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Q. I have purchased your books, where do I go from here?
A. Choose one of the simpler flowers and follow the instructions and diagrams. At any time you are welcome to join the Floral Punch Craft group by joining the Message Board incorporated with this site to exchange ideas and techniques. This is a free group.
Q. How long would it take me to complete a card?
A. Approximately 1 hour for a card designed around a single flower. Obviously, the fewer and simpler the flowers, the less time it takes to complete a card. For example, a Daisy would take about 10 to 15 minutes to create as opposed to an Agapanthus that would take hours. Many flowers in both Floral Punch Craft and Floral Punch Craft 11 fall into the category of “quick and easy”.
Q. Will I be able to make the flowers from the book’s instructions?
A. Yes, you can however, read and practice the instructions for shaping the petals and leaves before commencing. You will then be able to follow the instructions for individual flowers. To obtain the best results, take care not to jump over any steps.
Q. Where do I turn for help?
A. At any time, you are welcome to join the Floral Punch Craft, Message Board group to talk to Leone and fellow crafts' persons.
Q. I have your books but no equipment, what do I buy next?
A. Purchase a punch. Read through the books and decide for yourself the section where you wish to commence. The punch / punches are named for each project. The tools for each book are the same but some household items can act as equipment substitutes and can be utilized for an immediate start.
Q. I am inexperienced, could I make a Christmas card by buying the book?
A. Yes, any flower or combination (when used in conjunction with Christmas colours) could be made by following the instructions step by step in either book. Floral Punch Craft 11 has a Christmas section.
Q. Am I allowed to sell flowers and cards that are based on the designs and instructions in your books?
A. Yes, provided you email/write to Leone Em with your details and a Consent Form is issued.
Constructing FAQ's
Q. What type of glue is used?
A. Most times, PVA glue(white wood glue) is excellent. A small amount on the end of a toothpick is sufficient. If the glue takes longer than 20 seconds to dry when holding 2 shapes together, you have used too much.
Q. Do you need special paper?
A. No. After you become familiar with the various papers and textures you will be able to utilize most papers. If the paper is the colour you required, you can use it. Envelopes, junk mail, wrapping papers and paper place mats are acceptable. NOTE: Crepe paper which stretches is not acceptable as the punch cannot cut through this texture or similar.
Double light weight paper before punching the shape.
Q. What will I do if I cannot find the right colour for the project?
A. With water soluble pencils / paints, paintbrush and water colour the paper to suit your project. Allow to dry before punching shapes.
Q. My shapes do not have a clean cut edge, what is wrong?
A. The paper you are using is too light in weight. Solution: fold the paper in two before punching the shape.
Most times you will be using a punch with an open back. Examples: heart, star, flower, some leaves, diamonds, trees. When the shape has a dragged edge the punch in use requires a double sheet of the paper you are punching.
The Jumbo Sun punch is the opposite as it has 12 or 20 teeth to cut the rays of the sun and like 1 sheet of paper.
Q. I cannot shape my flower correctly as it is stiff where I glued it together?
A. When too much glue is used, the paper will stiffen when dry or tear from the moister. As mentioned above only a small amount of glue is required.
Do not waste the glue stiffened flower, tuck it under on its side, peeping out between other flowers. The stiffened section will not be seen.
Q. Do I need new tools for each book?
A. No, both books utilize the same tools.
Q. Can I use the same punches for both books?
A. Many punches are used over and over to create a different flower or combined with other punches to obtain another shape.
Q. Why is shaping called "character"
A. As in life we say "He has a good character" meaning the person has good mannerisms and features. With flowers the character is the shape of the petals. An example is the opening of a Rose to the full bloom. The petals will curl slightly inwards as the bud starts to open while the outer edges of the Rose petals will curl backwards when it is reaching full bloom This is called "inwards" and "outwards curling character".
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