Ranunculus Tutorial

The name Ranunculus is late latin for 'little frog', from rana 'frog' and a diminutive ending. A reference to the many species being found near water, like frogs. They are a large genus of about 600 species of plants in the Ranunculaceae - members of the genus buttercups. 
                                                                                                   (source: Wikipedia)

In the interior of the Pacific Northwest of the United States the buttercup is called "Coyote’s eyes".  In the legend, Coyote was tossing his eyes up in the air and catching them again when Eagle snatched them. Unable to see, Coyote made eyes from the buttercup.

I absolutely adore the beautiful flowers created by Jacqueline Butler of Petalsweet! I especially adore her Ranunculus flowers.

In nature, I am attracted to their brilliant colours, and their simple, yet complex, petal structure. As Michael MacCaskey puts it in an article in the National Gardening Association - ... their multiple layers of delicate, crepe paper-thin petals resemble origami masterwork.

Now, my petals aren't paper-thin, nor do they resemble origami masterwork. Still, I am quite pleased with the outcome, as I did these without the help of a tutorial. The next time I make them, I will certainly approach them with the above description in mind.

Until then, here's how I made my Ranunculuses! (I get a kick from saying that)

Note: The slide that shows a photo of the tools includes a white veiner. You will notice later in the slideshow that I used a green veiner. I found the larger petals were too big for the veiner I intended to use and switched it after i had taken the photo.

Don't they just put a smile on your face? What's your favourite flower?

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