Precious Memories - Flora Grande

Grab your "cuppa" as I have a long post today, as I wanted to include the deets in creating these beautiful blossoms!

Ever have one of those creative days when you start at point A and some how end up at point C?  So my "creative license" took over while working with Skipping Stones Design Sketch #69.  I started out with the sketch, even rotated it to fit my sentiment panel, but couldn't add just one blossom, it screamed out to add a grouping to fill in the open space.  So, I ended up adding three blossoms along with a flourish from Heartfelt Creations Dutch Iris Die and some Zva Creative Pearls.

All papers are from the Basic Grey Curio pad, the teal color panel is embossed with a Texture plate and highlighted.  I really wish embossing folders were larger to fit 5-1/4" cards.  All stamps are from Heartfelt Creations (listed in the details).  I love being able to create my own flowers using Heartfelt Creations products, now I can have flowers in any color!

Click to Enlarge

Normally when I roll my flowers with the Imaginisce Petal Roller, have the stamped side facing up, and roll the petals in.  This time, I did something a little different, after stamping and Die Cutting the Flora Grande images, I sponged the edges in Chocolate, then cut the flower petals to the center, flip stamped image over and place your flower center (Recollections Glitter Gems shown here) in the center, then roll the petals using the Petal Roller.  Now the stamped image is showing, and the majority of the unstamped areas is covered with the Flower Center.  I found it much easier to start with the top flower and work my way down.  TIP - don't roll too tight or pull too hard when removing your Petal Roller, you'll rip your petal right off.  Just ask me how I know!

To Create the Large Blossom you'll need:

4 of the smallest Flora Grande images (Flora Grande 1 set) stamped and Die Cut; 3 of the smallest Flora Grande images (Flora Grande 2 set) stamped and Die Cut

How to:
3 of the smallest Flora Grande (set 1) flowers rolled, layered onto 1 of the smallest NOT rolled.  These are layered on 2 of  Flora Grande flowers (set 2) rolled, then onto 1 of that same size, NOT rolled.  The reason I did not roll the 4th flower image, was because I wanted to fill in the open space that is between the flower sizes.  For the bottom image that was not rolled, I place it on my foam pad, and used the Petal Roller in the center and up the petals to create some depth, then turned it over and used it on the edges, to give it some curl.  Turn over, reform petals if needed and add rest of rolled flowers to center.

Small Blossom - 3 of the smallest Flora Grande Flowers (set 1) stamped and Die Cut

How to:
2 of the flowers are rolled as above, then placed on the 3rd which was left unrolled

After added the Leaves (sponged and curled), I added them to the blossom and sprayed with Krylon Triple Thick Spray, to help keep the petals from unrolling.  Once Dry I adhered them to the card.

Whew!  Are you lost?  If you need step out directions, feel free to email me.

If you're looking for more Heartfelt Creations inspiration, stop by the company blog to see the beautiful creations by the other Design Team members.

Details:
Stamps - Heartfelt Creations Sympathy Sentiment Set, Flora Grande 1, Flora Grande 2, Distressed Leaves
Ink - Chocolate
Card Stock - Saffron, Chocolate, Vanilla
Other - Big Shot, Heartfelt Creations Decorative Dutch Iris Die, Zva Pearl, Spellbinders Oval Die, Spellbinders Blossom 3, Spellbinders Nestled Leaves, Dimensionals, Sponge Dauber, Texture Plate, Glue Dot, Recollections Glitter Gems, Krylon Triple Thick Spray, Imaginisce Petal Roller, Foam Mat

Challenge:
The Shabby Tea Room  - BINGO Punch/Die Cuts, Flowers, Gems