Paper Flower DIY

Remember these? I use paper flowers on everything. And every time I post pictures readers ask for directions. I have been promising for 2 years to show some DIY instructions. Thanks to one of my readers, Fran, I have been motivated to come up with these....

Supplies: Tissue paper, scissors, pipe cleaners

Pick 3 colors. You will need 5 sheets. Here I did 2 blue, 2 green and 1 white.
I also cut the tissue paper into approximately 8" x 5" rectangles. There is a lot of wiggle room. The paper can be about any size. I usually just fold the sheet and cut it into fourths.

Next stack the colors and accordion fold. The folds should be about an inch.

Once folded tightly wrap a pipe cleaner around the center. If I don't have a pipe cleaner I use string or yarn. I don't let a lack of correct supplies keep me from crafting. I believe in make-do DIY.

This is the most important step. Cut the edge (the whole stack) of the tissue paper in curves or points. This is what makes it look like a real flower. I know it looks a little rough right now but it will all work out, I promise.

Fan out the accordion pleats.

Carefully separate the layers, gently pulling towards the center.

And you're done!

Easy wasn't it?

The more sheets of tissue paper you add, the fuller your flower will be. You can go crazy with colors and size. It is a very forgiving craft. Good luck! Let me know if you make any!!

P.S. I get the short, fat mason jars at Wal-Mart and hot glue the flowers on top after cutting the pipe cleaner as short as possible!!