ED158 Floral mandala

This amazing intricate design looks more difficult than it actually is at first viewing. I copied the sheet provided onto 110gsm white matte card cut at 16 x16cm and later after completion trimmed the topper to measure 14.5cm square.

I have used 5 colours in single thread embroidery floss, the outside circle is mauve, the inner hexagon is deep purple the flower baskets are green, the stems are in a slightly darker green, and the central flower spray is a shade lighter in purple.

I have used a total of 37 beads to complete the central spray, 12 purple green luminescent 7mm metallic rice beads, 12 tiny purple green luminescent seed beads I round 2mm glass purple green luminescent bead and 12 tiny round mixed round luminescent beads.

For each of the 3 flower stems and leaves I have used 2 of the 5mm metallic rice beads in the same shade as the larger ones, each with a tiny matching seed bead and 6 of these same tiny luminescent seed beads for the flowers.

Each of the green basket pairs have 8 little seed beads and the handle point has one larger 7mm, metallic matching rice bead.

To complete the project I have made a matte white card cut at 35.5 x 17.25cm and scored and folded, then rounded the corners, while folded using my corner cutter.

I attached 11.75cm square backing sheet to the back of the stitched and beaded work to secure the stitching using 6mm wide D.S tape.

I then attached this using D.S. tape to the 15.5cm square purple with white spot backing sheet.

I then attached this completed topper to the card front and attached the peel off purple and green strips, and the 2 butterflies as embellishments.

It reminds me of a manor House ornate garden design, so this stitching pattern by Emy van Schaik is aptly named as a Floral Mandala.

This design would make a delightful finish to any greeting card with the use of so many different shades.

I think I will grow some red and yellow flowers in the garden when I make the next version of this design.

Pamela Horton. The Whispering Platypus.