Spellbinders Autumn Flora by Susan Tierney-Cockburn

Spellbinders Autumn Flora by Susan Tierney-Cockburn Ciao Bella Sound of Autumn Tall & Skinny Folio by Kathy Clement Kathy by Design Photo 01

Spellbinders Autumn Flora by Susan Tierney-Cockburn: Ciao Bella Sound of Autumn Folio

Hello, Friends!  Fall flowers are so very lovely, especially when you  make them by hand with Spellbinders Autumn Flora by Susan Tierney-Cockburn.  When Spellbinders asked me if I would be willing to play with a couple of the floral dies from this release, I did not hesitate for a second!  I was asked to choose 2 dies from the release to use in a project of my choice.  I opted for the Coreopsis and the Gaillardia dies because I thought the size and shapes would work well together in a floral cluster.

Next, I had to decide what papers to use.  After flipping through my stash of fall designs, I decided to use Ciao Bella’s glorious “Sound of Autumn” collection. I love the vibrant hues and artsy vibe this collection provides.

Autumn Flora Tips and Tricks

First gather up scraps of designer paper from the collection.  Then die cut loads of petals and foliage from those scraps.  Your flowers will match your paper collection perfectly.

  • Begin by lightly misting all your die cut flower layers.  This will make them easier to shape.  It also releases the starch in the paper.  When the flowers dry, they will hold their shape and be much sturdier.
  • Next,  shape each petal with a the Golf Groove Flower Shaping Tools.  Place the flower layer face down on a shaping mat (linked below).
  • Now, run the grooved tools from the tip of each petal toward the center.  The petals will curl in on themselves.  That is normal.
  • Then flip the flower over and cup the center with the round end of the largest Golf Groove Tool.  The curled petals will relax and take on a pretty shape.
  • Now add more detail with a straight tweezer.  Place the tweezer in the center of each petal and gently fold up or down.  Then gently grasp the tip of the petal and twist slightly.
  • Layer the petals together.  I used two of each large layer and 2 of each small plus the little bits that go in the center of each flower.  Stagger the flower layers to create fulness and dimension.
Finishing Touches
  • If desired, you can fill the center of each flower with Dries Clear Adhesive or hot glue and Go Mango Prills.
  • Brush the edges of the flowers with Gathered Twigs Distress ink to really amp up the fall vibe.
  • Then place the flowers in a box and mist lightly with Copper Perfect Pearls Mist and Jack-o-Lantern Glimmer Mist.
  • Follow the same steps for the foliage.  I always make extra foliage!
Tall and Skinny Box Pocket Folio

This tall and skinny folio base is made from one sheet of 8 1/2″ x 11″ kraft cardstock.  Score it at 4 1/4″, 5, 9 1/4″, and 9 3/4.  Fold along the scored lines to create a 4 1/4″ x 8 1/2″ folio with 3/4″ spines on both sides. Ink the edges with Gathered Twigs Distress Ink.  Then brush a little Copper Metallic paint along the edges to add a soft autumnal glow.

Create the Frames by die cutting ivory cardstock with Spellbinders Picot Petite Ovals from Amazing Paper Grace. Back  the frames with designer paper and foam dimensionals.  Then layer them together as seen in the photo. Now you can cluster your flowers and foliage around the frames.

Our son cut me a pile of little oak branch slices.  I topped one with acorns, pollen stems, foliage, Prills and a burlap bow as an embellishment for the cover.  The acorns have been brushed with Copper Metallic paint.

Wrap the folio with ribbon to serve as a closure.

A Peek Inside

A pair of pockets fills the inside of the folio.  The standard pocket on the left holds a bookmark and a vintage silver plate demitasse spoon.

The box pocket on the right holds a tea party in a box.

It’s everything you need for a tea party for one: tea, cookies, chocolate, honey, and a little honey dipper.  There’s also a smaller 4″ x 6″  folio tucked in here.  Place photos or write a note inside.  When all the goodies have been consumed, this pocket is a great spot to tuck in some favorite fall photos.

Fall is absolutely my favorite season of the year.  And fall flowers are always extra special.  I hope I’ve shared some tips, tricks and flower shaping  techniques for these Spellbinders Autumn Flora that you can use in your next crafty adventure.  If so, I’d love to hear from you in the comment section below.

To see more projects made from Ciao Bella Sound of Autumn, click HERE.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

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26 thoughts on “Spellbinders Autumn Flora by Susan Tierney-Cockburn”

  1. CHERYL WELLS

    Gorgeous Fall colors on this card/folio!! I love how you always put the right colors and textures together – thank you for sharing your amazing talent!!

  2. Helen Budz

    Kathy, your combination of these Spellbinder floral dies and the Caio Bella papers is truly a winner for me. This project is amazing. There is such a rich Autumn touch to every element from the pocket box folio itself to all the added pieces. I think this is my favorite of all your wonderful Fall projects. tfs-stay well. Hugs!

  4. Glenda

    Oh my goodness, you have done it again! I simply find your flowers glorious and I especially loved the cattails made with prills. You have inspired me yet again!

  5. Gena L Krannig

    Well Kathy, you have produced an absolute masterpiece! What a visually stunning creation! The flowers, the acorns, those gorgeous papers, just everything encompasses my favorite season. I love the bookmark as well as all of the wonderful surprises inside. The tips on making the flowers are just great. You have done Spellbinders proud, Girl! Thank you for sharing this beauty! Hugs!

  6. Martie Rollin

    I say YES! to acorns on Fall projects!! I think I’m finally talked into looking at copper metallic spray mist…really like the look on your lovely flowers. Thanks so much for the detailed instructions on forming the petals. Every tip helps to make my floral displays better. Thank you, Kathy! Shorter daylight and cold temps have turned my dogwood tree a lovely shade of red…nice to have Fall right outside my front window. One ought never pass up an opportunity to create more flowers!!

    1. kathycNC Post author

      Thanks, Martie! I’m so glad you were able to pick up a few tips from the flower making steps. They do take time, but the end results are so satisfying! And yes! to copper mist on fall flowers! LOL

  7. lynn legge

    dear kathy
    you are such an artist i cant describe what it makes me feel to see these beautiful pieces of artwork you create. the colors always make me smile and i love seeing the added touches you do. what lucky people who receive one of your gifts.
    sending love
    lynn

    1. kathycNC Post author

      Ah, bless you Lynn! How kind you are! I’m so glad to know that these little offerings are brightening your days! Love and hugs!

  9. MaryH

    What an accomplished individual you are Obi–Wan Clement! You are so very knowledge and skillful in the papercraft arts and cooking too. (I am sure more likely in many other areas too.) And, I for one am so so happy that you generously share the fruits of your labor and knowledge you have acquired. Seriously a big, “Thanks Kathy”! This make is so smashing and paper/color choices so reminiscent of Fall with lots of sunshine. Love Susan Tierney–Cockburn’s dies!

    Hope in future you share you knowledge on fall flowers. My garden is sorely lacking in this element.

    1. kathycNC Post author

      Hi, Mary! I’m afraid I do most of my “gardening” on paper! But I do love fall flowers like mums and asters…and here in the South, pansies are a great choice for fall. I actually have some hybrid azaleas that bloom in early fall, too. Camellias are wonderful as well. And evidently Gaillardia and Coreopsis are fall blooms as Susan’s dies tell us! Thanks so much for your very generous words of praise. We are not worthy! xo

  10. Christal Gill

    Wow! Gorgeous Card! I love all of your creations and this one is Beautiful! Love how you did the bookmark with the vintage spoon. Wonderful ideas!

    1. kathycNC Post author

      Thank you, Christal! I know bookmarks are part of a fading era with all the e-books that abound these days. But I still love to read a real book…and I appreciate an old fashioned bookmark, too! Thanks for the kind words! x0

  11. Sandy Artman

    I’m with you, Kathy, fall is my favorite season! The palette doesn’t suit my wardrobe but I love all rich warm colors. I can almost smell the spiced cider (pumpkin?) in the air! Your folio is a visual and textural delight. How it’s blessed me this morning turning my attention and senses from the concerns of the day to the season of gratitude…Thanksgiving. YOU are a blessing!

  12. soozyb2013

    Wow, this is amazing and all those goodies packed inside. You are the Queen of Folio’s. Have a great Monday. 🙂

  13. Claire Gagne

    Outstanding card Kathy. All these papers are beautiful, thus a beautiful make. Be safe & TYFS

  14. Susan Steele

    Oh WOW!!! This just screams FALL! Beautiful …just beautiful!!! Absolutely luv your gorgeous fall flowers …you are the Flower making Queen in my book! And thanks for those extra tips on making them. And luv how you framed that little log cabin! Perfect! They are my favorite! And the inside of this folio just as beautiful! Yes …fall is my favorite season too! Have a wonderful week and thanks for sharing. Hugs, Suzy Q

    1. kathycNC Post author

      Thanks, Suzy! I do so love fall…and I want to cozy up in that little cabin with a cuppa and a good book! Glad you enjoyed the flower making tips! Hugs!

  15. Priscilla Hughs

    Oh my gosh! This is adaptable to lots of papers! A friend sent 3 collections of Stamperia florals and I’ve been mulling about how to best present them! You have saved the day once again… thank you! This is lovely!

    1. kathycNC Post author

      Hooray, Priscilla! I am thrilled that you can see how to use this basic design with other collections! That makes my day! Thank you so, so much! xo

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