- Q: How long does it take to make a Paper Blossoms flower?
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Depending on the type of flower, it generally takes about 15-20 minutes to construct a Paper Blossoms flower including punch time. The time varies based on which flower is being made; how many petals are needed; and how much shading or additional embellishments are added.
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- Q: What is the best type of paper to use for Paper Blossoms flowers?
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Molding and shaping your Paper Blossoms petals is easiest when using a lighter weight 65 lb. cardstock. Heavier weight 80lb. cardstock takes a little more pressure for shaping and bending and makes a very firm flower. 80lb. cardstock works best for flowers with larger petal shapes.
Double-sided scrapbook paper offers a nice firm paper weight for creating Paper Blossoms. The wide
variety of colors and patterns provide unique results when both sides of the paper designs are used.
Lighter text weight papers can also be used and will create a more delicate flower. Lighter pressure is needed when shaping and bending these petals.
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- Q: What kind of glue is best for assembling Paper Blossoms flowers?
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Best results come from a clear, quick setting paper crafting glue that allows you to set your petals in place, keeping them upright and in position while assembling the flower. The glue should also provide a strong bond after drying. There are several fast drying paper crafting glues on the market: Fabri-Tac™ from Beacon Adhesives, a fast grabbing, quick drying, permanent glue; Helmar® 450 Quick Dry Adhesive; and Zip Dry™ from Beacon Adhesives (will work but dries faster than Fabri-Tac™).
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- Q: Why do I need the Paper Blossoms Tool Kit?
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The Paper Blossoms Tool Kit provides all the tools needed to shape petals and construct flowers efficiently. The all-purpose Round Stylus Set includes 3 stylus tools with 6 different sized round stylus balls that mold paper shapes into petals and add thin veining details to shapes, as well. Each stylus tip is identified with a millimeter size making it easier to choose just the right size.
The straight Reverse Tweezers included in the Kit holds petals and leaves comfortably as they are shaped and assembled into the flower.
Paper Blossoms Tools come in a convenient carrying case that secures and protects the tools when not in use and offers easy portability when attending a Paper Blossoms class or creating flowers with friends.
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- Q: How do I hold the stylus?
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Hold the stylus as you would hold a pencil. Then press the stylus ball into the center of the paper shape. Starting in the center of the shape move the stylus in an expanding circular motion over the entire surface to prepare the paper. For the Cupping technique, hold the stylus at a 90° angle to the punched shape. Press the stylus down in the center of the shape while rotating in a small circular motion until the paper
cups up around the tool.
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- Q: Why do I need the Paper Blossoms Craft Molding Mat?
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A:
McGill’s Craft Molding Mat has been specially designed to provide just the right amount of cushion to mold punched shapes easily and effectively to get the results you want. Other foam mats may be too hard or too soft. The Paper Blossoms Craft Molding Mat offers a resilient, durable, self-healing and non-skid material that keeps projects in place while you’re applying paper shaping techniques. The all-purpose surface can also be used for Dry Embossing and Perforating crafts, but should NOT be used with any techniques that use heat.
Note: Do not use the Craft Molding Mat for gluing. It is important that the Mat be kept clean and dry for paper shaping. Use a craft sheet for gluing petals together.
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- Q: How much pressure should I use?
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A:
Use medium pressure on the paper shapes to start. Depending on the paper-weight used, pressure should be adjusted to adequately break down the paper fibers to shape petals. Paper shapes should curl up around the stylus tool with the proper amount of pressure. Too light and the shape stays flat. Too much and the paper will tear. With practice you’ll find the right amount of pressure that is right for you.
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- Q: How do I add inks for shading flower petals? How do I add color details?
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An easy method for applying ink is to use a small stamping ink pad directly on the edges of the paper shapes or use a sponge or ink applicator. Dye inks, pigments and chalk inks can also be applied for a soft look. Ink can be added to the edges of petals before or after they’ve been shaped. Or ink can be added to the petals after the flower has been assembled. Edging petals with colored inks will add dimension and color contrast to your flowers and leaves.
Use a felt tip marker to add interior color details to petals and leaves that will make your flower look more real. Use a fine line marker to add fine veining details to leaves.
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- Q: What other kind of embellishments can I add to my flowers?
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Use your unique creativity when making Paper Blossoms. Just as in nature, no two flowers are alike. Create your own special floral designs that are uniquely yours using some of these decorating techniques:
- Brush clear glitter-glue onto petals for added sparkle
- Apply small buttons, rhinestones and beads to the flower centers
- Add Flower Soft® to stamens and leaves for soft flocking. (Stamens: use Paper Blossoms Starburst Punch – 64512. Leaves: use Paper Blossoms Birch Leaf – 64502 or Grape Leaf – 64534)
- Dab scented oils in flower centers for a beautiful floral scent.
- Whatever embellishment you decide to add, have fun with it and let your creativity show.
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- Q: How many Paper Blossoms punches are offered?
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A:
There are 15 punches in the Paper Blossoms collection to create more than 12 flowers – Rose, Pansy,
Begonia, Hydrangea, Hibiscus, Poppy, Peony, Geranium, Lily, Tulips, Poinsettia and more…
Included in the package for some punches and available for download on the McGill website for all punches
is an idea book that describes the basic flower techniques and provides inspirational project ideas with
instructions. Once you are comfortable with the techniques, you’ll be able to add versatility to your creativity by mixing and matching punch shapes to make other flowers, like: Poinsettias, Begonias, Carnations, Violets… just to name a few.
Check the McGill website often, www.mcgillinc.com, for new Paper Blossoms floral design projects and technique education.
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- Q: Are there any other tools that will make Paper Blossoms flower making easier?
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Yes. For the assembly of the flower, it’s best to use a non-stick Craft Sheet when gluing the petals and leaves together. The non-stick Craft Sheet makes the process easier and keeps your work surfaces clean and dry. Here’s how to use the Craft Sheet. Add a small pool of glue to the craft sheet and dip the tips of the petals and leaves into it to assemble the flowers. As the pool of glue dries, add more over it until the flower is complete. When the glue on the Craft Sheet dries, it can be peeled off allowing the Craft Sheet to be used over and over again.
Note: Do not use the Craft Molding Mat for gluing. It must stay clean and dry.
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