This month we are partnered with Rinea and they generously shared some of their foiled papers with our design team. When I first received my package, I gazed with wonder at the super vivid color and rich shine of the paper. My mind started racing with all the projects I could do… a layout with Christmas photos, showcasing the color and shine? Oh – what about birthday cards? The paper is so bright and festive! Hmm, valentine’s is coming up – should I make something themed? Ultimately I wanted to embrace how this paper can hold it’s shape and show you how to create a beautiful paper rose!
I remembered that ages past, I had learned how to make a paper rose using a simple six petal flower design. I dug through my files and found an old paper pattern based on the six petal flower. One of the perks of using the foil paper is that I could use a mechanical pencil with no lead to trace the paper on top of the foil and I could see the lines indented into the foil as my cut line. No need to cut up my template or make a copy!
As I started cutting, I wondered….was this even paper? When I first handled it and took scissors to it – I would have insisted it was simply a heavy foil….so I attempted to tear it… Oh, wow! This paper tears beautifully! And yes, it IS paper! It simply has the most amazing foil on both sides that makes it feel like it is pure metal, but there is a white paper core.
I proceeded to cut out all my petals and one leaf shape. The paper cuts like a dream! I can’t wait to try it with my electronic cutter. As I was working with the papers, my mind kept wandering to all the different things I’d like to try! It’s such an innovative product unlike other metallic papers or foils I’ve worked with before.
Then I used my fingers to gently mold each petal by curling the edges back with my fingers. It was super easy and fast. It required zero coaxing to get and stay in shape.
I also creased the leaf and gave it a bit of dimension with my fingers.
Now, you can use floral wire to assemble this beauty, but I didn’t have any on hand. And, I’ll let you in on a secret….this whole project was crafted as I was in bed sick with the flu. So I wasn’t really up to running to the store. So, I used what I had on hand – toothpicks! Don’t laugh – it turned out perfectly fine. Though I might recommend wires depending on how you plan to use your flower.
The center of the flower uses the three single petals to form a bud. I wrapped the first petal around a toothpick to form the shape and then I put a dab of Helmar 450 Quickdry Adhesive on the end of the toothpick and slid it down into the curled petal. This let me get the glue deep into the bud shape without having to unwrap the petal.
A dab of glue and I formed the second petal around the first one and held it in place for a moment for the glue to set up a bit.
As I worked with the glue and paper I noticed the glue had the power to take off the color on the foil. This is something that you certainly want to be aware of as it can be quite visible depending on your project.
I can also see this as another fun element to explore and play with in the future with these papers! I’d love to experiment with this and you may see more of this paper in a future project!
After the three single petals were glued into position, I set the toothpick bud aside and glued the tabs on the remaining petal groupings. This makes a ring of petals that slides onto the toothpick (or wire) instead of individual petals.
Then I slid the first ring of petals onto the toothpick and played with exactly how I wanted it positioned. I slid it down a bit, added a dab of glue and moved it back up behind the bud. I held it a moment to allow the glue to set up. Helmar 450 Quick Dry Adhesive is just that – quick dry! It only took a moment or two, and I could add the next layer of petals.
I repeated this step for each layer of petals, being sure to alternate petal positions to give a full flower effect. Finally I glued on the leaf, showing the gold side of the foiled paper. (Did I mention the paper has a different color foil on the back? It does!) Here is my finished rose!
It sure would be beautiful to craft a whole bouquet of these beauties for a loved one for Valentine’s Day or just because! I think it is such a stunning rose! I’m sure this one will find it’s way into my daughter’s hair one day soon!
What will you create with Rinea foil paper?
