Thursday, July 16, 2015

Paper Caravan with DIY Petaloo Flowers

Given the chance to play with Petaloo's DIY blooms I tried a few different colouring techniques. I used dyes, acrylic and watercolour paints with great success but my favourite results didn't come from paint at all. 

Tea Dying Petaloo DIY  Blooms

The flowers that I was most smitten with were ones that were simply dipped in tea. They looked warm and worn, perfect for vintagey type pieces, or for a softened look.

Tea Dying Petaloo DIY  Blooms

To add a little variation, I gave some of my blooms a light wash of pink or yellow acrylic craft paint before dipping them. The result was perfectly subtle. The hardest part? Allowing those cuties to dry before using them.

Note: You could absolutely use coffee for staining, but I find that the smell lingers. Tea on the other hand has almost no noticeable scent.

So, what did I use these cute little blooms for?

Paper Caravan with Petaloo DIY Blooms - Nichola Battilana

Embellishing a little shabby chic paper caravan!

Paper Caravan with Petaloo DIY Blooms - Nichola Battilana
Here's a better look at those pretty tea stained flowers.

Paper Caravan with Petaloo DIY Blooms - Nichola Battilana



Paper Caravan with Petaloo DIY Blooms - Nichola Battilana

Here's a complete list of Petaloo goodies I used:



P.S. Although I didn't use them in this project, I did colour some the flowers in the DIY-Mums & Butterflies 1650-015 and they are absolutely lush and I would totally recommend.

6 comments:

  1. Your caravan is fabulous! Maybe you could do a tutorial for it??? I love your fairy projects so much. It would be neat if you detailed how you created some of them:) Great job on the flowers, too.

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    1. I've had a couple of requests for a tutorial for the caravans. The truth is that tutorials take a lot of time (which kind of limited at the moment). One tute a month is where I'm at, right now I am working on a big one for GinasDesigns.net which will be posted in a couple of weeks

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  2. Hi Nichola, It has been such a long time since I have posted to your Blog, life seems to have taken it's toll on me. This piece is beautiful. As I have said so many times in the past your work is absolutely amazing. I took the time this morning to go through and see all of your past creations and each one is amazing in and of itself. Your work takes me to another world of peace, harmony, freedom and love. Thank you so much for all that you do and share with all of us.
    Diane

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    1. Awww, thanks Diane :) I appreciate the kind words. Sending you nice thoughts.

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  3. I follow you all the time - love all of your miniatures. What sweet little fairy would not love to live in your delightful caravan!!!!
    sandy xx

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