Canvas Sunflower- Mini Album Cover Embellishment

canvas sunflowers + inking + rubber stamping = lots of fun

This little denim album was one of those projects (and we all have them) that got left incomplete and abandoned when creativity took me in another direction. It was too plain for me to leave it just denim and I didn't know how to embellish it until I made this really easy canvas sunflower for the finishing touch.  Let me show you how I made it.

Directions:
1. Coloring the Canvas: Iron all the canvas pieces. Prepare your work surface & protect your hands with disposable gloves. Place the canvas sunflowers on your craft matte or newspaper. Using a sponge applicator to apply Distress Ink to color the sunflower and apply strong pressure to allow the ink to absorb into the weave of the fabric. Remember to color both sides of the canvas flowers as they will be folded to construct the 3D flower. Set flowers aside to dry thoroughly or give them a bit of help and dry them with a heat gun. Color the canvas leaves with Distress Ink. I suggest applying multiple shades of green & yellow ink to the leaves unevenly (aka splotchy) in order to give the leaves a more realistic appearance.
 

2. Stamping the Design: Use permanent ink to stamp a background pattern to the canvas sunflowers and leaves. Remember to stamp details to both sides of the canvas flowers as they will be folded to construct the 3D flower. I used a wood grain stamp to cover the petals.

3. Folding:  (you will need 3 canvas sunflowers)

Fold the sunflower canvas in half and press with your fingers while holding it for 20-30 seconds to set a mild crease in the canvas. Next, fold 1/3 of the folded sunflower over to form a small petal. Repeat the process of folding for the remaining two canvas sunflowers. You should have three identically folded pieces which when laid side by side form a complete circle.    

 

 4. Sewing: Use a needle and thread to tack the fold at the center and stitch it securely to prevent it from unfolding. Repeat the process of securing the fold for all three canvas sunflowers. Next, begin stitching the petals together at the center point to form the sunflower. There is no need to overlap because the three segments will form a circle when joined. Finally, embellish the center of the sunflower with a button and attach the canvas leaves to the underside of the sunflower. (Optional: If desired, sew a ladybug button on the sunflower.)

5. Inking the Edges: When the sunflower is stitched and assembled, use a sponge applicator to apply Distress Ink to the tips of the petals to add depth and dimension to the sunflower. (Vintage Photo & Spiced Marmalade)

6. Assemble the Project: Glue or stitch your sunflower to embellish your chosen item. You may embellish a candle holder, a gift bag, a hat, or a journal cover...etc.

A Closer Look:

Linnie Blooms Supplies: canvas sunflowers, canvas leaves
Other Supplies: Distress Inks (Peeled Paint, Mustard Seed, Vintage Photo, Spiced Marmalade) -Ranger, sponge applicator, StazOn brown ink (Timber Brown) -Tsukineko, woodgrain clear stamp (Architectural Accents) -Tattered Angels, Papermania leaf clear stamp -Docrafts, wooden button, needle & thread, glue gun, iron

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