Most avid crafters have heard of a hot new product called “Flower Soft”. This is a flocking material that you can use to embellish your stamped images as well as many other craft projects. It comes in a wide range of colors and color combinations. You can use it to add texture to flowers (of course), snow, grass, trees, the list is endless. The only drawback of this wonderful product is its price.

There is an easy and very inexpensive way to make your own flocking however. It only takes a few minutes and you only need two craft items. TWO, that’s it – two! You need a Styrofoam ball (polystyrene), a small one will be just fine, and you need something to color it with, such as a re-inker. That’s it.

The first thing you do is cut your Styrofoam ball in half. Then, over a non-porous surface, such as your craft mat or waxed paper, start rubbing the two pieces of Styrofoam together. A beautiful little pile of floral flocking will appear below, ready for use.

If you want to color your flocking, you just need to take your re-inker and put a couple of drops by the little pile of floral flocking and stir it in with a craft stick until it is thoroughly coated. If you want a more vibrant color, simply add some more color and mix it again. When this is done set it aside and allow it to dry. The wonderful thing about this technique is that you can make your flocking to match the inks you are using in your project, and you only need to make as much needed for that project. No need to buy a lot of one color for a small project.

When it is dry, simply take any craft glue and place it where you want your flocking on your project. Sprinkle the flocking over the glue and allow it to dry. Be aware when using your glue whether it dries clear or white if it will matter for your project.

If you are doing a project which would benefit from several mixed colors of flocking, make the colors you have in mind, and after they are dry, mix them together before you sprinkle them on the glue.

This simple method will produce a flocking material that is almost indistinguishable from Flower Soft, but will give you control over the amount and color of the material. This will give your cards and other projects a designer look for a fraction of the price.
Have fun flocking!