Made it By Monday: Paper Flowers

Well, this is my first real post on my new domain space. Unfortunately, I think I lost a few of my readers in the transition from wordpress, but hopefully they'll be back soon. In the meantime, welcome to all the newcomers and I hope you enjoy this tutorial!

I think paper flowers are my favorite craft. They work for a dorm room, for gifts, and are a great craft to do with kids. There is a ton of room for variation and the result is always beautiful even if there were some small mistake along the way.

This tutorial is for the very basic paper flower.

Materials:
1. Tissue paper
2. Dental Floss
3. Scissors
4. Yarn or string (optional)
5. Pipe cleaner (optional)

Step 1: Cut the tissue paper

I cut my tissue paper into 4" x 5.5" rectangles. From my experience, the bigger the rectangles, the less 'fluffy' the flowers will look. this means you'll have to add more layers of tissue paper.

Don't worry about how even your rectangles are. As long as they sort of line up, you'll be fine.

Step 2: Stack tissue paper

My general rule of thumb is five sheet per flower. I use this especially when I'm working with a big group and want to make sure there is enough. But if you're doing this just for you, add as many layers and as many colors as you like.

Step 3: Fold the paper

The accordion fold is used for paper flowers. It's the same fold that is used to make paper fans. First, fold up from the bottom about .25", flip stack over and fold up again. Continue this process until you get to the end.

Step 4: Tie off middle

With paper flat, cut a slit on either side of the middle of the paper. Then, tie a piece of dental floss around the middle

Step 5: Round ends

With scissors, round the ends of the flower while it is still folded

Step 6: Lift up petals

Carefully so that you don't rip the paper, lift each layer of tissue paper upward toward the center

Now you have a finished flower and there is a lot you can do with it!



Option 1: Make a bunch more and hang them up

Using the ends of the dental floss, tie the flowers to a piece of string or fishing line, then hang them up above a window or in a corner (wherever!)

Other ideas:

-Before lifting the petals, fold a pipe cleaner around the middle to make a stem

-Paper flowers make great gift toppers!

-Attach the flower to a headband or clip

There really is so much you can do. If you guys make any of your own I'd love to see what you do with them!