Reader Letters

Do you love all of the beautiful premade flowers that adorn many of the cards we see? A reader wants her cards to have beautiful blooms but would like to do this while being budget-conscious.

Sandi W. writes: "I really like all of the premade dimensional flowers I see on many of the cards today. I am trying to create cards while on a budget. Do you have any budget-friendly ideas for creating flowers for cards?"

Editor's Comments

Sandi,
I agree that there are many beautiful premade flowers available for purchase. You can, however, create your own in a budget-friendly manner. If you are looking for silk-type flowers, wait until the end of the holiday and summer seasons when floral stems are often put on sale at drastically reduced prices. Pull all the flower petals from the stems and use them for your cards by placing a brad or button in the center.

Paper flower

Or you can create your own paper flowers from scraps of paper, recycled book paper, old phone books and tissue paper. One of my favorite handmade paper flowers uses several layers of punched or die-cut scalloped circles. When working with cardstock I often use five to eight layers or more with lighter-weight paper. Lightly mist each layer with water. Crumple each circle lightly and unfold. Stack the circles together and then pierce a hole in the center and insert a mini brad. Crumple each layer one at a time upward and inward to form a bud. Mist once more with water and let dry. Once dry, gently open the layers using your fingers until the desired effect is achieved. For further inspiration and ideas, check out the great feature on flowers in the March 2012 issue of CardMaker magazine and the May 17, 2010, newsletter found in the newsletter archives.

Now that hopefully you have been inspired, be sure to check out the It's Time to Shine Card Crop taking place May 16-19, 2012, at the Card Swap Forum. The challenges will focus on warm, sunny days; flowers; and all that glitters and glimmers. I am sure that in no time your cards will be in full bloom!
-- Sharon

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