Here's a tutorial on how to make dip flowers using Q-dip material (This is what it is called in Malaysia, I think formafilm is something similar)
I believe that this art is originated from Japan ( pardon me if I'm wrong :P )
A thin layer of glossy plastic like material is formed by dipping wire outlines (petals) into coloured chemical and leave it to dry.
This materials (buy here) are easily torn when it's dry and usually strengthener is applied using brush to toughen it.
Sorry no picture of strengthener.
|The Q-dip. I prefer Star brand but this brand is OK. Don't forget wires and polystrene.|
|My favourite Q-dip|
And this q-dip when exposed to air, tends to harden therefore thinner is used to dilute it. In crafts shop (In Malaysia of course :P) There's a special bottled thinner that they claimed specially made for this Q-dip material.
But I, believed that you simply can use normal thinner you can find at hardware stores..! :P
Tried it and it work as well.
|You make the outline of the flowers you want, similar to stocking flowers making.|
In here I used lipstick :)
|I made 3 loops around the lipstick then tie it together in a knot|
|Then, pry it open.|
|You can shape the petals according to your liking. Pinch it slowly until you get the desired result.|
|Carefully lower the outlines into the dip. Ensure that the end is fully covered, it's like handling soap bubbles so that the thin surface won't break.|
|After that, leave it to dry. This stuffs starts to harden fast, but only touch it after 1 hour or so. you don't want to ruin it.|
|Tape the leftover wire neatly|
|Add pearls/beads to the centre using glue.|
|Here you go :)|
*Tips- Your fingerprints may be visible when you touch the dips flowers and reduce the glossiness..Wipe it away with soft cloth..
After sometime, the unused dip starts to thicken when exposed to air...Add a bit of thinner (Starts with 3 table spoons and increased more if needed). Stir the mixture evenly before used.
Bubbles tend to form when you open the dip for too long and when there's fan (moving air) nearby. Eliminate this by covering the lid and leave it to dissolve for sometime..
Hope this tutorial is useful. Feel free to ask me if you need clarifications :)