How to/I/you Make Paper Flowers

 

Here is a quick tutorial on one way to make  paper flowers. There are many different techniques, this one is easy and fun. Layla(6ys old) and i made these for our Christmas tree. I wanted to add a paper element to my decorating.

 

The first step is to choose your paper. Keep in mind that the type and size of paper you choose will effect the difficulty of making the flower and the overall outcome.

For this project i chose three different types

Book pages-old wordbook- page was approx8.5x11.-- 2in flower

Old sketch book paper-from a child school pad-it is old and aged on the edges approx. 11x14--approx.2.5inch flower

Pretty printed card stock , med weight, printed on both sides.12x12--approx.4.5inch flower

measuring from side to side

Start by rounding the corners of you page, the general shape can be from oval to round you just don't want any pointed edges.


Next you can either free form cut or draw out a spiral that starts on an outer side and goes into the center of your page- similar to the photo below.

Next cut along this spiral of free form cut until your shape looks like these photos.


 

 You will then start to roll the paper on to itself from the same edge that you started cutting. Basically you are going to roll it up turning the paper into a circular shape.  (photo below on left)


The circle will get more difficult to make the more you roll. I tack it down at the curves with a dot of hot glue so that i keep the shape i want and so that if it falls out of my hand i don't loose my shape. It is important to remember that flowers are not perfect and neither will your paper flower be- so let your creativity take over- go with the flow. A little practice and you will achieve the desired look.
The thinner paper will roll easier while the card stock will resist and be more difficult to shape but it will also have petals that stand open better.
When you get to the end use the last few inches to glue down your center by putting glue on the end and pushing the center down into the glue.
I finished my flowers by gluing on a wire so that i could tie them to my Christmas tree (last photo).  These are great to decorate gifts, etc.






 

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