7.9.15

Die Cutting Fun and Jute Flower Tutorial

Handmade Jute Flowers
         Hi friends ,we have a lot of pen-stands at home and when I am in the mood for a quick craft ,I grab the most mundane looking one and try to give it a crafty makeover!
Plastic Pen-stand
           This sorry looking pen stand holds  plastic embossing tools which I used to use quite a lot for making paper flowers .Now I prefer to use metallic embossing tools for paper flower making since these plastic ones started breaking after a while! I haven't thrown them away since my daughter and I often use them in clay crafts.
Stencilling with Die Cut
           Of late I have become brave enough to play with texturing media but since I dont own a lot of stencils I  have to be creative with what I have! I used a PoppyStamps swirly curl border die cut as a stencil with Whipped Spackle texture medium to create a beautiful floral texture on my penstand!
Whipped Spackle Texture Media
Used the left over Whipped Spackle to create a rim on the pen-stand
Whipped Spackle Texture Media
           Though I do splurge a lot on craft supplies it does feel good to be frugal at times .....meaning I am resisting buying all the gorgeous stencils out there but finding more reasons to justify my cutting die buying addiction!!
Jute Flowers
        Here is how the PoppyStamps swirly curl border die was used to create the stenciled texture + on its own!
Cheery Lynn  butterfly
           As I said I love playing with dies and sometimes its fun to cut up your die cuts and try and create new designs. I snipped off the lower scrolls of this Cheery Lynn  butterfly and stuck it on top to give the butterfly antennae...and lo I have a new butterfly!
Texture Media

Jute Flower making tutorial 

       Most of my readers know I love making flowers using different media including  styrofoam/thermocol, sponge, marzipan, foam ,crystal, sola wood , felt etc. You can see the tutorial links here : Handmade Flower tutorials
Jute Flower Tutorial 
Jute Flower Making -Materials Required
  • Jute Sheets - laminated ones are easier to craft with as the cut edges wont fray.Jute is known by different names in different countries .Its also called Hessian or Burlap
  • Scissors- featured in the picture is the Fiskars Hobby Snip a sturdy scissors which is a favorite of mine.You can read more about it here : Paper Cutting Tools. The advantage of this scissors for this particular project is its a strong sturdy scissors sharp enough to cut jute and because it has a spring action your hands wont tire even if you are hand-cutting dozens of jute flowers!
  • BigZ die - OPTIONAL - If you dont have a die cutting machine you can still easily make jute flowers by roughly drawing designs on the jute sheet and hand-cutting it . But if you are going to be tempted to use a die to cut jute you need to have  a die  which can cut through laminated jute [ its a pretty strong material!] I tried using thin dies from various companies and even the sizzlits but none could give as clean and effortless cutting as the Big Z dies
  • Glue Gun- Jute is difficult to stick so unless you want to whip up your needle and thread and do some stitching  a glue gun is indispensable
Jute Flower Tutorial 
         I used the Sizzix Floral leaves flourish BigZ die to cut 2 jute flowers and a lifestyle crafts die to cut a small circle from glitter foam
Jute Flower Tutorial 
I tried layering the 2 flowers on top of each other...they looked flat and insipid so made the flowers dimensional using the easiest 3 D flower making trick...make a cut between 2 flower petals to reach the center.
Jute Flower Tutorial 
Apply hot glue to one petal adjacent to the cut and stick the other petal on top of it !
Jute Flower Tutorial 
Apply a generous blob of hot glue on the flat flower and stick the cupped flower on top .
Jute Flower Tutorial 
 Press on the center of the flower to stick it nicely. Since jute is fairly thick you can actually poke your finger into the cup of the flower and press it onto the blob of hot glue underneath without burning your fingers!
Jute Flower Tutorial 
Stick the foam center and your easy handmade jute flower is ready!
Handmade Jute Flowers
Tips to craft with Jute
  • Jute sheets sold for crafting are laminated and don't fray as much as regular burlap but be prepared to have a lot of fabric shreds on your working surface and some frayed edges
  • Using a hot glue gun while crafting with jute is great as unlike paper and foam which are thin and  more likely to give you burns jute is fairly thick and its easier to hot glue ! Also the laminated surface literally melts with hot glue and you get a good adhesion
If you would like to try some more jute/burlap crafts be sure to drop in at Gail's blog...she has some amazing inspirational jute crafts! 
Jute Flowers
I dressed up a small clock in the same autumn color theme to give my pen-stand company!
Jute Flowers Set
I hope you enjoyed my altered Autumn Projects.
Supplies :Jute Sheets - Itsy Bitsy, Dies :Marianne Designs Anja Leaf 3, Marianne Designs Anja Leaf 1,Cheery Lynn  tiny things with wings,Cheery Lynn  Butterfly ,Cheery Lynn  flourish leaf strip  ,PoppyStamps swirly curl border , Sizzix Bigz Flower with leaves flourish, Sizzix Bigz Tattered Floral, Heartfelt creations Botanical Wings , Provocraft Leaf die, Memory Box fringe border
Whipped Spackle, Fiskars Hobby Snip Scissors - Crafters Corner
Edited : This project came top 3 at Scrappy Land 25 Yippee!!


65 comments:

  1. Sonia, I love how you have used your die cut as a stencil, great tip! Lovely projects, so bright and happy. Good luck and thanks for joining in on the fun at Cheery Lynn Designs challenge.

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  2. Like the altered holder. Your use of the texture paste on the stencil is pretty. Especially like the burlap (here in Central TX USA we call the string stuff jute & the flat stuff like you're using burlap). I bought a pad of burlap that has paper backing and cuts well without much fraying.
    Melissa
    "Sunshine HoneyBee"

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  3. Lovely makeover to the Penstand ! Cool idea to use diecut as stencil..:)

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  4. What a very pretty transformation of your embossing tool pot Sonia, your jute flowers look gorgeous in the lovely sunny oranges.

    B x

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  5. Absolutely beautiful projects Sonia. Love the use of the burlap for the flowers, the way you used the die cuts as a stencil and all the embellishments. Thanks for tutorial. As always your creations are stunning.
    Have a creative day.
    Hugs Nana
    ♥ My Crafting Channel ♥
    ♥ 2 Creative Chicks ♥
    ♥ Silhouette Challenges ♥
    ♥ Paper & Stitches ♥

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  6. Wow love how turned this into a beautiful Pen stand holder..... Great job love the burlap flower too!

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  7. There you go again, making something beautiful (and useful) from nothing!! LOVE the colors you chose, so bright and cheerful. And the way you used the die cut is brilliant!! What creative ideas, thanks for sharing, Dr. Sonia, love both projects, they are wonderful.

    Hugs
    Sue

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  8. Awesome job Sonia, love both your projects!! Love how you used the paste and the cool burlap flowers! I'm going to try this project! Thanks for the how to demo :)

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  9. Such a creative way to up-cycle a product!! Love all of the texture on your added accents!! Thanks for sharing! :)

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  10. Beautiful textured embossing on this! Your flower came out beautiful! Love it

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  11. Love the texture on your pencil holder : ) I think your Jute flowers are so pretty- and the metallic circle center is lovely. Also, the metallic butterfly is beautiful!

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  12. love your small trick with the flower to make it dimensional Sonia :)

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  13. I'm back again, I totally forgot to thank you for sharing your lovely altered pots with us at Allsorts challenge.

    B x

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  14. What super transformations and they look great side by side. I especially love your texture paste around the rim of your pencil pot a fab finishing touch.
    Julie x

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  15. Oh wow, these are stunning!! I love how you decorated them!! the flowers look amazing...thank you for the tutorial, too!! Absolutely gorgeous projects my friend!! And so inspiring!! Have a great day :)

    Lisa
    A Mermaid's Crafts

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  16. I love how you are always thinking outside the box, another couple of wonderful projects and so pretty too.

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  17. WOW...that took a huge turn from its original nasal allergy origins...LOL. It's truly sensational what you do to transform the 'Hmmmph' into "Shazam!!" These are just exceptional. :)
    Big hugs to you Sonia,
    Lisa x

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  18. beautiful and great tutorial! some tips picked up there thanks! Thank you so much for entering our ATG challenge at Through The Craft Room Door this week. Looking forward to see you again next challenge.
    Keep Smilin',
    Stacey xxx
    TTCRD DT
    Lasata's Crafty Hideout {My Blog}

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  19. So very pretty Sonia, what a lovely gift this would make, a fabulous tutorial too, thanks for explaining it all to us.
    hugs Jacee
    Simply Paper Card Design

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  20. :))))) I like recycling so much! but your's is so beauty :) <3

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  21. Gorgeous Sonia..I feel inspired to make my own stencils now with dies that I have..such a neat idea.

    luv CHRISSYxx

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  22. Two wonderful creations and love those flowers.

    Thank you for joining in this weeks Allsorts challenge.

    Kath x

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  23. Oh, Sonia, what beautiful flowers you've made with jute! They are gorgeous, and I love both projects! The texture you've achieved with the paste and stencil is lovely! Thanks for visiting me and leaving a lovely comment! Hugs, and have a wonderful week!

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  24. This is fabulous Sonia, lovely details and pretty colours.
    Pauline
    x

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  25. WOW this is amazing I love the colours and the design is wonderful.

    Debs xxx
    {Debs Cards}

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  26. Wow!! Very creative and out-of-the-box ideas here. Loved how gorgeous the pen stand looks after it's makeover.

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  27. Very pretty! The different layers used are so pretty, and such a great idea!
    Hugs, Lori m

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  28. Creative & Beautiful!!! I love the pretty flowers and butterfly.
    Have a blessed day,
    Millie
    Crafting With Creative M

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  29. Wow, this is gorgeous! What a makeover! Thanks for sharing all your tips and techniques!

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  30. Oh my, Sonia! Your whipped spackle stencil creation is absolutely gorgeous in your recycled can transformation!!! And adding the jute flowers makes it extra special. Thanks for the shout out but totally unnecessary! Your creativity and talent stands on it's own merits! So lovely!

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  31. Both are beautiful Sonia!! Love the flowers!! Very beautiful!!
    -Berina
    Moxie Craftie

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  32. Sonia, you are so clever! Your pen holder is beautiful, and I love the jute flower! You did a great job on your stenciling, too! Thanks for the inspiration!

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  33. This is gorgeous! LOVING those flowers!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  34. Super gorgeous alteration...love that pen stand...n idea of using die cuts as stencil.thanks for inspiring us.love .
    Daksha.

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  35. Wowowowow!! Absolutely awesome project!!! Just WOW!! Thank you for playing along with us at Poppystamps this month.

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  36. Simply amazing. You never seize to surprise with your creativity

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  37. Beautiful project. Thanks for joining us at CHPPC, good luck with the challenge. hugs Shirleyxxxx

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  38. A beautiful pen holder Sonia, I have made many pen holders but are pretty boring compared with your stunning creations - I think I must be more creative!!! I love the gorgeous design with wonderful texture and colours along with beautiful flowers!!

    hugs
    Heather xx
    Thanks so much for joining us with Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge.

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  39. Another awesome project. I love how you turn something ordinary into extraordinary. I have both a cuttlebug and a cricut and I need to start using them more and experimenting with die cuts

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  40. Lovely projects, Sonia. I love your texture on the pen stand and your butterflies are gorgeous.
    hugs,
    Teresa

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  41. Fabulous altering, lovely mixed media products used, beautiful creations.
    Thank you for sharing at Allsorts, welcome again;-))m

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  42. wow, Doc this is stunning love it and the texture and glowing creation is just gorgeous...
     {The Journey Is The Start  aNNie  my personal blog}

    You should enter this in our newest challenge blog http://wheretheheartischallenge.blogspot.com.au/

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  43. so amazing you are so talented. love it. hugs

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  44. Really gorgeous !

    Thank you for joining us at Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge.

    Jo x

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  45. AMAZING
    so clever you made your self stencil and use it again on the bottom of your pencil case
    I adore the second one too with clock and the big gold butterfly
    I was on vacation and I am sorry so less visiting blog land
    was not good internet connection
    Love your creativity Dr Sonia
    ADORABLE POST

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  46. Another Wow! You are awesome! Thank you for inspiring and sharing with us! Hope you have a great week!

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  47. What a lovely makeover Sonia. Loved the jute flowers.

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  48. Fabulous project Sonia! The details are amazing and LOVE the flowers:) GREAT creation!
    Sherrie K

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  49. Love the texture you were able to achieve with the burlap and stenciling! You certainly know how to take something plain and make it extraordinary! Thanks for joining us at Poppystamps this month.

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  50. Super cute!!! Thank you for joining us at Clear It Out, good luck!!! Amy DT

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  51. Fabulous projects and tutorial Sonia. And the flowers are so beautiful..Loz

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  52. Beautiful projects - you've inspired me to try texturing medium! So glad you shared this with us at My Time To Craft!

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  53. Absolutely beautiful makeover! That flower cluster is gorgeous. Love it. Thanks for playing along Simon Says Stamp Make it Colourful Challenge! :)

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  54. Fabulous makeovers and so great to use different mediums. TFS

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  55. Lovely project and I adore your gorgeous flowers and techniques used! Thanks for joining the Cheery Lynn Designs challenge this week....good luck!

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  56. Love all the amazing details and all the textures of your projects! Just gorgeous!

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  57. My incredible friend, this is gorgeous! What a stunning transformation. I would love for everything to be so pretty and functional. :o) Beautiful work, as always!

    Hugs and blessings,
    Karen

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  58. I love how you decorated them, now they look amazing! I especially love your floral texture on that pen stand! Hugs, Catherine

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  59. Hi Sonia, Thanks for sharing your lovely project with Crafting for All seasons!
    Carla Brooke DT

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  60. Both of your projects are so sweet and tropical looking! You did an awesome job transforming them into works of art! Thanks for playing along with us at Scrapy Land Challenge #25!

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  61. Gorgeous projects as always. So glad you joined us at Scrapy Land.
    Hugz from Wisconsin, Patricia
    Scrapy Land Store
    rubber stamping is my game blog

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  62. Sonia Great project and tutorial. Love all the texture. Thanks for joining the Cheery Lynn Designs challenge.

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  63. Very nice project :) Thank you for joining us on Craft for the Craic :) Henryka DT

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  64. Oh wow! They are fab. Love your jute flowers Thank you for joining us over at Craft for the Craic.
    Eithne

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  65. Hi Sonia, your project is fabulous..I loved those jute flowers and the texture you gave to the penstand! Thank you for joining Craft for the craic.
    Suchi DTxx

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