2.1 Chanhua Basic Petal Start and End Finishing
1. Prepare a piece of 0.4mm diameter copper wire, cut-out cardstock (Chanhua template), and either velvet threads or silk threads.
2. Place the copper wire against the back of one piece of cardstock, add the velvet threads or silk threads, and pinch them together with your fingertips.
3. Wrap the thread around the tip of the cardstock where it meets the copper wire twice to secure it.
4. Continue wrapping the thread around the cardstock, controlling the tension to avoid wrapping too tightly or too loosely. Gently smooth the thread with your fingers after each wrap to keep it neat; this will make the finished petal more aesthetically pleasing.
5. After wrapping one piece of cardstock, continue wrapping the thread around the copper wire for about 3mm.
6. Add the other piece of cardstock and repeat the previous steps.
7. After wrapping both pieces, hold the thread end firmly without letting go. Fold the wrapped pieces together so the two ends of the copper wire are aligned, and wrap the remaining thread around the wire for a certain distance.
8. Once wrapped, separate the two ends of the copper wire. Wrap the thread back and forth between the wire ends a few times, then bring the wire ends back together and pinch tightly to secure the thread so it doesn't slip.
9. Apply a small amount of white glue to the end of the wrapped thread for reinforcement.
10. Use scissors to cut off any excess thread.
11. Use pliers to gently pinch the tip of the petal, bringing the two pieces of cardstock together neatly.
12. Adjust a lighter to its smallest flame. Light it and quickly pass the flame over the surface of the petal to burn off any excess fuzzy fibers.
13. The basic petal is now complete.
