Poppy Topper with Paper PrickingCompleted by Pamela Horton The whispering Platypus

If you like, as I do, spending the extra time to complete a greeting card for someone very special, and enjoy step by step and making a greeting card with a point of difference, then this topper by Julie Green fits every one of the above items.

I printed the sheet supplied onto white Crafty Bob’s Matte 200gsm photo paper and cut out the main element. I used the 2 templates and my single point tool to mark the 2 corners as indicated on the pattern instructions, I then coloured silver fine line peel off strips with an orange pen to attach on the white edge of the main image.

I used a linen finished pale apricot backing sheet cut at 15x 13cm and using the template marked the front right hand corner with the one main long curved line in readiness for stitching.

I completed the stitching using a single thread of orange embroidery floss using the stitch length 1-5. I attached this backing sheet to the main image using D.S. tape so that the stitched image was visible. I then attached the same coloured peel off strips to the edges.

The next backing sheet is a print of tiny flowers in apricot and pale green which measures 16x14cm and I have used the orange coloured peel off strips as embellishments along all 4 sides.

To make the main card I have used the linen finished apricot card cut at 29x17cm which I have scored and folded, then attached the same floral print cut to fit as the insert.

I used an apricot ribbon, silver peel off bird and then the bird cage to mount on the apricot linen textured card and then this embellishment to the left hand side of the insert with one of the sentiments supplied with the sheet provided.

I was then able to attach the main image with the backing sheets to the front using D.S. tape.

I used tiny sharp scissors to cut out all the smaller elements and a craft knife to cut away the white gaps between the stems and using the set by step method built up the floral image using padded D.S. tape.

I also used thickened white glue on the tiny edges of the leaves and petals to give a more dimensional and curved appearance to the image.

I added the Gold Dust glitter effects with a soft brush to the petals and the exposed edges of the floral backing sheet, and a very fine dusting over the white background of the main image.

I attached the apricot bow and the sentiment to give the appearance of a bouquet. I have then used the extra sentiments to make tiny gift cards.

I was able to make full use of every element supplied with this purchase and I am extremely pleased with the outcome of this delightful project.

Pamela Horton. The Whispering Platypus