Flower Soft

Here is my first "Frugal, Frivolous or Foolish" review...I bought Flower Soft at the Stamp Convention on Saturday. Pictured is what I purchased...the pastel kit with 6 different color pots (green, white, yellow, peach, lavender and blue), another darker green, the glue and flower wires. In case you haven't heard of Flower Soft yet, it is a fluffy product that comes in color pots. It resembles glitter in that you apply it to an area that has been glued. It is not sparkly and gives texture when applied. I did my research before I went to the show, so I knew what I wanted in advance. The items cost approximately $36.00. I chose a starter kit so that I could have a variety of colors to start out rather than buying only a few individual colors. While the starter kit may have cost me a few dollars more, I am better able to judge the results and versatility of Flower Soft. Here is my first card...

The image (Rubber Cottage) was colored with Prima Pencils and Gamsol. I also lined the mats with a Krylon Gold Leaf Pen. The papers and inks are all CTMH. The Flower Soft embellishes the plant on the table.

I did a second card in order to check the other colors and to try another style or application. All items in this card (except of course the Flower Soft) are CTMH.

Flower Soft is fun to work with and I was pleased with the realistic look. I learned a few things that I want to share...

1. Try using a coffee filter as a mat. This is a tip I picked up at the Stamp Convention for use with glitter so I tried it with the Flower Soft. They are light, cheap and very pliable so that the excess "fluff" can be returned to the pot for next time. Just make sure you change filters when you change colors in order not to mix.

2. When you open the pot, do it over the coffee filter. I read that Flower Soft expands and flys all over. I didn't have that problem...mine stuck in the pot. I used a toothpick to loosen the flakes.

3. I purchased the Flower Soft glue. It is very thick and I used a toothpick to apply the glue in a straight line. It made for a more even application.

4. Make sure not to "squeeze" the flakes together or it will clump. I found that if I roll the flakes between my forefinger and thumb as I sprinkle over the glue, I get a more even application.

5. Apply your darker colors first. I did a few practice images before I completed the cards and found it looked more natural and shaded better with the dark applied first.

I love the Flower Soft! It is easy to work with and gives a great result with just a little practice. There is an initial investment but it seems that the product will produce many projects. With my purchase of the starter kit and the additional green, I have enough colors to complete many types of flowers. It will only take a few more color pots to add to what I have in order to make Fall and Holiday projects. My overall rating of Flower Soft is "Frugal."

For Now, Happy Crafting!