Paper Flowers

Paper flowers seem to be everywhere! And, no wonder...they are fun and easy to make. Children can help and have fun doing it! You can use any embellishments you have on hand, brads, beads, rhinestones, grommets, epoxy sticker, buttons...and the list goes on and on! I recently started "reorganizing" my small craft room and the paper flowers make it so much more cheerful.

I make them by cutting 1/3 of a 12x12" piece of paper. Then fold the paper in half long ways. Make a 1/4" fold and continue alternating folding up and down, until it looks like an accordion. Then using an awl (or other tool that will make a small hole) find the center crease you made when starting. Make two holes close together. Then using a large needle and thread, run the thread through the holes, just a couple times (like sewing a button) and tie off. Don't pull your thread to tight or you will tear the paper. You can now cut the ends into a nice curve or leave them straight. I use ink and ink the ends. Then unfold and secure the 2 sides with quick drying glue or a hot glue gun. You can then attach the flower to a wooden barbeque stick. I wrapped the sticks with floral tape and added silk leaves to some. You can make smaller flowers and add to the center, using the same instructions. Flowers can be used on cards, gifts, in flower pots...anywhere you want to add some color!Have fun!