In this post we will show you all the techniques when using Susans garden tool kit with Sizzix thinlits flower dies. Here below is some of the basic terminology used. All products are available on our website by clicking HERE with a 30% off monthly coupon. Papercrafting and making your own paper flower garden with Sizzix dies is very rewarding and lots of Fun so give it a try!!! Some links to VIDEOS are below to help you get started. Or you can WATCH all of them HERE!
Shaping
This can be performed using various tools, including the Loop Tool (at either end depending on the size of the die-cut piece) or a large ball Stylus. Shaping “softens” the cardstock so the piece can be molded easily. This is done by placing the die-cut piece on the Molding Pad and using the Loop Tool to press down on the piece and draw from one end to the other (or using a Stylus in a circular motion to cover the entire surface). Once you have “softened” the piece, it is ready for the application of additional
techniques.
Pinching
When constructing flowers from individual petals, pinching the smaller end of the petal (the end that will be glued to the calyx or fl ower center) is necessary. Use tweezers to hold the petal end. With your other hand, use your thumb and index finger to squeeze the petal around the tweezers and pinch up the petal end. This technique is also used on leaves at the stem end.
Cupping
This is the easiest of the techniques to master. Simply place the die-cut piece on the Molding Pad and use a small (3 mm) or medium (5 mm) ball Stylus at a 90-degree angle to the paper and fi rmly pressed down. The piece will naturally be drawn upward in a “cupped” shape.
Lining
After shaping, use the Leaf Tool to add detail to petals. Lining is done by placing the die-cut shape on the Molding Pad or Leaf Pad and using the tool to draw down the petal or the leaf with several strokes. Lines are a natural detail found in many, but not all,flowers and leaves.
Bending
This technique is almost always used with Pinching. After pinching the petal or leaf, hold the pinched end with thumb and index finger. Use the tweezers to bend the outer part of the petal downward or even curled slightly. Additional bend may be made with a small ball Stylus on the underside of the leaf. Bending creates a more natural-looking leaf or petal.
Stirring
Just like the term, this technique imitates the stirring motion used in cooking and creates a cupping shape for die-cuts that are too large for the
cupping technique. Stirring is done by placing the die-cut shape on the Molding Pad and stirring from the center outward with a medium (5 mm) to large (8 mm) Stylus.
Rolling
This technique is used to form stamens and buds. Hold the near end of the base of a stamen or petal with tweezers and roll toward the opposite end.
Apply a small drop of glue to hold the rolled part in place.
Stems & Veins
Place leaf back side down on the Leaf Pad. Press down fi rmly with the Leaf Tool and stroke the leaf from the tip to the stem. If the leaf also requires veins, turn over to the front side and draw lines outward from the stem line.
Tools and Supply Recommendations:
1. Susan’s Garden Tool Kit helps stylishly create beautiful flowers and leaves. Tweezers, small scissors, Stylus, Leaf and Loop tools help add dimension and de finition to any project. SEE VIDEO HERE
2. The Garden Pad, Leaf Pad and Non-Stick Sheet are necessary for molding, de ning the die-cut pieces and gluing them to create flowers.
3. A multipurpose adhesive such as Crafter’s Pick™ “The Ultimate” Glue dries quickly and invisibly and is recommended for creating a clean, beautiful look that holds up through years of handling.
4. PanPastels®, Copic® Markers, Viva decor Pearl Pens and Stickles™ Glitter Glue are all products that make flowers look as natural as possible in paper.
You can read more if you Click Here on what Sizzix has to say.
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