Jun 4, 2014

Quilled Poppy in Progress (6) and DIY Pollen


It's finally done! My largest project to date at about 11"x11".  I'm struggling a bit with the photography because I can't seem to make the color strips stand out as much when I shoot straight down. To achieve the photo above, I shot a bit from the bottom, and tweaked the perspective within Photoshop. This ends up showing a bit more of the strip from the side. Anyway, on to the crowning glory - the stamens and pollen.


I drew a circle of stamens and cut 3 slightly varying sizes. I did this because anything drawn in a repetitive pattern looks very mechanical. Stacking the stamens directly above one another just looks too "perfect", and not as natural.


So I cut one of the circles into 3 parts to deliberately offset the stamen lines. Next I borrowed my cheese grater and grated a rolled up piece of matching yellow paper and proceeded to grind away. UHU glue stick was smeared on just the tips, then dipped into the "pollen".

If you'd like to see this DIY flocking technique on another flower, click here.


Here's a nice close up for you to see.


Each stamen was bent in two places. The cut stamen-circle was sandwiched to hide the cut lines.


To make the middle crown, I cut a piece of radiating lines, then curled them all inward and nestled it within the stamens.


Here's a side shot to see it all together, close up.

So to recap this series:
My inspiration was a pink poppy photo
Stage 1) Tracing and outlining
Stage 2) Trimming the ends
Stage 3) Gluing tips
Stage 4) New glue love discovery
Stage 5) Custom cut paper

Thanks to all who've been commenting and cheering me on. I've had a great time learning along with you!

40 comments:

  1. absolutely AMAZING!!!!! .... that sound you just heard was my jaw hitting the table, excuse my while I go pick it back up.

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    1. Hee hee! You're the best Cheryl! I've been looking forward to this part the most. I actually made a trial version right off the bat to see if I could achieve what I had in my head. It's so good to finally get it out of my brain!

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    2. Your brain must be pretty crowded. Hope your demo went well last night.

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    3. LOL yup it was and yes, it was great that we did it! Thanks for everything Cheryl!

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  2. STUNNINGLY BEAUTIFUL!!!! Takes your breath away - would love to see it in person!
    Paper Hugs,
    Jan

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    1. Aw thanks Jan! It does actually look so much better in person. I wish I knew photography better so I could convey it more. Paper hugs back! - Cecelia

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  3. Absolutely Stunning!!! Amazing way it has taken shape and thanks for all the WIP pics and tips at every step!!!

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    1. I'm so thrilled to have had you along on my adventure Sathya! I'd love to know if the tips help you!

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  4. WOW! I have followed your progress throughout the making of this incredible poppy and all I can say now is, "WOW!" You have created an amazing work of art! I also wish I could see it in person, not because I think there is anything wrong with your photo skills, but because in person the whole 3-D look would completely transform the poppy! Hats off to you for accomplishing an awesome goal. I simply love your work!

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    1. {blush} Thanks Robin Ann! I'm thrilled to hear you've been enjoying my series. Yes, I'm looking forward to finally hanging my first quilling piece and enjoying it as I pass by.

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  5. This is JUST AMAZING Cecelia! It looks sooooo real! And the perfection I've come to associate with your work shines right through! Wonderful wonderful project. I looooove the stamens!!!!

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    1. Aw thanks so much Pritesh! I can't imagine the patience you needed to complete your epic Seattle masterpiece, which was so much larger! I guess I'll have to keep practicing!

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  6. This is just incredible !! I wish I 'd be half as talented as you. Maybe in another life... Thanks for sharing the entire process

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    1. Hi Séverine, thank you so much! Please know that I have been doing this for quite some time, so it has taken me a while to come to this stage now and I still feel there is so much to learn - just know I'm learning and growing with you!

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  7. Gorgeous Cecelia. It is lucky for us you share your work and tips:) .Love how your poppy turned out.

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    1. Thanks so much Suganthi! It's been easier to explain my process after figuring out how to say things in my book. I'm so happy to have had this interaction for my largest project!

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  8. Your work is really amazing.....!!! So cute quilled poppy :) I have never seen such a clear step by step making process for pollen, awesome...!!

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    1. Hi Komalavalli, thank you! I'm thrilled you enjoyed my tutorial. I hope you'll show me if you make some pollen too!

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  9. Oh my goodness - WOW! It has been a pleasure to follow your progress with this project, totally awe inspiring; the speed with which you completed the Poppy is amazing in itself - I'd have never completed this is my lifetime. Your ingenuity is amazing, the stamens and pollen are just perfect! Thank you Cecelia for sharing this with us. Absolutely Gorgeous!!! xx

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    1. Never say never KS! I didn't think I could do this until I was partway through and trying to solve each stage too. It's been great to have this encouragement from everyone as I went along!

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  10. Wow! That's all I can say. This is an awesome poppy, I would love to hang it in my living room. I have really enjoyed following your progress. I am also in awe of your coordination. Wow, again!

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    1. Thanks so much SiskiyouSue! I'm happy you've enjoyed learning with me. I'm definitely looking forward to slowly enjoying it in our home.

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  11. Hi Cecelia! I can't even begin say how much I enjoyed these last few posts with the quilled poppy! I almost felt like I was standing next to you while you were working :) So interesting to learn how a project is born! Simply wonderful!
    Hugs!

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    1. Hi ManuK, thanks for cheering me on! I've had a great time showing more behind the scenes ways of how I work. I think working on my book helped me get used to thinking more along this way. :D
      Hugs!
      Cecelia

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  12. Wow!!!Cecelia, very beautiful!!!

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    1. Thanks so much Nati! I'm happy you like it :D

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  13. What a masterpiece, Cecelia! Even down to the miniscule bits of pollen - wow. I hope you'll hang it in a place of honor.

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    1. Thanks so much Ann! Your glue referral really came in handy with this project. It's literally got a special place in my home now :D

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  14. Wow! Just amazing!!! Love it, Cecelia!

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  15. Cecelia, the project is really unreal :) Petals are so neat and even weightless. And the idea with cheese grater is so cool!
    Hugs,
    Kate

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    1. Hi Kate, thanks so much {blush}! I'm buoyed by all these wonderful comments! :D

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  16. Exquisitely beautiful. I'm so glad you sent an email to your list---I've been too busy to read so many blogs. I'm glad I caught up with yours. Your animal themed party favors are still my favorite paper project ever!

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    1. Aw, thank you SO much 365 Dresses! I loved getting your thoughts - you are so sweet!
      Cecelia

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  17. This is beautiful! I was wondering if you would share a link to the cut file you used for the stamens? You are so creative!!

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    1. Hi there, thanks! Sure I don't mind, but you'll need to supply me with your email address.

      Cecelia

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    1. Hi Susanne, thanks for your question. I designed the stamens and cut it on my Silhouette SD die cutting machine.
      Cecelia

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  19. Thanks so much for sharing this technique. I can't wait to try it out. Your work is amazing.

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    1. Hello White Selkie, welcome to my blog! Thanks for your kind words. I'd love to see your quilling!

      Cecelia

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