Saturday Step by Step: Wildflowers in Winter

Hello, friends! It's Nancy here, and I'm excited to share a new flower tutorial for our Saturday Step by Step. Just because we're in the midst of winter doesn't mean we can't be surrounded by lovely blooms, right?   

I love handcrafting my own flowers. It goes a long way in achieving a perfectly coordinated look. These blossoms are actually quite large, measuring in at around 3.25 inches, and are sure to make an elegant statement on your projects. They're super easy as well! 

Maja Design Papers are the perfect weight and durability for creating flowers. The colors in the different collections work together so well. You'll find it's easy to mix and match from what you have on hand. I'm using Vintage Autumn Basics and a little bit of Vintage Summer Basics today.    

Select your papers and cut four each of the two largest petal styles using the Tim Holtz Bigz Tattered Florals Die. This die is extremely versatile. It can be used for almost any flower you can dream up. 

Mist your petals with water using a Tim Holtz Mini Mister. You'll want to get them fairly moist (but not drowning in water) before you go to the next step. 

Now it's time to twist, scrunch, and roll. That sounds a little bit like a dance or an exercise routine, but you're prepping for the shape of your petals here. 

Once you've scrunched up every petal put them on a baking sheet in a 250 degree oven until dry, checking often. It takes me about 5-10 minutes depending on how moist the petals are. 

While your petals bake you may begin gathering what my mom called 'bits and bobs'. Here I have burlap, twine, lace, buttons, and cheesecloth.  

Once your petals are finished in the oven you will carefully unfurl them. Don't be concerned if a couple of the more delicate pieces fall off. It happens. You can adhere them back in when you assemble your flowers. 

Below are stacks of my unfurled petals. The larger petals form the base. The smaller, more delicate petals form the center. They'll be all twisty. This is exactly what you want.    

Adhere each stack of petals together being certain to stagger each one for a more full appearance. 

Below demonstrates just one way to embellish your flower. I'm adhering burlap and twine to the base of this one. A button is adhered to the center of the flower.  

Join both stacks to form a completed flower. 

I'm adding in a few burlap strands. It didn't look quite finished the other way. 

Below are additional embellished flowers. You'll find a full supply list (with links) at the end of the post. Everything you need to make these can be purchased in Linda's shop.  

The flowers below are embellished with lace and cheesecloth.  

The final flower is in a completely neutral tone. You can never have too many of those. 

Thank you so much for being here with me today! I send wishes your way for a wonderful weekend. Hopefully you'll be able to spend some cozy time in your craft area! 

Hugs,  

Ranger Inkssentials Non-Stick Craft Sheet	Tim Holtz Tonic Studios 9.5" Titanium Scissors	Ranger Inkssentials Glossy Accents	Tim Holtz Tonic Studios Kushgrip Snip w/Non-Stick Blade & Cap	Ranger Inkssentials Wonder Tape - 1/2"
Little Birdie Printed Florence Petals Grey	Prima Memory Hardware Pearls	CutterPiller Pro Precision Paper Trimmer- 12"	Sizzix® Accessory - Cutting Pads, Standard, 1 Pair	Sizzix® Accessory - Precision Base Plate for Wafer-Thin Dies
Embroidered Sheer Lace - 1/2 Inch Wide	May Arts Crocheted Lace - 5/8" Natural	Natural Jute Twine	Natural Jute Mesh (Burlap)	Carved Coconut Shell Buttons - 1/2"
Carved Coconut Shell Buttons - 5/8"	Sizzix Alterations Tim Holtz Tattered Florals Die	Maja Design Scrapbook Paper - Vintage Autumn Basics	Maja Design 6x6" Scrapbook Paper Pad - Vintage Autumn Basics	Maja Design Paper - Vintage Summer Basics (Full 30 sheet set)
Maja Design 6x6" Scrapbook Paper Pad - Vintage Summer Basics	Ranger Inkssentials Mini Mister	Prima Soft Matte Gel