Delicate Lily…

Thinking about the people for whom we make our cards really does help to determine what we want to do. The young lady this birthday card is for is always quiet, polite, more than helpful without being asked, and has the most beautiful long, naturally red hair. We don’t get to visit with her as much as we would like yet we hope this card will convey our caring thoughts.

The flower is die cut with Whimsy’s Lily Flower die using 0.6mm (0.02”) White Foamiran. (This die offers the petals for each layer as one piece.) Before shaping, I accented the outer tips with Candied Apple Distress Oxide and the centers with Squeezed Lemonade Distress Oxide. Each petal is then heated with a low heat setting iron. (Do not press – keep iron upright and quickly place foam on it. It will pop off in just a very few seconds.)  Immediately after heating, I scrunched each petal (rolling between my fingers) followed by using a ball stylus to open it. To achieve the ball of the petal, I use a larger ball stylus and work from side to side, stretching the foam. If you have two hands, you can gently pull the sides to open the petal but go easy so you do not rip it.

For the assembly start by placing each opened petal (or petal layers) on a thick, soft sponge and again using a ball stylus, press the center rather deeply into the sponge. This will give it an up-lift.  Next, setting the petal onto my working surface, I then lay a dot or two of hot glue to the center only. Set the next layer and repeat for the third layer. As you are gluing, remember to offset the layers as shown in the pictures.

For the center stamen, I again put a little hot glue in the center, then took a generous pinch of Brown Woodland Scenics Pollen to sprinkle over the glue. Let it set for a few minutes and shake the excess off.

Finish your card and add your flower.

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Over the last few years, I have been learning a great deal about creating both paper and Foamiran flowers. Of late, I have been gravitating more towards the softness of the foam. Since we do not have many foam artists in my area of Michigan, I have watched videos from other many counties and gained a great admiration for their creativity. I have also studied the photo tutorials presented by ladies like Liz Marsden of Australia, Patrician Manhire of New Zealand, and Rachael Manu of  India who creates breathtaking Foamiran and Silk Foam hair pieces. Other ladies whose workmanship is outstanding are the extremely talented ladies of 14 Craft Bar out of Europe.

I wish we had a network of Foam-Flower Makers in the United States. A network to discuss our techniques, the products we prefer, and maybe even meeting up with others in our own areas.  

Well, till next time …

May God Bless You All Always