Embossed Vellum Flower Tutorial and "First Dance" Details for ScrapThat!

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 and then some details about from my "First Dance" layout using these flowers. Here's a flower close-up from this page:

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. 

 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

There is just something special about that first dance as husband and wife. Andrew's expression shows his love and adoration for Elizabeth as they share this first dance. 

"First Dance"

Tips and Techniques:

Handcrafted Flowers ~ I created all three sizes of Donna Salazar's Bitty Blossoms flowers from kit cardstock, and colored with distress inks. They are placed among the clusters and on each end of the banner. 

Handcrafted Vellum Flowers ~ Another close-up of their use on this page. 

Stenciling ~ I used a prima stencil with light molding paste to created the soft background design. 

Prima ~ Oh, there was so much Prima goodness in this kit from this gorgeous flower in the EAO kit, the peach focal flower in the first photo from the FAO kit, and these sweet butterflies and crystal/pearl flourishes from the main kit. 

Distressing ~ You know how much I enjoy using my Donna Salazar Distrezz-It-All on my edges. 

Fussy Cutting ~ I fussy cut doilies from paper scraps to layer under the photo mat. 

Daisies ~ I punched out these daisies from a scrap of kit cardstock, painted the edges with the MK Smooch Accents, and added a gem from my stash for each center. 

Vellum Corner ~ (Main photo) This lace corner was cut from the kit vellum and I fussy cut the outer shape from cardstock. I accented with MK pearls.

Banner ~ One of the Prima Divine sheets was filled with banner triangles. Half are are more neutral with some script and the other half are floral and girly. I fussy cut enough of each for my title. I layered the neutral on top of the printed pieces trimmed the tops and used the MK alpha to create my title. The large paper clips were just right to anchor each end of the banner. The banner was hung with White Iridescent Metallic String from Really Reasonable Ribbon. 

I hope you will give these Embossed Vellum Flowers a try. Let me know and I would love to drop by and see yours!! 

Thanks for stopping by! I treasure your comments.

~ Blessings ~