May Flowers…Tissue Paper Flowers
An inexpensive party decoration that is so much prettier than streamers. Most people have made these in grammar school or at some point during their childhood, but I’d forgotten how really beautiful they are. Playing around with different shapes and colors is creative and fun. I made these for a baby shower for a little girl but they’d also be great for a girl’s birthday party, bridal shower or Tea party!
First buy your chosen color or colors of tissue paper. Even if you only want to go with one color, I’d suggest you buy two shades of that color for contrast. If you can’t find a large package of tissue paper most gift stores, card stores or even the gift bag section of Walmart or Kmart carry an 8 pack of tissue paper. Open the package, and unfold the tissue paper.
Next take the 8 sheets and cut them in half.(leave full size for bigger flowers) Now you have 16 sheets. Take 6 to 8 sheets and lay them on top of each other making sure all the corners match up.
Next take the tissue paper and fold it accordion style folding it over 1/2 inch to 1 inch then folding it back the other way. It should look similar to a fan when you open the folds.
To make rounded petals and a prettier flower, take a pair of scissors and round the edges at each end. To make petals that look like Dahlias cut a small slit in the middle of the round edges about 1 inch deep.
Next tie the middle together with floral wire, pipe cleaners or twisty ties from your garbage bags. =) Keep in mind how you will be displaying them. Are they going to tied to something or put in a vase? If so, you want long pipe cleaners or floral wire. If you are simply setting them on tables a small piece of wire will do.
Now you are ready to open your flower. Carefully separate the tissue layers. Make sure to separate the left and right side towards the center to make your flowers shape more apparent. Be very careful when separating as not to tear the tissue.
After you’ve separated the layers play around with arranging them. Sometimes they need to be fluffed a little. To make the center another color simply make 2 of the 6 or 8 layers a contrasting color and put that color on the top of the pile before you start folding them. Or alternate the colors like the example here…
Now you are ready to display your flowers! =) Tie them on the back of chairs, arrange them on tables or in vases. They are super light weight and can go just about anywhere. Perhaps you want to hang them from the ceiling with fishing wire and a thumb tack. The possibilities are endless. Have fun!
