Hibiscus Paper Napkin Foam Flowers

I'm always on the lookout for different types of fancy paper napkins. They can look very impressive on your dining table settings  - but I'm more concern with what I can do with them after dinner or entertaining. I came across paper napkins in the shape of a hibiscus flower. Can you image a beautiful hibiscus flower paper napkin laying in the center of your plate in a tablescape setting? I can! 

But in addition to that, can you imagine a hibiscus flower paper napkin turned into a 3D decoupage flower affixed to something like a clear container or other types of vessels like jars, bottles, vases or planters, etc.? A hibiscus flower is perfect for this technique because its large, dramatic petals and prominent central stamen naturally lend themselves to bold, 3D shaping.

But before we get to my step-by-step how-to, WELCOME to our Creative Craft Hop co-hosted by Sara @Birdz of a Feather  and Donna @Modern on  Monticello who take turns every other month! The lovely and very creative Donna is our host for this month! You probably just finished reading about Donna's wonderful project! Wasn't her Patriotic Boutique Bow gorgeous! It's the perfect accessory for any patriotic theme!  And be sure to check out all of our creative crafters sharing their awesome creations this month! You'll find the list below, just after my project!

Getting back to my hibiscus paper napkin foam flowers, the process involves applying a paper napkin flower design to a foam sheet using a decoupage glue like Mod Podge. Then heat it, emboss it and layer the flower design into 3D shapes with a raised effect! It's an exciting way to add dimension, depth and texture to just about any type of container and other items. Sounds exciting and fun, doesn't it? Let me show you how!

Materials:

• Hibiscus paper napkins
• Eva foam sheets (3mm)
• Mod Podge decoupage glue
• Plastic or Ziplock sheet
• Paint or sponge brush
• Scissors
• Parchment paper
• Clear transparent box w/lid
• Small craft iron/electric griddle 
• Foam padding
• Ball stylus
• JB Weld SuperWeld glue or quick dry glue
• Faux stamen

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Step-by-Step Instructions:

A classic hibiscus flower features a five-petal base and a long, dramatic central column (the stamen) like you see in this napkin.

 First, prep the napkin by carefully peeling away the unprinted, white backing layers from the decorative hibiscus napkin. You only want to use the top flowered layer. Do this by lightly dipping your forefinger in Mod Podge and tapping your thumb and forefingers together to get them sticky. Then tap the edge of the napkin with your fingers until .  .  .

                        

the layers easily separate.                     

Apply a layer of Mod Podge to the top of the plastic container .  .  .          

creating the background for the top of the container by cutting out two full 5-petal flower shapes and gluing them onto the top to serve as the background flower base. Be sure to cover with parchment paper to smooth out any wrinkles, etc.

Next, brush a thin, even layer of decoupage glue (like Mod Podge) onto a flat white 3mm foam sheet.

Gently lay the napkin flowers onto the glue.

To smooth out air bubbles and wrinkles without tearing the fragile paper, place a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap over the flower napkin and gently rub with your fingers, working from the center outward. Let it dry completely. 

Once the glued napkin is dry, carefully cut out the flower shapes from the foam sheet. This will serve as the thick, sturdy base for your 3D design. 

Here I'm matching up the foam backed hibiscus with the plain ones first glued down on the container.

For better 3D dimension, make cuts along the individual petals towards the center. 

Then lay the cutout foam petals directly against a hot (placed at the lowest setting) flat plate or an iron just for a few seconds. They will pop away from the hot surface on its own. I'm using a hot griddle instead of an iron since there was a recall on my craft iron and I didn't want to use my regular clothes iron for this. 

Place the warm foam face down onto a piece of foam padding and press the embossing ball tool into the center to give the flower a round, deep cup shape.

After a few seconds, the foam cools down and the shape is locked in. You can then add glue to the center and .  .  .

align it over the base flower on the container to secure.  

Create multiple cut-out parts of the flower, using a ball stylus to shape and curl the petals on foam padding.  .  .

adding a bit of glue and .  .  .

gluing the cut-out flower pieces together on top of the foam flowers.

The most recognizable feature of a hibiscus is the long stamen column extending from the center. I used faux stamens wrapped around in leftover napkin paper and glued them to the centers of the flowers.

Now the container is quite pretty and perfect to store my paper napkins!

Next on the hop is Cecilia, sharing her awesome tutorial on how to crochet trim to elevate plain hanging baskets! We love ways to elevate those plain hanging baskets, don't we!!!!

And please make sure to check out all of our super talented bloggers and their amazing creations listed below:

Sara -  DIY Bag Charm

 Donna - Simple Two-Ribbon Patriotic Boutique Bow

Gail - Hibiscus Paper Napkin Foam Flowers

Cecilia - How to Crochet Trim to Elevate Plain Hanging Baskets

 Carol - A Ribbon-Inspired 4th of July Wreath