Fringe Flowers

Here are the promised instructions for the Fringe Flowers I used on my Pure Innocence layout below.

Step 1. Find the color strips you want to use for your flowers. I used a paper cutter to cut the width of the strip and then tore the lengths by hand. The brown strip below is approximately 4 1/2" x 1/8" and the pink strip is 4" x 1/2". At this time, if your paper choice has a white back, you have the option of inking it a different color. I used Distress Ink: Worn Lipstick for the back of the pink and Aged Mahagony for the back of the brown.

Step 2: Take the thicker strip and with a pair of sharp scissors begin to cut the strip into fringe. You want to cut pretty close to the top of the strip. This will prevent your final flower from sitting up high off of your page. But don't worry if you don't get it close enough, you can always trim a little off the bottom later, if necessary.

Step 3: Begin at one end and start rolling into a tight circle. You can see here where I inked the back side of my strip. Remember: if you have a different color on each side of your strip, you want to make sure the color you want showing on your final flower, is wrapped on the inside of your roll. Continue to roll all the way to the end and then put a dab of glue to seal the roll. I highly recommend Glossy Accents by Ranger. Although this is typically a finishing glaze, it is also perfect for tiny dabs of glue that dry within 3-5 seconds. The tip on the bottle is very thin, so precision glue lines or dots are very easy.

Step 4: This step is optional but I think it makes a nice effect at the end. I inked the top of my fringe roll with the Aged Mahogany Distress ink. Holding your fringe roll, just quickly rub the sponge over the top, back and forth. It doesn't matter if the fringe pieces move. It actually helps you get to the inner parts of the fringe, to ink the tops.

Step 5: Start spreading out the fringe in all directions until you have your flower, as seen below. Next take your thin brown strip and roll it into a tight circle, put a dab of glue on the end, to seal your circle. You can leave it flat or take the tip of your scissors and push the center out a bit, to give it some dimension.

Step 6: Take your glue and run it all around the inner edge of your dark circle. Next, press the circle into the center of your Fringe Flower and there you go!

Remember, if your flower sits too high off of your paper, you can trim the "stem"on the underside. I actually trim mine at an angle so I can lay the flower at a tilt on my paper. I would not advise cutting the "stem" until you are ready to glue it to your layout. After trimming, immediately cover the cut edge with glue so the outer layers of your Fringe Flower won't fall off. Then press into your layout.

I hope you take some time to try some of these. They really do make cute flowers.