My new flower - LOVE it!!!

I sooooooo love this project!!!!!! If I had anything else to show you, I'd have to think about keeping this one a secret for my Hostess Appreciation Luncheon! :D But I hope you like it, too!

First, I've been enjoying the new 2-3/4" scallop circle punch SO much - and I knew I wanted to make another flower to show you today. But what?!?

Then I pulled out some scrap card stock, and something I put together reminded me of these awesome mums my mom has in the fall. (Try saying that five times fast! :D) They're a burgundy and golden yellow. I am SOOOOOO ready for fall; you can have this heat and humidity, thank you. I'm ready for some crisp mornings, chilly evenings, and beautiful colors!!

ANYWAY. The scraps I got out did nothing but make me think of those mums. So, I started - and I think it turned out SOOOO wonderfully! :D

AND, because I designed it JUST for you, I can tell you all about how to make it! :D

1. Base: Cut Elegant Eggplant card stock to 3.5"x7.5". Score at 2.5:. 5", and 6.75".

2. On the first section, use the Embossing Buddy; "welcome" is from FUNDAMENTAL PHRASES. Use Versamark and gold embossing powder, and melt to set.

4. Using our white gel pen, write guest's name above the stamped word.

5. Fold on all score lines. Place adhesive on the small tab. (I used Sticky Strip, because I didn't want this popping apart in the middle of dinner!:D ) Adhere into tent shape, as seen above. (You can see that I left a tiny amount of the Sticky Strip showing, so you'd know where I adhered it. Aren't I thoughtful? ROFL!) Set tent aside.

6. Punch TWO (2) 2-3/8" scallop circles from More Mustard; repeat with Bravo Burgundy.

7. Punch ONE (1) regular scallop circle from More Mustard; punch TWO (2) from Bravo Burgundy.

8. On all seven scallop circles, punch hole in center for brad - you can use your paper piercer and mat pack, or the 1/16" hole punch.

9. Cut from the valley point of each scallop almost to the hole. Do this on each scallop circle.

10. Layer the scallop circles, using the three smaller first, then the four larger, alternating the colors - and starting and ending with Bravo Burgundy. Place the brad through the holes, and open to hold the punches all together.

11. One layer at a time, fold the petals toward the front of the brad. DO NOT do this with the bottom layer. You want this to look full, and as close to a mum as possible! Place two dimensionals on the bottom, close to the brad; set aside.

12. Using the oval scallop punch, punch two (2) from Always Artichoke. Fold in half lengthwise; using paper snips, cut out every other scallop in the shape of a pie wedge. Run through the CRIMPER, still folded. Unfold.

13. Place flower on place card as desired. Using mini glue dots, position the leaves as desired.

Voila! Easy, and BEAUTIFUL. I wish you could see it in real life!!!!!!!!! Let me know if you try it - these would be beautiful if you made a bunch to decorate a tablescape, or even put them back-to-back to make full flowers! If you make one, let me know. I hope you enjoy it!

OK, I'm off. :) I hope you're having a WONDERFUL day - and be SURE to take the time to STAMP something!