I’ve been thinking for some time now that I could try to make my own flair badges. I searched Pinterest for ideas, read some tutorials and realized it would be super easy with the Epiphany Crafts Shape Studio tool and some lovely little epoxy buttons, neither of which are in my possession.  😉

So, can you make flair with basic tools? Well, yes and no! I’ll walk you through what I did, point out a few mistakes that you won’t make and you can see for yourself.

(A few things: 1) Mine are huge! I used a circle punch that is much bigger than regular flair, you’ll see why in a bit; and 2) Yes, I have bubbles in my Glossy Accents. Oh well.)

First, punch three circles from sturdy chipboard or cardboard. I used the chipboard that protected the paper in my last Simon Says Stamp order. Punch three of these for each flair you plan to make. (This is why mine are so big; my smaller circle punch would not go through the thick material. I thought about using my Silhouette but this is about making these with basic supplies, right? So huge flair it is!)

Glue all three pieces together, one on top of the other. Cover the front and sides with gesso. (Or, if you want, skip the gesso and ink the edges of your flair. I inked the sides after, but I think inking each piece before attaching them would give you a better result.)

Use a good glue to attach paper to the front and file the edges, or just punch circles the same size. Silly me.  😉

Attach more paper layers and embellishments, then cover with a sealer. I used Claudine Hellmuth Multi-medium.

Add a dab, okay more than a dab, of Glossy Accents to each. I put a ton into the centre and let it spread out to the edges. I did over do it on one, and have the air bubbles to show for it. Dimensonal Mod Podge would be perfect for this! I have none.

Leave them to dry.

So, here is the finished product. I could have used bolder designs, so they would be more vibrant under the Glossy Accents but for a first try, these are not too bad.

Supplies: chipboard, Stampin’ Up! punch, Dear Lizzy for American Crafts paper, Project Life Kraft edition card, Glossy Accents, Claudine Hellmuth Multi-Medium, ColorBox ink, gesso

So, what do you think? Can you (would you) make flair?