Making It Bloom

I laid a tiny scrap of translucent tissue paper flat across the cool, circular face of the brass seal. Holding the edges down with one palm, I drew my golden pine needle back and forth over the surface. The rounded needle caught gently against the etched rose petals underneath. With each patient, rhythmic stroke, the embossed contour of the blossom began to lift through the thin fiber, blooming into a delicate raised relief. I lifted the paper toward the soft afternoon light, admiring the crisp, quiet impression.