ED164 Mandala flowerCompleted by Pamela Horton The whispering Platypus

I have chosen to complete this stitching design in embroidery floss in 2 colours. The main design is in aqua and the groups of flower stems are in a pale pink.

The 125 beads I have used to complete the project are 24 silver 7mm metallic rice beads, 8 pale pink 5mm round pearl beads, 5 clear glass 6mm round pink beads, 72 glass tiny blue seed beads with pink centres, and 16 pale pink sequins.

I copied the design from the sheet provided onto a 16.5cm square 120gsm white card. I completed all the aqua stitching using a single thread and the pale oink stitching using a single thread, following the stitching guidelines.

I began the beading in the centre of the design, using the aqua thread for the silver and blue bead groups and the pink thread for the sequins and pink beads.

The tiny seed beads for the very outside of the design, I attached using the aqua thread. I secured the stitching using D.S. tape and a 15.white light card to the back and then mounted this using D.S. tape to a 17.5cm square pink backing sheet.

I used an all over spot in pink tones with a white background to print A4 white card to make the main card for this large completed topper.

I have also used the same print to make 2 copies for the insert.

I attached the insert sheets onto the inside of the card and then to prepare the card front before attaching the completed topper, I attached an aqua ribbon and the pink and white lace down the left hand side of the card and continued this to the inside of the card, using red power tape.

I was then able to centre and attach the topper to the card front using D.S. tape. I have defined the edges of the main spot card with an aqua permanent marker.

I tied the simple bow using a length of 5mm wide and the same length of 3mm wide aqua ribbon together.

I attached this bow using red power tape. The insert isnot yet completed with a verse or sentiment, but I have prepared it with some peel off decorative embellishments.

I have made a tutorial for making a large card with an insert for this item.

It is available for your use in the craft tutorials section. Pamela Horton. The Whispering Platypus.