Fold Homemade Paper Flowers

Homemade paper flowers make a great gift or exercise in arts and crafts. Paper flowers are fairly easy to make, less expensive then silk or brass flowers, and you never have to water or tend to them. Nearly any type of paper can be made into a flower, but this article will show you how to make homemade paper flowers out of tissue paper.

Step 1 - Determine the Size of the Flower

Before folding, take some time to figure out how large you want the flower to be. This is determined by paper size and where you start your first fold. A good rule of thumb is start with a full sheet, then, after you see the final size, vary your paper size and first fold placement. Always work with a size of a paper that you feel comfortable maneuvering around the work space.

Step 2 - Folding a Homemade Paper Flower

If you have ever made a paper fan, you can make a paper flower. The concept is relatively the same. Place the stack of tissue paper in front of you. You will be working with the stack of paper as a complete unit and not just one piece at a time. You still have to be careful because tissue is delicate and can rip easily. Use the ruler to measure distance but also to maintain a straight line and crisp fold.

For the first fold, pull up the bottom of the paper 1-inch and fold it, making a tight crease. Next, turn the stack of paper over and make the same fold. Continue doing this until the entire stack is folded accordion-style. Now, fold the entire strip in half and cut a design (if you like) around the edges of the paper while avoiding the folds. Now fold the stack in half.

Step 3 - Fluffing and Finishing

Measure up an inch from the fold and carefully wrap twine around the base and make it tight. You can also use tape. Separate each layer of paper in the stack, fluffing them up as you go. This will take time to do but the final result will be a beautiful one. Put the floral wire in place. The flower is now ready to be put on display.

Step 4 - Enhancing the Flower

There are several ways that you can create unique flowers, the first being using scrapbooking scissors instead of normal ones. You will create an interesting design along the edge of the flower. Something a little easier is to drip paint on the flower when you are finished. You can also spray on paint or dye it. Change up the type of paper that you use. Have several colors in your stack, use origami paper, vellum, parchment, or even foil paper. You can alternate these kinds of papers as well for a really unique homemade paper flower.