Build A Flower Carnation Tutorial

I have two request for tutorials using the Cheery Lynn "Build A Flower #2 dies.  The first request was to do a tutorial on how to create a Carnation with the Cheery Lynn "Build A Flower #2" dies and the second request was for a Red Poppy.  I will be posting that tutorial tomorrow.    

In the above picture you can see two finished carnations created with the Cheery Lynn BAF #2 dies.

To create the carnation I used the pink petals shown on this BAF #2 die.

The carnation has many very ruffled layers. The yellow carnation above was completed using four layers and the red carnation was completed using five layers. There is no right or wrong - it just depends on the look that is pleasing to you.  I used the eight point base from the BAF #1 embellishment to build each layer; you can see it on the right side of the picture above. The eight petals above shows the first two petals as they look after being die cut.  The second two, on the top row, shows them after they were shaped with the white tool from the Tool Kit to soften the fibers in the card stock.  On the bottom row, you can see how I shaped the petals to give them the ruffled look of a carnation petal.  To shape them I just used my fingernails to kind of accordion pleat each one.  Do this to all the petals.  You will  have 8 petals for each row you want for your flower. 

 To assemble, start assembling the first layer by attaching four of the petals on every other point of the 8 point base.  I use the "Crafter's Pick" white glue because it is thick and holds well.  I find it easiest to put some glue on the Teflon Craft Mat and then just dip the tip of the petal in the glue.  

Next you add the other four petals to complete that layer.

 Create as many layers as you want for your flower.  Each row gets smaller as you work toward the center.  You start overlapping the tips as you glue them on the base, which will overlap the petals which makes the petals look fuller.  As you get to the center layers, you want to start pinching them up to make a closed center.  You can see the difference in the picture above as I glue the petals closer and closer for each row.  No two flowers are going to look exactly alike, so don't worry if they don't look exactly like mine.  When you start stacking the layers, you can start shaping your flower, pinching them up for very close layers.

This picture shows the first two layers glued together.  Try to alternate the petals, on each layer, so they are not stacked up in a row.  Continue to glue in each layer.

When you get all the layers glued together, your flower will look like this. Isn't it amazing how you can take card stock and create such realistic flowers.  The nice part is that it is very easy and so much fun.  I know someone is going to ask about the stem so I better tell you.  I used a skewer and wrapped floral tape around it.  The leaves were die cut using the green leaves on the left size of the BAF #2 die, shown above.

I hope this tutorial will help you create your carnations.  Be sure to come back tomorrow for another tutorial.

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