Thursday, May 9, 2013

Embossed Vellum Flower Tutorial by Tracey S.


It's Tracey S. here to share a flower technique I tried out with the vellum in the May kit. One of my favorite things to do is to try out new flower techniques. I've seen some of my card making friends create amazing embossed vellum flowers, so I thought I'd give it a try. I was so please with the way they turned out. Here is a step by step tutorial on how I created them. First, here's a close-up from my "First Dance" page showcasing an Embossed Vellum Flower.


Note ~ Some of my tutorial photos are not as clear as I like. I don't think there was quite enough contrast for my camera to focus properly; however, they are plenty clear enough for you to see the process. 

Embossed Vellum Flower Tutorial

Supplies:

Supply list:
Vellum ~ ScrapThat! May Anniversary Kit
Heartfelt Creations Tattered Blossoms Stamps (two smallest stamps) or other flower stamp
Heartfelt Creations Tattered Blossoms Die Set  (two smallest dies) or other dies to coordinate with your stamp. (You can also use scissors to fussy cut around a stamped and embossed flower image.)
Stamp block
Donna Salazar Mixed Media Inx - Jasmine
Whispers Embossing powder - Pearl, or other white or pearlized embossing powder
Big Shot or other die cutting machine
Heat Tool
Ranger Distress Ink in color(s) of choice
Adhesive dots like Zots or Glue Dots
Helmar 450 glue
Queen and Co. Goosebumps clear gem or other flower center of choice - or leave plain.
**Note ~ while I have given the specific products I used, there is a great deal of flexibility with this technique, so I hope you will pull out the supplies you have and give it a shot.**

Step 1. Stamp flower image with Jasmine Ink. I have tried a lot of different white inks and Jasmine Mixed Media Inx by Donna Salazar/Clear Snap is the best I've used to give good coverage. It also stays wet for a long time, so is perfect for embossing. I highly recommend it for this technique. With the Mix'd Media Inx, you can stamp several flowers before step 2.


Step 2. Sprinkle embossing powder over stamped image while the ink is still wet. Tap off excess and return to jar


Step 3. Heat emboss until the powder turns glossy. Don't over heat.

Step 4. Cut the flower images into individual pieces.

Step 5. Place a mini adhesive dot or a tiny piece of a regular adhesive dot on opposite outer edges of each die, then place the embossed flower face down on the die, matching the edges of the die. Make sure the vellum is adhered where you placed the adhesive dots.

Step 6. Run through the Big Shot or die cut machine of your choice.

Hint: I found that occasionally when I place the image in the center of the platform the vellum cracked and one of my petals fell off. This was resolved by placing the die closer to the outer corner of the platform where it gets a little less pressure from the die cutting machine rollers. This may vary with your die cut machine.

Step 7. (Optional - do not color for white flowers.) If you want to color your vellum flower, rub Distress or other ink in the color(s) of your choice on the "back" (non-embossed side) of each flower.


Hint: Embossing powder acts as a resist; however, when I tried to color the top and then wipe the ink from the embossed area, it took most of the ink color off of the vellum as well. Inking from the back works better since vellum is transparent and you can see the color where it is not embossed.

Step 8. Place a dab of Helmar 450 or other liquid glue to the back of the smaller flower and match up the centers of the two pieces while offsetting the petals.

Step 9. (Optional) Add gem to flower center.

Variation ~ For a fuller flower you can use two of each petal size (four flowers all together) You would glue the two large flowers together first, offsetting the petals and then add the two smaller flowers, offsetting the petals each time.

Tip: I also used this same technique to create the blue strip of lace under my cluster. I do not have a matching die for this lace stamp, so after embossing, the lace strip was fussy cut. You can stamp and emboss any image to create delicate embellishments from flowers to lace and doilies. 

I hope you will give these
Embossed Vellum Flowers a try.

The May ScrapThat! Kit and add-on kits are currently available in our store

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