Hello crafty people! I’m Michelle Zerull from Pinch Your Chic and I have a fun tutorial for you today using the Lori Whitlock 3D Chrysanthemum. Earlier, I used this file when making a paper flower wreath and I loved it so much that I wanted to explore other possibilities with this SVG file. I love Chrysanthemums! They are a great flower to have this time of the year because you can display them throughout the Autumn months too! The flowers make beautiful embellishments, but they can also be used in a vase as home decor. I’ll show you how to make them!

You can find the 3D Chrysanthemum SVG file at the Lori Whitlock Store as well as the Silhouette Design Store. I cut my flowers using my Silhouette Cameo, but these are Portrait compatible too. And as always, the files can be used with your Cricut, Sizzix Eclips, or any electronic digital cutting machine that uses SVG files.

The file includes many varied sizes. You are going to want to cut approximately 9-10 layers per stem in concentric sizes. To add some visual interest and depth, I used 3 different shades of yellow for my flowers, but you can make yours in whatever colors you prefer.

I cut my flowers using the factory recommended settings for plain cardstock. I did slow the machine down just a tad so I could get nice, clean cuts. They came out perfect each time! After weeding, I sorted the layers by size and set them aside.

To make my stems, I used 18 gauge wire cut to desired length. You can cover the wire in floral tape, but this step is optional. Using pliers, bend one end of the wire to a 90-degree angle, leaving an approximately 1/4 inch “tail”. Set your wire stems aside.

Start shaping your smallest layer. Using a wooden skewer or stick, curl the petals upward.  I also recommend using a flower cupping tool to make the petals curl upwards. Simply place the tool in the center of the layer and make small, circular motions. The petals will curl up almost immediately. It’s like magic! If you do not have a flower tool, that’s okay. Simply curl each petal upward with the skewer.

Be patient. The results are worth the time it takes to curl the petals. Curl approximately 8 or 9 and set aside in order of size.

Take your smallest layer and glue it inside the next size up.

This process reminds me of nesting dolls, with each small layer fitting inside the larger. You will be forming a “bunch” of layers. There are times when you will be placing them inside of the same size in order to have approximately eight or nine layers. With numerous layers, the flowers will be full and luscious!

Take the largest layer and carefully poke a small hole in the center using your skewer or toothpick.

Glue the tail end of the stem to one of the largest petals using your glue of choice. I do not recommend using hot glue because the pieces are small and you could get burned.

Take your layers “bunch” and glue on top of largest layer with stem. Now let dry completely. They must be completely dry before your final shaping.

When completely dry, you will need to fluff open your bunch and finish your shaping. This is my favorite part! Try bending some of the outer petals downward and some of the petals upward. Have fun and let them go a little crazy! Like in nature, no two flowers will be exactly alike.

Thank you for allowing me to share my 3D Chrysanthemums with you. Lori has some of the best flower making files available in SVG format. Paper Flowers are so popular right now that you are going to want to make a bunch! I hope that you’ll enjoy making them as much as I did.

 

Thanks again!

Michelle