613 Avenue Create - June 2021 Challenge #6 - Anything Goes w/Optional Twist: Paper Piecing : A Funky Flower

 Hello, Crafty Makers!

This month at 613 Avenue Create, our challenging twist is a throwback to an oldie but a goodie.  I love paper piecing!  While creating this project, numerous ideas for future projects kept popping into my head.  I have over 200 6x6 paper pads and probably an equal number of 12x12 and 8x8 pads.  I could paper piece the world if I set my mind to it!😁

A Funky Flower

AALL & Create #120 Growth in Numbers

I am a big fan of the AALL & Create border stamps.  For one thing, I can afford them!  But more than that, they are extremely versatile and ideal for slimline card projects!  I actually combined components from three AALL & Create Stamp sets in this design.

Step One - Choosing A Stamp

I like to choose stamps that have large open areas.  This makes the paper pieced area more visually impactful.  Generally, if I am using multiple patterned papers, I find that a large image ensures that my design will not be too busy!

Step Two - Choosing Papers

I chose these papers because they matched the style of the image, and I knew they would work well with a Kraft card base. For the most part, when choosing papers, the sky is the limit.  

Step 3 - Determining The Background

I knew from jump street that I would need to highlight the colors in my patterned papers somewhere in the design.  The patterns are not bold enough to stand on their own. I felt that they would not make a strong enough artistic statement.  Adding a stenciled element is an easy way to level up a project.  The stencil should be related to the design.  In my case it was geometrics.

This has to be my money-saving tip find of the year.  Instead of using black cardstock to border my face panels, I go around the edges with a black (or colored) Sharpie™.  Thanks, Jo Rice.

Step 4 - Paper Piecing

I used simple pattern papers. This simplified the stamping and saved paper.  The image was stamped in the corner of each sheet.

Using a bold design also increases the ease of cutting out your image.

I played around with various combinations of my chosen patterns.  In the end, I felt that selecting two papers for the petals worked best. Rather than trying to get a precise cut to match the center, I added a brad secured with a dollop of Glossy Accents.  

I used the two remaining papers on the flower vase!

The vase was pieced from the floral paper, and I used the final geometric pattern for the collar.  The final step was the addition of a piece of twine and a mini brad!

Step 5 - Finishing The Design

Little things matter!  Nowhere is that more true than in the world of paper crafting.  I wanted to pull in more of the Kraft color, so I added splatters using Vintage Photo and Picket Fence Distress inks. 

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Thanks so much for stopping by!  

If you have never tried Paper Piecing, we hope you will use our challenge as a place to start!

Hugz!

A Place To Start, Owner

613 Avenue Create, Owner

The Color of Cards, Owner

Stuff I Used:

AALL&CREATE

 #120 Growth In Numbers

#401 - Containers

#395 - Papaver Poppies (I used a stem from this set)

Papers: My Mind's Eye - Vanity Fair (2011)

Stencil:  DecoArt Andy Skinner Bubbles (12"x3")  (discontinued)

Brad:  Imaginisce - Fairy Dust Brads (Fairest of Them All Collection)