Botanical Paper Art Collection One 

This post will show you how to create my botanical paper art collection using your SVG-friendly die-cutting machine – this includes the fiddle leaf fig, rubber plant, wax plant, and a bonsai.

At a glance, you will notice the intricate pieces I used to create the scene, but please don’t let it deter you from trying these designs. When I create most of my designs, l try to always have a beginner in mind. By simply following these step-by-step instructions, a beginner can make this with ease. I encourage you to check out the assembly videos I created after going through the TIPS section.

Create Your Own Composition

I wanted to design something that allows you, my subscriber, to pick not only desired colors but also composition in hopes to encourage creativity and some degree of customization. It would be very interesting to see the variations you come up with.

Why botanicals? I feel like spring was robbed from us this year in this part of the world, and who doesn’t love greenery? Black or brown thumb? I can relate, and this is an excellent option for us, my friend. Unlike my grandmothers who were able to stick anything with roots into the ground and magically sprout, I am a plant lover who is more like horticulturally hopeless. However, this has not stopped me from trying, which brings me to talk about my fiddle leaf fig.

The Inspiration: Botanical Paper Art Collection One

Ironically, a finicky plant, and you may have seen it on many modern architecture and interior design articles or perhaps on Instagram, my Fiddle Leaf Fig has survived under my care for the last two years. The best or perhaps, the strange part? It came in an Amazon box one hot summer day. So, what did I do different this time? I named it Ferdinand, after my cousin, who probably won’t appreciate knowing I named a plant after him, (and possibly killing it). Perhaps, this was an attempt to ensure I take good care of it.

Before we dive into the process, I want you to get the latest update on my new design files and tutorials. The best way to do this is to follow me on my Facebook page or Instagram.

What do we need for all the pieces

There are more details for each plant piece, so please make sure the read further down.

• Cricut Maker / Explorer
• Cricut Mats
• Cardstock Paper
• Craft paper glue / double-sided tape
• Double-sided foam / mounting tape
• Cricut weeding tools
• Download the different botanical files by logging in to my design resource page. You will receive access through your email below, and the password via email 24 hours later (working on getting this quicker).
  
  
  
  

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Did I Use Anything Different This Time?

Yes, and these are optional, but they enhance the look of your art work. I think its something worth giving a try.

Debossing

This project used this debossing tool, specifically on the fiddle leaf fig. If you have the Cricut Maker, you can use the debossing tip with your existing housing for your scoring wheel if you have one. Now, it doesn’t mean you have to run out and get one, especially during these times, however, I must say, this debossing tool made a difference. You may give your Cricut Maker scoring wheel tip a try, but I don’t think it will be as clean and precise. If you own an Explorer, I came across this article that mentioned using the scoring stylus. It won’t be as powerful as the Maker’s debossing tool, but you get a similar effect on medium paperweight. I haven’t tried this since I own a Maker, but judging on the video, it looks capable. Other alternatives would be to use a fine point pen (green?), colored pencil, watercolor, or acrylic.

Watercolor

Another is watercolor. It was my first time using it on a project. I applied it to the window view (outdoor scene). If you’re not confident with the idea or don’t have one, you can print a beautiful outdoor image. I do suggest that you use one that has less saturation and not too sharp since it’s supposed to be outside. Besides, you don’t want it competing with the focal point of your art – your actual paper art. You may opt to keep it blank, a minimalistic approach, and leave it to your viewer’s imagination.

Veneer

This material was used on the shelves. I think the natural wood veneer added a tinge of realism. Note that cutting veneer requires the deep point blade. For the beginners, this blade has its own exclusive housing. It has a steeper angle than the fine point blade, allowing you to cut thicker materials. The deep point blade is not the same as the Cricut knife, which is more for much thicker materials such as basswood.

THE PROCESS

TIPS : Botanical Paper Art Collection One

• Always use a sharp blade
• Cut them piece by piece as opposed to cutting them all at once, unless, the elements look very different. Sorting can be difficult if you cut similar elements on one mat.
• Use a Ziploc bags to group them so you don’t lose any tiny pieces. Separating those that look very similar will save you a lot of time in sorting
• Optional, I use both craft bond glue pen tip for precision and this heavy-duty double-sided tape for larger pieces. While expensive, it’s a good size of a roll, and you’ll notice it many of my tutorial videos. You can even just use your hand to tear it off.
• Again, use mounting tape to raise some / most pieces.

Fiddle Leaf Fig

• Tools: Debossing (optional) and Fine Point Blade
• Mat: Green
• Cardstocks:
  -3 different variations of Green (light, medium, dark),
  -browns (stem and stand),
  -black and white (vase and soil)
• Cricut Weeding Tool and Spatula
• Setting: Cardstock

For the fiddle leaf fig, Because I have to group and match the veins to their corresponding leaf to make your life easier, I uploaded the file directly to Cricut. There is nothing more frustrating than trying to figure out where each one goes. I have also set the settings as Fine debossing. If you don’t have this tip, please make sure to turn each one of them off (sorry). You can try it on a leaf with a scoring wheel to see if it works (unfortunately, I haven’t tested this).

****UPDATE: I added the link to the SVG. It appears some folks that are interested in my designs use a different die-cutting tool other than Cricut. Thanks for letting me know. I also added a video for Cricut users who would rather use the SVG as well. Please see the video below.*****

If you’re using debossing the first time, it will ask you to load this tip first and may pause in the middle and spin for a few moments, so don’t be alarmed. The thicker the cardstock, the more pressure it will require, so I set it at more for mine.

Below is a video of the Fiddle Fig Assembly.

Rubber Plant

• Fine Point Blade (sharp)
• Mat: Green
• Cardstocks:
  -Three different variations of Green (light, medium, dark),
  -browns (stem and backing),
  -black, white, and light gray (vase and soil)
• Cricut Tweezer / Spatula
• Setting: intricate cuts

This one was pretty straight forward; however, be careful with pealing the top leaves off the mat. By bending your Cricut mat instead of the cardstock, you will most likely avoid tearing. I recommend using this type of Cricut tweezer with the flat head if you have one, if not, the spatula.

Wax Plant

• Fine Point Blade (This is one is very intricate. Must have very sharp blades)
• Mat: Green
• Cardstocks:
  -Three different variations of Green (light, medium-dark, and yellow-green),
  -black, white, and light gray (vase)
• Cricut Tweezer / Spatula
• Setting: intricate cuts

Even more than the rubber plant, be extra careful peeling off the leaves. They look like hairline stems. I wouldn’t suggest going smaller than what I have set in the actual file. Why so thin? It’s actually what makes the leaves beautiful and delicate.

Bonsai

• Fine Point Blade (sharp)
• Mat: Green
• Cardstocks:
  -Three different variations of Green (light, medium-dark, and yellow-green),
  -brown (stem)
  -black, and light gray (vase)
• Cricut Tweezer / Spatula
• Setting: intricate cuts

This is another one that is pretty straight forward. Use your tweezers in assembling this.

The OTHER ELEMENTS of This Botanical Paper Art Collection One

The Monstera Leaf In Picture Frame

Shelves

• Deep Point Blade (sharp)
• Mat: Purple (tape veneer on the mat on all four sides) and Green (cardstock)
• Cardstock for the shelf
• Cricut Tweezer / Spatula
• Setting: Veneer and medium weight (cardstock)

So, the veneer is optional, but I think you’ll love the effect. I got mine on sale though, so I got carried away. You can always use dark or light browns to simulate wood. I’m thinking of using more veneer on my future projects. I love this material! Be careful in peeling them off the mat though. Use the mat by bending it, and not the cut veneer. They can be fragile. I sanded them down with a craft, low grit sander to eliminate any protruding wood splints.

The Books

• Fine Point Blade (sharp)
• Mat: Green
• Cardstocks
• Cricut Tweezer / Spatula
• Setting: medium weight card stock

Again, pretty straight forward, but make sure you do not lose that one itty bitty piece. 🙂

The Vases

• Fine Point Blade (sharp)
• Mat: Green
• Cardstocks
• Cricut Tweezer / Spatula
• Setting: medium weight card stock

Flooring

• Fine Point Blade (sharp)
• Mat: Green
• Cardstock
  I picked a dark grey flooring with a sheen and light gray for the baseboard
• Cricut Tweezer / Spatula
• Setting: intricate cuts

Whatever you do, cut this as your last piece because you will need to leave them on your mat until you are ready to install them. You will use the cutout as a guide, like actual spacers when tiling. This process will save you a lot of time, effort, and frustration. 😉

Enjoy and check out more paper crafts here.

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