in full bloom

IN FULL BLOOM

STEP-BY-STEP WITH Jana Ewy

1 Place the baking sheet onto the pre-heated griddle. Place two mauve Friendly Plastic sticks onto the baking sheet, and allow to soften.

2 Remove the baking sheet from the griddle. While the plastic is still warm, cut the petals by pressing the cutter into the softened plastic. Dip the cutter back into the cold water after each cut. This will help keep it from sticking to the plastic. Allow the plastic to cool. You may place the pan under cold running water to speed the cooling process along.

3 Use the needle tool to press under the edges of the cooled plastic and remove it from the pan. Pop out the petals. If needed use a craft knife to cut around each one.

4 Apply some added color using alcohol inks. Allow the inks to dry.

5 Place two silicone mats onto the griddle. Place the petals onto the mats. Allow the plastic to soften. This should only take a minute or so.

6 Once the plastic has softened, pick up the mat and slowly wrap it around a a fairly large cylinder. I am using a drinking glass.

Note: the circumference of your cylinder will determine the size of the arch in the petals.

7 While holding the mat securely around the cylinder, plunge the petals into an ice bath. Hold there for approx. 2 minutes or until the plastic has hardened.

8 Lift out of the ice bath and remove the cylinder.

9 The petals will pop up as you straighten out the mat. Dry them off with a paper towel and set aside.

10 Repeat the process with the smaller petals.

11 Remember to hold the mat securely around the cylinder while in the ice water bath.

12 Dry the small petals off and set aside.

13 Gather the petals together, along with two small discs that will be used for the centers, and a few accent findings. I am using two small brass flowers and some rhinestones for a bit of sparkle.

14 Working on a non-stick surface, apply a drop of glue to the center of the disc.

15 Starting with the larger flower. Place the tip of the petal onto the disc.

16 Carefully place the next petal along side the first.

17 Continue until all of the petals have been added.

18 Glue a brass flowers into the center.

19 And them adhere the rhinestone into the center of the flower.

20 Next... glue the petals of the small flower into place.

21 Continue until all of the petals have been added.

22 Add a drop of glue to the center.

23 Carefully place the brass flower into the center.

24 Adhere the rhinestone accent into place... and allow the glue to dry.

25 Your beautiful flowers are complete. Use them in a variety of ways... as jewelry or in home decor designs. The sky is the limit.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED JANA EWY

TOOLS & MATERIALSAlchhol inksBowl of ice waterCraft knifeCutters: teardrop; heartFriendly Plastic Designer sicksGriddle: (set at 200-300 degrees)Glue: E-6000Cylinder: 8” to 10” in circumference Jewelry findings:Large bowl of ice-waterNeedle toolNon-stick baking sheetPaint brushSilicone flexible baking mat: cut to size; 3” x 9”

for Friendly Plastic Designer Sticks and related supplies, visit:

the Friendly Plastic supply store

For more information and design inspiration, visit:

My Blog

Just Bananas.com