By now you all probably know I own rather a lot of Prima embellishments - not as many as some, but honestly more than I need.  In my defense I am getting better though - I don't buy the multi packs with 5 different colours, I don't buy the wooden charms that ONLY match the one line of paper, now I usually stick to white flowers and embellishments or small packets that will go with a project I have planned.  But what do I do with all of the odd colours and products I already own - last year's colours, or that solitary flower from a pack?

I MAKE IT MATCH!

There are soooooo many things you can do to alter paper or fabric flowers to ensure that they perfectly match your current project, these are just a few ideas to get you started:

Spray It!

Spray the item with a darker colour of your favourite shimmer, dye or paint spray.  This is quick and easy and usually gives excellent results and great coverage.  You know I love my Lindy's sprays, but you could also use Ranger's Dylusions, Heidi Swapp Color Shine, Art Anthology Colourations Sprays or Sei Tumble Dye Inks.  These will all give excellent coverage on fabric and paper - though for some you may need to allow the object to dry and then add a second coat.
From This...


To This...

Emboss It!

Coat the flower, leaf or even Paper clip (like I used below) using embossing powder.  I like to use either shimmery sheer colours like King Midas Gold from Lindy's Stamp Gang or the Angel Wings Peacock - as both add a simply gorgeous iridescent sheen while still allowing the base colour to peek through.  This does give a somewhat chunky finish - but can also make the object look like it's actually metal rather than paper or fabric!   Using King Midas Gold, from a silver paper clip to this...

Paint It!

Use either an acrylic paint (I like matt colours like Ranger Dabbers - or ultra shimmery metallics like Stewart Gill) or Tim Holtz Distress Paints for painting over - why these and not Silks or Magicals or others?  Because the paints I mentioned are thick and will give you excellent coverage so none of the original colour peeks through - usually with just one coat - stress free, work each and every time - no fiddling!  All I did was dip these (yes the whole thing) right into the Distress Paint and let them dry.

From This...

To This..

 

And don't think you can't get creative while doing this, try adding a layer of paint and then some embossing in a contrasting colour to the edges, or spraying your item and rubbing the tips with paint for effect.  Have a play - I've come up with some of my absolute favourite embellishments this way.  And NEVER throw something away if you don't like the colour - just add another layer - again, sometimes this can result in amazing effects!
  
  

I've used all the techniques I just described on the items in the photos below...

Leaves, flowers and lace all dipped in Distress Paint - Tarnished Brass.

Die Cut leaf and paper clip both coated with embossing Powder - King Midas Gold.

Close up of embossed leaf..

I've also created a YouTube clip showing more detail on some of these processes, you can see it below: