Paper Chrysanthemum Tutorial

I've been asked by quite a few people where in Poundland I found the flowers I've been using on my recent cards. To clear things up I haven't bought the flowers, but have made them using these flowers bought from Poundland:

I've also received a few requests for a tutorial to make the paper Chrysanthemums that I used on my Tilda Tent Card. I've never done a tutorial before, so if this one needs tweaking or altering in anyway, please do feel free to contact me.

Before you start, gather your materials and tools. You will need a small brad, paper flower die cuts (I've used the ones pictured above, but you could use any punches or die cuts that you have, and pretty much any medium to heavy weight paper, a mister spray bottle filled with water, colouring materials, tweezers and a heat gun.

Decide upon the  size of the flower you wish create and select your flowers accordingly. My example shows a large flower which needs 4 large flowers, 3 medium and 3 small. A smaller flower would only require 4 medium petals and 3 small petals.( I've just noticed that I've only laid out 3 large petals, but you will need 4).

If you are going to colour the flower to co-ordinate with your project now is the time to do so. I've used Promarkers, but you can use inks or watercolours. Once the flowers have been coloured you need to secure them with the brad. They should look something like this:

Now take the mister bottle and spray the flowers. Then simply lift each layer and scrunch and slightly twist each flower.

It should resemble this once you've finished.

Finally, hold the flower carefully with the tweezers and give it a blast with the heat gun. Carefully curl and peel back each petal individually - if it dries into a shape or position that you don't like then simply re-wet the paper. Also, be careful not to hold the gun in one place for too long as the paper will burn.

Here's the end result, one paper Chrysanthemum ready to use and decorate as you please.