Weeks of Wonder: Fun from an Old Friend

This week we're revisiting a trusty and true friend that some of you may have forgotten about: Fun Flock! This versatile accessory really lives up to its name—it's really a kick to play with! And when you know some fresh and fabulous applications for it, you'll be eager to get reacquainted with this playful friend.

For example, you can mix Fun Flock with prisma glitter for a blinged-out finish. (Just shake the two together in a bag and apply.) I've tried this technique on the buttons on my layout; eye-catching, isn't it? You can also use it traditionally, for a great puff of white—like on my stamped bunnies on my card. The best way to apply it in my view is by applying Liquid Glass first, then pressing the flock straight down into the adhesive (just press, don't rub).

But the technique I'm excited to share today involves tinting or dying Fun Flock—I wish you could see my layout so you could better see the gorgeous, velvet texture it creates! Check out my stamped flowers and leaves on the layout, as well as the Dimensional Elements heart on my card for the look I'm going for. Here's how to do it:

Step 1: Pour a desired amount of flock into a resealable plastic bag and distribute it evenly inside the bag.

Step 2: Mix dye in a spray pen by filling pen to the 7th line with water and adding 20-25 drops of reinker in the color of your choice. Hold the bag open, then mist the flock. Close the bag and shake and rub the flock-dye mixture. Continue misting with dye until the flock reaches the color intensity you want.

Step 3: Dry the flock by spreading it out on a scrap paper or in a craft tray. Once the flock is mostly dry, use your fingers or piercing tool to separate any clumps.

Step 4: Stamp the image you intend to flock. Once stamped, you're ready to apply your Bonding Memories glue. (You can also use Liquid Glass, but I recommend Bonding Memories whenever you're working with reds or pinks, as Liquid Glass may intensify or alter red/pink hues.)

Step 5: Spread Bonding Memories glue evenly on your paper surface—you'll need to work quickly and in small areas as Bonding Memories is renowned for fast drying. Generously cover the wet glue with flock; ensure you don't have any bare spots. Set aside to dry.

Step 6: Once the glue is dry, tap off any excess fun flock. If you missed any spots or want to make your flock fuller, simply repeat the process. And if the flock covers a spot you didn't want—like an eye or a cheek, for example—use a piercing tool to gently push or scrape the excess away. Then trim and layer your stamped and flocked piece to your project.

This particular layout features photos of my friend Sokunnary—a trusted and true colleague for more than a decade at Close To My Heart. Her bright red vest was the inspiration for my velvety red flower petals on this layout. And just like Sokunnary is my long-time friend, Fun Flock can be yours, too—enlivening and adding fresh dimension to everything you do!