Paper Flowers Easy and inexpensive fund raiser projects
Things Needed These items are all things that people have around the house. I used old buttons but any small object will do for a flower center. Hot glue is preferred it is cheap and effective. It will not be used in this demonstration.
What you will make Flowers can be used individually or as a group.
To make a flower Fold paper along the smoothest edge Usually the side nearest the page number Fold it so that the corner is sharp
Cut the paper to create a folded triangle and a rectangle. The folded triangle is really a square.
Next fold the triangle again Try to make the tips meet as evenly as possible
Now take the triangle and fold back one side so that the corner is sharp. Folding one side at a time helps to keep the corner (what will be the middle of the flower) sharp. Fold back the other side in the same manner. You now have a smaller triangle.
Your triangle should look like this if you open it up.
Now take the rectangle and repeat the same procedure. After you cut out the triangle you will have an even smaller rectangle and you will create a small triangle from that one too. After you have folded the sheet of paper, you will have 3 different sizes of triangles. If you are making a large flower, you will need to cut another large triangle.
Hold your triangle so the sharp corner is at the bottom. Now, cut the upper portion of the triangle so that your triangle becomes a cone shape. You can also cut the cone shape like this.
When you open your cone shape, you will have the beginnings of a flower. Keep the flower folded in half and cut down the fold to about ½ inch from the center.
Now, open the flower. Cut down the remaining two folds. You should now have 8 distinct petals.
Cut three or four more cones making each cone smaller than the previous one. The number of cones used will depend on the size of your flower and how fluffy you want your flower to be. I have darkened the edges of the cones only so you can see the difference in sizes.
Open up the cones and decide which side is preferable. You want the side with the most printed words. You want to have a little clear space as possible.
Before you start to glue the layers together, arrange the layers so that the petals alternate with each layer. Also, arrange the layers so that the printed words are not facing the same way. You want to see what your flower will look like before you glue it together.
Once you are satisfied with the look of your layers, it is time to glue them together. For the sake of burnt fingers, we are not using hot glue (even though I prefer it for the flower wreaths). It is a stronger hold and it allows you to adjust the petals a little before the glue hardens. Peal the glue dot from the paper and place the dot in the center of the largest flower. This dot is very sticky. Don t pull the plastic sheet! The paper will tear. Use your thumb or finger to ease the glue dot off of the plastic and onto the paper.
Take the second largest section and refold it in half so you can clearly see the center of the flower. Be sure the two centers are lined up and press them together. Repeat with the remaining layers.
Pick a button for the center Put a glue dot on the back of the button and place it in the center of the flower.
Now it is time to add character to your flower. Bend each petal towards the button so the flower doesn t look so flat. OR grab the flower from the back and press all the petals around the button at one time. After you bend the petals towards the center, it will look like this.
Another option: After you push the petals towards the button, you can take the whole flower in your hand and crush it a little. It gives the flower a more realistic look.
You decide the size. The larger the flower, the more layers might be needed. You also decide what to put in the middle whatever you have on hand. You can also use scrapbook paper for a different look. It is harder to cut and fold but can add some variety to your project.
Now, take the gift bag on your table and attach your flower to the bag and you have a cute little gift bag to give someone.
Another option Use scrapbook paper and the same process to make the flowers. The paper is thicker so it is harder to fold and cut. You can use a pencil to curl the individual petals, just be sure to curl the ends before you assemble the flower. Use the same colors or mix and match for more effect.
If you want a color flower, use card stock. It will be harder to fold and cut, but the effect can be interesting. I created this one the same way but I cut each petal into small strips to make it more like a chrysanthemum. Use a small pompom for the middle. Use a pencil to curl the edges or push the pedals towards the middle. To create depth, use different shades of the same color.
Other paper choices: Old maps You can also color the edges for a different look Old sheet music or hymnals
Here is how to put together a wreath First, buy a Styrofoam or straw wreath. Either works well it just depends on how large you want it or what is on sale. If you use straw, keep the plastic wrap on it. It will keep straw from invading your house and you are going to wrap it anyway.
Now, to wrap the form First, decide if you want to cover the complete surface or if you want some of the wrap to show. If you are covering the entire surface, just take an old white or light colored sheet. Tear it into a strip (5-6 inches wide). Hot glue one end to the form and just wrap around the form until it is completely covered. Hot glue the end to the beginning part of the strip.
If you want to add a little style, pick a pattern ribbon to wrap the form. The wider ribbons are more difficult to wrap because they buckle more while you wrap. When you wrap, be careful to cover the entire surface without too many wrinkles. To start, hot glue the ribbon to the form at a slight angle. Then, start wrapping.
Now, add the hanger. Using a wide ribbon, tie a knot around the form with the knot on the back side of the form. Leave enough room for a hanger (use your judgement) and tie a second knot. Now, turn it around to the front and start filling in the wreath with flowers. Leave an area uncovered by flowers in order to show the pretty ribbon Attach a pretty bow to finish the wreath.
Other ideas Magnets Put on a colored popsicle stick or printed ribbon Put two flowers together with a ribbon between the flowers to create a Christmas ornament Make into a hair bow or pin Bookmark
Abstract flower fun Things Needed Origami paper squares Buttons Adhesive tape/tabs Popsicle sticks Bookmarks
Take the square and fold in half. Fold in half again. Cut along the fold lines and create 4 small squares.
Take one of the small squares and fold in half. Fold in half again. Fold the small square into a triangle.
I have put a dot on the center so it is easy to see where not to trim. It is important not to cut the center that is holding the flower together
Hold the triangle with the center pointing down. Trim down the edge avoiding cutting the center. Flip the triangle and trim the other side. These two cuts will separate the petals. So, if you open the triangle, it looks like this. Refold your triangle for the next cut.
Make a V-shaped cut at the top of the triangle (furthest from the center) Open the triangle and it should look similar to the picture. Repeat this process three more times with each layer a little smaller than the previous one. Try different cuts at the end to alter how the flower looks and mix up the petals. Assemble just like the others.
I have examples of different cuts but experiment with different cuts for yourself. Mix and match for different looks Mostly, just have fun with it. After all, its only paper so if it doesn t look right to you, cut it again.