Corn husk is an awesome idea, thanks!!!

Sure! Just peel the corn husk off, several would be good. Wash it and remove the silk. Let it hang dry somewhere, kind of like drying out flowers... A large husk can be torn in half if necessary. It will be dry, but still flexible. You can buy corn husk impression molds/presses, but why not be cheap and cheerful! LOL. Lightly dust the husk with cornstarch/flour and impress or lay the item down on it and press, whichever works best for you. You can even take it in your hand and use your index finger to press in the design at angles as well, for a leaf for example. My corn husk is part of my took kit, it stays in my box.

I have dried corn husks because I use them to make tamales. My English classmates had never had tamales, so I brought them some and gave them each their own corn husk for our flower making in class. So, you can buy corn husks already dried and ready, but unless you make tamales, you will be stuck with a huge quantity. Just buy some lovely sweet corn for dinner and save the husks for your craft.

Originally Posted by TessaWood

The corn husk idea is awesome!!! THANK YOU!! I have pet rats and they know how to clean a corn cob!!!!

You're very welcome! I hope you do get the book I suggested. She has patterns of all the flowers she teaches in the back of the book. Just use parchment or wax paper to trace, then cut out of cereal boxes! You can save a lot of money that way and see if you really enjoy making that flower in the first place before investing in the cutter.

I also recommend one good multi flower veiner and one good petal veiner, unless you are entering competitions, there is no reason to be bontanically correct. Your average customer will never know the difference. Also, if you use the flower often, then sure get the proper veiners, such as for a rose. I prefer the PME plunger & veiner combo for the rose leaves & ivy. The dresden tool I mentioned is a great multi flower veiner and works wonderfully on all size petals.

Another one of my favorite cheap tools is a nail file. Sometimes when you make a flower, the edges can fray. I continue on making it, allow it to dry and use a new & dedicated nail file for filing down the rough edges. Or sometimes it can be used to save a petal that chipped slightly, you just round it off with the nail file! I prefer the 2 sided nail file, fine on one side and coarse on the other...

Have fun! Just remember don't make them perfect! They look more realistic with bent petals etc. You can really bring them to life by allowing the leaves to dry at different angles! Check out flickr for flower inspiration. They have wonderful photographers who take lovely garden shots of a large variety of flowers.