Using some simple steps, inking paper flowers and then adding a touch of shaping makes them look so real!

I just love being able to turn flat die cuts into dimensional blossoms.  Inking paper flowers is very easy and adds color in a way that perfectly mimics nature. I especially love that since no two flowers or even petals ever look identical, you can leave the pursuit of “perfection” on the floor and just color your heart out. For these luscious pink blossoms, I used Rubbernecker’s Stackable Flowers and Leaves #4 die set with the Branch die fand set them in a frame made with their Rectangle Combo #2 OPC die. I made my sentiment with their Off Set Tags die and a saying from my own Kittie Says Phrases #1.

Let me share with you the steps for making this card. As gorgeous textured and realistic as those flowers are, you will see they are really easy to make and using a white on white frame assembly lets everything pop!

Card Base and Frame

• Use white cardstock to cut an A2 sized card base and the Rectangle Combo #2 OPC.
• Turn the three largest frames face down on the work surface and attach the three sections together using double stick tape. Pro tip: place your tape over the seams to help turn them into one piece.
• Apply strips of mounting tape to the back of the frame layers and attach it to the card base.

The Multi Layer, Hand Inked Paper Flowers

• Use white cardstock to cut two sections of the Stackable Flowers and Leaves #4.  I used two of each flower size and one tiny flower center.  The multiple layers create that pretty fullness that makes these look so fresh picked.
• Use a very light touch to apply Rose Color Fuse Ink to completely cover each of the flowers using a mini applicator. 
• Apply Bubblegum Color Fuse Ink to the flower centers and slightly up on each petal using a mini applicator.  Leaving the upper portions of the petals pale pink adds highlight and dimension to the assembled flower. Pro tip: Don’t worry about making each swipe of color identical – you want the variety to make these look real.
• Hold each petal  in the center with needle nose pliers.
• Squeeze each petal with your fingers to form the petal.  Pro Tip:  Due the size of my pliers I used my thinner tipped tweezers to form the petals on the smaller layers.
• Place the flowers face up on the molding pad and push down to push the petals up.  Pro Tip:  I use three layers of molding pads stacked on top of each other to get better depth for the flower.
• Apply glossy accents to the flower centers. Pro Tip: As I mentioned in part one, I use Connect Glue when I need to make sure any excess glue won’t show on a project. For the assembly of almost all of my flowers, I use Glossy Accents as it gives exceptional hold for the more 3D elements I create.
• Attach the flower layers together making sure to offset each layer for a more natural looking flower.  
• Finish by cutting the tiny flowers center using dark pink cardstock, roll it up around the tweezer tips and attach it closed using glossy accents.  Once dry attach them to the flower centers using glossy accents.
• Check out my How to Add Details to Die Cut Paper Flowers to see step by step photos of how I colored my flowers.  The pictures are of a different flower set but the ink colors and the technique is exactly the same.

Flower Stem and Leaves

• Use green cardstock to cut the Branch and leaves from the Stackable Flowers and Leaves #4.
• Apply thin strips of mounting tape to the back of the branch and attach it to the card base.
• Gently form the leaves with your fingers and attach them to the branch and card base using glossy accents.
• Apply glossy accents to the back of the flowers and attach them to the branch and card base.
• Use white and hot pink cardstock to cut the Off Set Tag. 
• Secure the white tag and sentiment in the MISTI, apply black ink and stamp.
• Cut both  off ends of the pink tag, layer them behind the ends of the sentiment tag and attach them using double stick tape.
• Apply pieces of mounting tape to the back of the tag and attach it to the card base.

Here are the items I used today from Rubbernecker – just click on the image and you can add it to your cart. I will tell you that I use these flower dies and that rectangle frame die a LOT because they are both so versatile.

5508-02D stackable flowers/leaves #4 Die [ RBB ] 5510-01D Branch Dies [ RBB ] Rectangle Combo #2 OPC Die 5132D [ RBB ] 3308 Kittie Says Phrases #1 [ RBB ]

I get asked all the time what the basics are that I use so I’ve put them all here so you can see them in one handy spot.

You can see how just inking paper flowers you’ve die cut from plain card stock adds so much gorgeous impact. Try this out on any flower die cut and see what kinds of looks you come up with. Remember, nature is glorious in her variety and you can replicate this with nothing more than ink.