Becky's Stampin' Studio: 3-layer Coneflower Celebrations

This is actually my first attempt at the dimensional Coneflower! I learned a lot about shading the petals and the effects/shading I was trying to accomplish. I also tried Patty's suggestion of STAMPING the flower center, instead of using the die cut and paper. I decided I prefer the die cut center. What do you think? We have a lot of pinks to choose from when layering the flower, so use what you have!! I chose Pretty in Pink & Strawberry Slush 2-Tone Cardstock - both sides/shades.

Measurements:

Strawberry Slush: 1/2 sheet cut LENGTHWISE
Basic White: 4" x 5 1/4", scrap
Irresistible Designs DSP (N): 4" x 5 1/4", 1/2" x 4" (inside)
Pretty in Pink (N): 2-Tone Cardstock: 4" strip
Strawberry Slush (N): 2-Tone Cardstock: 4" strip
Granny Apple Green 2-Tone Cardstock: 4" strip

To Make This Card:

Cut the "base" of the flower from Pretty in Pink 2-Tone Cardstock. I also cut 2 top layers from Strawberry Slush 2-Tone Cardstock to experiment with. You'll want to flip them over before you cut, so you can play with both sides.
Then,I took the Granny Apple Green 2-Tone Cardstock and folded it in half (as per Patty's suggestion), and cut the stem and 2 leaves. You are able to cut 3 sets, but in essence enough for 6 cards!! This way you have both shades of Granny Apple Green to experiment with. (And, if you are only making one, cut a smaller piece to fold.)
As an additional option, you can cut a flower center from Pecan Pie. Again, you might want to flip it for color options.
So, now to assemble.
Take the "base" that you think you want to use, and fold it in half. Mine has the Darker Pretty in Pink up. You will stamp this with the coordinating stamp. (Please NOTE: the stamp only fits one way. Line it up to the "skinny petal" on the left!) Try different ink colors. Patty suggested Flirty Flamingo ink...it worked! Then, she stamps, again with remaining ink left on the stamp, inside...nice touch!
Add some Strawberry Slush ink or Flirty Flamingo ink (or both) to the lower edge of the petals with a Blending Brush.
Decide on a top layer, I decided on the lighter Strawberry Slush, and add some additional color to the top, near the center, being careful of the fragile petals. (I needed to work on blending the color better, it stops kind of abruptly.)
If you would like to try STAMPING the flower center, this is the time to do that. Just ink up the flower center in Pecan Pie ink, making sure there is no stray ink on the petals, and stamp.
Then. take the middle petal (this one is the darker Strawberry Slush) and add some color wherever desired.
Before assembling, I shaped the petals of the 2 top layers, with a bone folder.
Next, adhere the 2 layers at the center.
Next, take the resist design of your choice, and burnish in some color. I uses Strawberry Slish ink. start at the bottom right corner (or left, I guess), and blend at an angle with a Blending Brush.
Now, attach to a card base of your choice. You will usually have a lot of possibilities!! Mine is Strawberry Slush, Patty used Flirty Flamingo.
Lastly, we'll add the "stem & leaves". Decide which side you would like to use, and then stamp with Granny Apple Green ink. Add the stem, first, and then the leaves. To add the leaves, place a Dimensional on the tips (for dimension) and adhere the bottoms flush.
Now, add the flower.
The sentiment is from the More Messages Bundle.
Finish the inside with White layer and strip of Irresistible Designs burnished with a corresponding color.
Finish the outside with 2025-2027 Flat Pearls in Strawberry Slush and a little Wink of Stella on the flower center and top petals.