Tags

Twist Tie

PSX Magnolia Stamp

Versamark Embossing Ink Pad

Ranger Black Superfine Detail Embossing Powder

Heat Tool

Non Stick Craft Sheet

Ranger Water Brush

Distress Paint: Spun Sugar, Picked Raspberry, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss, and Walnut Stain

Tumbled Glass Distress Ink Pad

Magnolia ID Tag Instructions:

1. Stamp and emboss magnolia image onto tag using Versamark embossing ink and Ranger’s Superfine Detail Embossing Powder.

2. Color as desired using various colors of Ranger Distress Paints with a water brush.

3. Adhere additional tag to backside of tag for a clean tag back.

4. Lightly ink the edges with a complimentary color around the edges.

5. Lastly, secure tag to magnolia branches with either a ribbon, string, or a twist tie.

Pictured below is a close up of my magnolia tag.

Paperie In Bloom: April 2013 Forced Magnolia Branches ID Tag

Finally, display your new faux magnolia branches in a desired vessel. I used a tall glass cylinder for mine and placed polished river rock in the bottom for accent.

Paperie In Bloom: April 2013 Forced Magnolia Branches

Thank you so much for stopping by today.  I hope you enjoyed this month’s featured Paperie In Bloom flower.  Stay tuned for I have completed additional VerDay projects from week two of my ongoing online class.  Have a fabulous day and Happy April Fool’s Day.

Michelle

Good morning everyone! How are you?  I am excited to share with you the final spring bulb for this month’s special Paperie In Bloom feature, build a spring bulb garden. The final spring bulb is the daffodil.

Paperie In Bloom: March 2013, Spring Bulb Garden Daffodil Close Up

If this is your first time visiting, Paperie In Bloom is a monthly blog feature here at Scrap N Grow. Each month, I select a new flower/bloom to showcase, and then throughout the month, I feature additional inspiring projects that highlight the chosen bloom of the month.  However, this month, I changed things up a bit. This month, Scrap N Grow is showing you how to build your very own spring bulb garden from paper.  In week one, we made crocuses. Click here to view crocus tutorial. We made tulips in week two. Click here to view tulips tutorial. Last week, we made hyacinths. Click here for hyacinth tutorial. Lastly, this week, we are going to make daffodils as pictured above and complete final assembly of our spring bulb garden. Are you ready? Let’s get started.

Supplies Used:

Card Stock. Daffodils come in many colors and cultivars.  I chose to recreate dainty Jonquils. I used Diamond Bazzill card stock for the petals and yellow fabric for the center.

A 6 sided star flower die cut or shape punch for the petals.  I used Flower Shoppe Cricut cartridge. I used my Gyspy and hid the center hole.  I made two different sizes for added interest. My flowers measure: 3.0 Height and 2.47 Width for one and 2.50 Height and 2.06 Width. You will need 1 flower shape and one circle shape for each daffodil.

I used a Sizzix steel rule die to cut 1 inch fabric circles for the centers.  There were a few loose threads after I die cut them. I found that I liked the slightly frayed edges that resulted from die cutting.

A coloring medium for petals and centers. I chose to leave my jonquil daffodils a pristine white. If you choose a different color combination, color them now. Examples of coloring mediums include: Distress Inks, watercolor pencils, Gelatos, paint, etc.

Molding and shaping tools. I prefer to use McGill’s Tool Kit and Molding Mat.

Floral wire and tape for the stems if you do not have access to artificial stems.

Crop O Dile or other hole punch.

A container for your bulb garden.  I used a Smith and Hawken fresh bulbs box purchased from Target.

Assembly:

Die cut flowers and centers  for the number of desired daffodils.

Next, color the front and back side of each petal shape as desired.

Use a Crop O Dile hole punch in the center of each flower and fabric circle.

Then mold each shape. I prefer to use McGill’s tool kit and molding mat. I used their 8mm ball stylus.

Finally, layer all 3 parts of each daffodil together.  I started with artificial center stamens, then attached 1 inch fabric circle, and finally, the outer white flower petals. Each of my stems have 5 flowers. Jonquils specifically have small clusters of blooms on each stem. Many daffodils have single blooms.  It is a matter of personal preference.

In all, I made a total of 7 stems with 4-5 flowers on each.  I intermixed the sizes of flowers on each stem for added realism.

Grand Finale Assembly:

I gathered all my spring bulbs together: crocuses, tuilps, hyacinths, and daffodils.

I changed my mine from my original basket instead to a bulb garden box that I came across on a recent trip to Target. The box is from the Smith and Hawken line.

I lined the interior o the box with floral foam and top dressed foam with green excelsior purchased from Michael’s.

I arranged the spring bulbs in a pleasing manner and added grass filler stems for accent.

Paperie In Bloom: March 2013, Spring Bulb Garden Box

I am so pleased with the results.  What a great way to welcome spring into my home…..now if the snow backdrop could only begin to melt.  Thank you so much for stopping by.  I would love for you to leave a comment and or subscribe to receive email updates when I post a new inspiring project.  Have a great weekend and I will be back next week with some Easter card ideas.  See you soon.

Michelle

Good evening everyone. Hooray! It is finally Friday! Do you have anything fun planned for the weekend?  We are going to grout our bathroom floor and shower as well as prepare for a very exciting week ahead. Our engineered hardwood floors will be installed, furniture will be delivered, and our fireplace stone surround will be completed. After which, the basement/lower level should really begin to take shape and feel more homey.

Today’s featured hyacinths are part 3 of this month’s Paperie In Bloom, Build A Bulb Garden.  If this is your first time visiting, Paperie In Bloom is a monthly blog feature here at Scrap N Grow. Each month, I select a new flower/bloom to showcase, and then throughout the month, I feature additional inspiring projects that highlight the chosen bloom of the month.  However, this month, I changed things up a bit. This month, Scrap N Grow is showing you how to build your very own spring bulb garden from paper.  In week one, we made crocuses. Click here to view week one’s blog post. Last week, we made tulips. click here to view week two’s blog post. This week, week three, Scrap N Grow will show you how to make hyacinths as pictured below. Ready? Let’s get started.

Paperie In Bloom: March 2013 Build A Bulb Garden, Week 3

Supplies Used:

Card Stock. Hyacinths come in many colors. I chose to blue, purple, and pink hyacinths.

A 6 sided star flower die cut or shape punch.  My flowers measurements are: 1.82 Height and 1.68 Width. I used Flower Shoppe Cricut cartridge to cut mine.  You will need 14 flowers shapes for each hyacinth.

The centers are from an artificial stem that I had in my stash. A great substitute would also be a mini sunburst shape in a contrasting color from your flower.

A coloring medium to add realism to your petals. Examples include: Distress Inks, watercolor pencils, Gelatos, paint, etc.  I used Shaded Lilac and Picked Raspberries Distress Inks for the deep purple and pink hyacinths and Forever Blue Perfect Pearls to enhance my blue hyacinth.

Molding and shaping tools. I prefer to use McGill’s Tool Kit and Molding Mat.

Floral wire and tape for the stems if you do not have access to artificial stems.

Alcohol inks if you are using artificial stems.  I used Purple Twilight and Raspberry.

Crop O Dile or other hole punch.

A container for your bulb garden.  I have a shallow spring basket that I am going to use for mine once all bulbs are created.  For now, I placed my hyacinth in a vintage glass bottle.

Assembly:

Die cut flowers  for the number of desired hyacinth stems.

Next, color the front and back side of each petal shape as desired.

Use a hole punch in the center of each flower.

Then mold each shape. I prefer to use McGill’s tool kit and molding mat. I used their 6mm ball stylus.

Paperie In Bloom: March 2013, Week 3 Close Up of Hyacinth Flower

If using artificial stems- color the artificial centers using Alcohol Ink.

Next, slide 6 sided flower shape over colored center. If using a mini sunburst center- then adhere the sunburst to the center of each flower.

Finally, attach 14 flowers to each central stem. If not using an artificial stem, cut several short lengths of green wire, approximately 1/4″  and secure to larger center stem wrapped with floral tape in a stacked fashion.

Finally, place hyacinths in desired decorative container, arrange and add any filler for accents.

Paperie In Bloom: March 2013 Week 3 Top View of Hyacinths

Thank you so much for stopping by.  Please feel free to leave me a comment or any questions you may have.  If you want to make sure you do not miss a future bloom, I invite you to subscribe on the left hand side bar to receive updates via email. Thank you again, I will be back next week with the completed spring bulb garden basket.  Wanna guess what the last bulb will be?

Michelle

Good evening everyone.  How was your week?  The weather was big news here in MN as we shoveled out from nearly a foot of snow on Tuesday. We are under yet another winter advisory tonight as a wintry mix is predicted overnight tonight before it switches over to heavy rain tomorrow. Only in MN can it snow one day and rain the next.  Don’t forget, this weekend is daylight savings time. Most states including Minnesota will spring ahead an hour Sunday morning at 2am CST.  Speaking of spring………..today’s featured tulips below definitely scream spring.

Paperie In Bloom: March 2013 Build A Bulb Garden Week 2

Today’s tulips are part 2 of this month’s Paperie In Bloom, Build A Bulb Garden.  If this is your first time visiting, Paperie In Bloom is a monthly blog feature here at Scrap N Grow. Each month, I select a new flower/bloom to showcase, and then throughout the month, I feature additional inspiring projects that highlight the chosen bloom of the month.  However, this month, I changed things up a bit. This month, Scrap N Grow is showing you how to build your very own spring bulb garden from paper.  In week one, we made crocuses. Click here to view week one’s blog post. This week, week two, Scrap N Grow will show you how to make a bunch of tulips as pictured above. Ready? Let’s get started.

Supplies Needed:

Card Stock. Tulips come in many colors except blue.  I used Bazzill Sunbeam and Lemonade for mine.

A petal die cut or shape punch.  My petal measurements are: 4.58 Height and 2.61 Width. I used Giant Flowers Cricut cartridge to cut mine.  You will need 6 petals for each tulip.

The center is a star flower shape that is approximately 1 5/8  inches. I cut mine from Creative Memories Traveler Cricut cartridge.  I used the starfish shape and used the hide feature on my Gypsy to only cut the outline. You will need just one shape for the center of each tulip. I used Bazzill black card stock for mine.

A coloring medium to add realism to your petals. Examples include: Distress Inks, watercolor pencils, Gelatos, paint, etc.  I used Distress Inks for mine. I used Mustard Seed to enhance my yellow tulips and Spiced Marmalade to enhance my orange tulips.

Molding and shaping tools. I prefer to use McGill’s Tool Kit and Molding Mat.

Floral wire and tape for the stems.

Adhesive.  I prefer to use Inkessentials Glossy Accents as it is durable and dries quickly.

A container for your bulb garden.  I have a shallow spring basket that I am going to use for mine once all bulbs are created.  For now, I placed my tulips in a leaf vase.

Assembly:

Die cut petals and star flower shapes for the number of desired tulips.

Next, color the front and back side of each petal shape as desired.

Then mold each shape.

Adhere 3 petals together in a triangular pattern.

Next, adhere the remaining 3 petals offset to the first three again in a triangular pattern.

Lastly, adhere the star flower shape to the inside center of each tulip and set aside to dry completely.

For the stem. Cut wire to desired length and wrap with green floral tape. I used 19 gauge stovepipe wire cut at about 12 inches long.

Once cut, I used a small jewelry pliers to bend the very tip 1/4″ at a right angle and adhered this to the base of each tulip.

Finally, place tulips in desired decorative container, arrange and add any filler for accents.  I added artificial grass to mine.

Thank you so much for stopping by.  Please feel free to leave me a comment or any questions you may have.  If you want to make sure you do not miss a future bloom, I invite you to subscribe on the left hand side bar to receive updates via email. Thank you again, I will be back next week with another blooming bulb.  Wanna guess which one?

Michelle

Good evening everyone.  Today is March 1st and that means a new Paperie In Bloom flower.  If this is your first time visiting, Paperie In Bloom is a monthly blog feature here at Scrap N Grow. Each month, I select a new flower/bloom to showcase, and then throughout the month, I feature additional inspiring projects that highlight the chosen bloom of the month.  However, this month, I am going to change  things up a bit.

Later this month, March 20th to be exact, is the official first day of Spring. For me, spring is a season of rebirth and renewal, and as a northern gardener, bulbs including: Crocus, Tulips, Daffodils, etc. are typically the first blooms to emerge.  I love spring, for I love listening to the birds sing their songs, the smell of fresh air coupled with warmer temperatures, as well as the excitement and anticipation of the upcoming growing season.

So in anticipation of spring, I thought it would be fun to forego a flower this month, and instead create an everlasting spring bulb garden. So each week for the next four weeks, I will help you build a spring bulb garden of your own. This week, week one, Scrap N Grow will show you how to make Crocuses.

Paperie In Bloom: March 2013 Build a Bulb Garden. Week One, Crocus

Paperie In Bloom: March 2013. Build a Bulb Garden  Week One, Crocus Top View

Supplies Used:

Card Stock. Crocuses come in many colors including: white, purple, and yellow. I used 2 shades of purple card stock and 2 shades of yellow card stock for mine.

A tear drop die cut or shape punch.  My tear drop measurements are: 2.38 Height and 1.19 Width. I used A Child’s Year Cricut cartridge to cut mine.  You will need 6 tear drops for each crocus.

The center is a snowflake that is approximately 3×3 inches. I cut mine from Don Juan Cricut cartridge. You will need just one shape for the center of each crocus.

A coloring medium to add realism to your petals. Examples include: Distress Inks, watercolor pencils, Gelatos, paint, etc.  I used Distress Inks for mine.

Molding and shaping tools. I prefer to use McGill’s Tool Kit and Molding Mat.

Floral wire and tape for the stems.

Adhesive.  I prefer to use Inkessentials Glossy Accents as it is durable and dries quickly.

A container for your bulb garden.  I have a shallow spring basket that I am going to use for mine once all bulbs are created.  For now, I placed my Crocuses in an oval shaped moss bowl.

Assembly:

Die cut tear drop and snowflake shapes.

Next, color the front and back side of each shape as desired.

Then mold each shape.

Adhere 3 petals together in a triangular pattern.

Next, adhere the remaining 3 petals offset to the first three again in a triangular pattern and set aside to dry completely.

In the meanwhile, take a scissors and carefully fringe each side of the snowflake die cut. You do not have to be precise.

Next apply a small amount of adhesive about half way down the interior side of each snowflake, then adhere them together as a bunch. Once dry, adhere to center of Crocus petals and then refluff the fringe.  See my close up below.

Purple Crocus Close Up of Center Fringe

Lastly, for the stem.  Cut wire to desired length and wrap with green floral tape. I used 19 gauge stovepipe wire cut at about 12 inches long.

I used a small jewelry pliers to bend the very tip 1/4″ at a right angle and adhered this to the base of each crocus.  For a few of mine, I used left over artificial stems.  If you choose to do this, I would recommend to punch a hole in the center of each crocus, place a drop of adhesive on the end and then insert the stem through the hole. Lastly, adhere the central snowflake to the stem portion inside the crocus bloom.

Thank you so much for stopping by.  Please feel free to leave me a comment or any questions you may have.  If you want to make sure you do not miss a future bloom, I invite you to subscribe on the left hand side bar to receive updates via email. Thank you again, I will be back next week with another blooming bulb.  Wanna guess which one?

Michelle

Good evening everyone. Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone.  My fiance, Mike had dinner ready for me when I returned home from work.  He also bought me a beautiful bouquet of spring flowers…my favorite!

My Valentine’s Day gift to all my fellow blog readers is a bouquet of roses and a box of calorie free gourmet chocolates. Enjoy without the guilt!

Rose Bouquet and Chocolates

Roses tutorial can be found here.

I made the box of chocolates last year before I had a blog.  If there are enough requests, I will search for the exact materials and die cuts used.  Below are a few close ups of the chocolates.

Valentine’s Chocolates Close Up #1

Valentine’s Chocolates Close Up #2

Valentine’s Chocolates Close Up #3

Thank you so much for stopping by. Please stop back again soon for more inspiring ideas. Have a great evening.

Michelle

Good afternoon.  It sure has been awhile since I last posted, I apologize.  Our ongoing construction Sheetrock project was time consuming.  I am in the process of ridding of the dust as much as possible that resulted from the installation of the Sheetrock. This morning, I spent the day running errands so that my fiance and I can paint the ceilings this weekend.

But before I begin prep work, I wanted to post this month’s Paperie In Bloom flower, the rose. Paperie In Bloom is a monthly blog feature here at Scrap N Grow.  Each month, I select and feature a 3D bloom made from paper. Then throughout the remainder of the month, I showcase additional projects inspired from the month’s selected bloom.  This month, I chose the universal flower that represents love, the rose.

Paperie In Bloom: February 2013 A Single Red Rose

I used Provocraft’s Giant Flowers Cricut cartridge to die cut the flower’s petals.  I die cut all my petals at 5 inches.  I used 3 monochromatic shades of Bazzill red card stock. Afterwards, I applied Aged Mahogany Distress ink to both sides of each petal.  I then used a McGill Molding Mat and their 8mm ball stylus to mold each petal.  Next, I completed each petal assembly as indicated in the Cricut handbook using Inkessentials Glossy Accents.

Once all petals were completed, I began final assembly.  I rolled the smallest center pieces as tight as I could to form the innermost bud portion of the bloom.  I repeated this step a total of 3 times. I placed each subsequent piece slightly offset to the previous one.  I then did the same thing with the next center most die cut, again I did this a total of 3 times, except I did let the paper relax a bit more.  Next, I adhered the smallest single petals. I adhered a total of 12 petals.  I repeated the former step once again, but with the middle sized single petals.  I adhered a total of 12 petals.  Lastly, I repeated the same step one last time with the largest single petals, but only used 11 of these.  Afterwards, I spent a fair amount of time shaping each layer once the adhesive was completely dry.

I only shared a single rose with you today, but I a few more yet to complete final assembly on. I plan on completing a dozen long stemmed roses which I will share with you on Valentine’s Day.  In the meantime, I  have several Valentine’s Day cards and gift ideas to share with you, so stay tuned.  Thank you for taking time to stop by. I hope that you will stop back again soon or subscribe to ensure you do not miss a project post.  Have a great weekend everyone…off to paint.

Michelle

Good evening everyone.  How is your weekend going? We are busy trying to finalize our to do list of things prior to our sheet rock installation next week. Onto today’s featured project, a forsythia picture frame.

Paperie In Bloom: January 2013 Forsythia Picture Frame

For those of you who are visiting Scrap N Grow for the first time, Paperie In Bloom is an ongoing monthly blog feature.  On or about the first of each month, I debut a new bloom. Then throughout the remainder of the month, I feature additional projects that highlight the bloom of the month. This month’s bloom is the forsythia. A bloom that for me, signals spring is just around the corner.

Assembly Instructions:

1. I applied a base coat of acrylic paint to an unfinished 4X6 frame purchased from Michael’s.

2. Next, I applied a dollop of yellow Stickles to the center of each forsythia flowers. Click here for flower tutorial.

3. Lastly, I adhered flowers to frame using Inkessentials Glossy Accents.

Thank you for stopping by. I greatly appreciate your visit. I invite you to come back soon or subscribe by email for more inspiring ideas.  Have a great night.

Michelle

Good afternoon everyone and Happy New Year!  Today I am pleased to present January’s Paperie In Bloom, forsythia branches.

Paperie In Bloom: January 2013 Forsythia Branches

For those of you who are visiting for the first time, Paperie In Bloom is a monthly feature here at Scrap N Grow.  Each month, I select a bloom to showcase.  Then throughout the remainder of the month, I showcase additional ideas and inspiration featuring the bloom of the month.  I also provide complete instructions for each featured bloom.

This month’s featured bloom die cut is from the Provocraft Mother’s Day Cricut Cartridge.  I die cut approximate 40 1.5 inch, 30 1 inch, and 20 0.75 inch flowers. I have provided a screen shot below.

Paperie In Bloom: January 2013 Forsythia Bloom Cricut Cut Used

Once all flowers were die cut. I inked both sides with either Squeezed Lemonade or Mustard Seed Distress Ink by Ranger.  I used 2 different colors to provide petals in bloom at different stages.  I also used 2 different colors of card stock, Bazzill Sunbeam and Bazzill Lemonade.

Next, I used a McGill Molding Mat and 6mm Ball Stylus to mold and form each flower.

Paperie In Bloom: January 2013 Forsythia Bloom Close Up

Lastly, in an effort to save time, I used faux forsythia branch stems I had on hand and adhered my flowers to each branch stem. I used the centers from the faux forsythia branches as well. To do this, I used a hole punch through each paper flower and slid the faux center through the hole and then reattached flower to the faux branch.  One advantage to using faux branches, is the fact that they already have the wire encased allowing the ability to manipulate the completed branches.

Thank you so much for stopping by. Stay tuned as I have a few other inspiring ideas that I will feature throughout this month that highlight the beauty and vibrancy of the forsythia flower.  I will be back in Monday with another inspiring creation.  Have a great weekend.

Michelle