4.1.4 Unidirectionally Flattened Style – Leaves Made by Flattening Technique

Using Flattened Rose Leaf as an example, suitable for various medium and small-sized flower types

Key Summary

• Do not apply too much setting liquid or hairspray during shaping.
• Position the clamping plates correctly.

Method 1 Production Steps

(Diagram Text: Seven strips per group, 8 groups in total)

01. Arrange the colors as shown in the diagram, overlap two velvet rows. The velvet row width is 4.3cm, with brass wire spacing of 2.2cm. Use 0.2mm or 0.25mm brass wire to make the velvet strips.

02. Cut off the brass wire at the top of the velvet strips.

03. Pass the strips through the clamping plates from bottom to top (clamping plate temperature between 180–220°C), paying attention to the placement position.

04. The flattened velvet piece after passing through the plates is as shown.

05. Use a brush to apply setting liquid to the velvet piece *(note: brush it on, do not soak it. Soaking can cause the piece to absorb too much liquid, leading to deformation)*. If too much setting liquid is applied, use other dry, unshaped velvet pieces to blot and absorb the excess. After brushing on the setting liquid, insert the piece into a foam pad or foam board to air dry.

06. After drying, trim and shape it.

07. The diagram illustrates the change of the velvet strip from fluffy to flattened to set: In the fluffy state, the color appears darker than the selected color; after flattening, the color becomes lighter; after setting, the color deepens again. Therefore, consider this when selecting colors. The finished velvet strip should be one or two shades darker than the initially selected color.

08. Attach floral wire to the lower quarter of the leaf. After attaching, press with the clamping plate. The high temperature will soften the leaf. Pressing embeds the wire into the leaf, reinforcing it.

09. Quickly clamp the edges of the leaf. Use the heat from the plates to soften the leaf, then rapidly shape it to create different leaf forms.

10. The leaf is complete.

Method 2 Production Steps

01. Arrange the colors as shown in the diagram, using 18 sets of thread total. The velvet row width is 6.5cm, with brass wire spacing of 2–2.2cm. Use 0.2mm or 0.25mm brass wire to make the velvet strips.

02. Cut the velvet strips at any point according to the desired leaf size. For uniform sizes, cut symmetrically. For different sizes, use a 40/60 or 30/70 split.

03. After unidirectional flattening, proceed with shaping/setting.

04. Once the adhesive is dry, trimming can be done. If you want to retain the blue color at the leaf tip, ensure the initial cut splits the strip in half. For leaves of different sizes where the small leaf retains the blue tip, cut away the lower part during shaping and keep the upper part.

Tips: Brushes used for applying setting liquid should be cleaned promptly with 95% alcohol after use to prevent them from hardening.