Paper Flower Madness {A Tutorial}

They can be called flowers or snowflakes, even star bursts or sea urchins.

  

No matter what they look like after being Edward Scissorhanded, I LOVE making them (and I think you will too).

 

This looks like a wreath, but it isn't.  It actually has 4 sides, isn't that exciting?

      

After being enchanted early this summer, by the May 2009 Anthropologie catalog, with boats and twinkling lights, and especially the Magpie Chandelier -

 

I knew, I had to try to make something magpie-ish myself at some point. 

Enter paper flowers... (click on images for much better view)

      

As I said, this little paper flower contraption looks like a wreath in my photos, but it really is not because it has 4 surrounding wires covered in flowers, more like a chandelier. 

I used clear packing tape (strong stuff), to tape the flowers to the wires from the inside.  Then I used double sided tape, to tape another flower behind each front facing flower, to cover the original packing tape that is only slightly visible.

      

This is the 4 wire contraption I made, and then stuck flowers all over the wires...

      

It's really fun in person, and I think Mister Lovee (based on his comments) might even try to steal it when I am not looking ;)  Maybe he wants to decorate his workshop, tee hee...

      

I thought, if you wanted to make one yourself, I could show you how I make these fun little paper flower urchin thingamabobs?  

        

I start with 1 full piece of scrapbook paper that I cut into 4 smaller pieces This is the size I like to work with, but you can make them bigger per your preference. (I also like to use wrapping paper)

I then take one of the 4 little pieces an fold it into a triangle, cutting off any excess...

 

I take my triangle and fold it in half, making another triangle...

   

The next step is to fold the right side in towards the center...

   

And the left side folds away towards the center as well, giving you a "V" shape...

 

You then cut off the upper points, like so...

 

You have what is a bit of a cone shape now, to play with...

  

Experiment cutting into the top and the sides all you want.  I think that is the funnest part, the experimentation factor...

  

Then open it it up to find... Ahhh yes, a sea urchin flower ;) 

  

Or a snowflakey flower... 

  

Trial and error is the name of this paper flower game... 

      

If you don't already make these, I hope you enjoy doing so.  I can get lost in paper cutting.  It is so relaxing and addicting.  (My photos are a bit funny because it is so cloudy out)

  

Last winter, Holiday 2008, I had a blast making these, and I still have not taken them down...

      

So, try your own magpie creation, I'd love to see what you come up with.  A super fun project for any time of the year...

      

My Grandma and I loved making these paper flowers together during the holidays and now she is making them on her own.  I also showed her how to make the coffee filter wrist corsage, and she has become a coffee filter wrist corsage maker extraordinaire.  She has gifted them to oodles of people for special occasions.  I gave her a bunch of paints and sparkles when I saw her on Father's day so she can go even wilder making them.   

I hope you enjoyed this wee tutorial ;)

 

♥,V

 

ps:  I wanted to share some of the wonderful treasures that have filled my mailbox lately.  SO many talented folks out there in the great big world.  Today I am sharing a magical piece of artwork - photography that Sadira thought up and Rich Charpentier  magically photographed (as he is a professional photographer) for the Mad Tea Party.  I am told you can get your own right here...  Boy oh boy, this is goooooood!!  Great collaboration you two!  WOW!

      

pss:  Mister Lovee took me through a tunnel into desert wonderland on Friday night...  I don't want to bore you silly with it, but I will share some pics next time ;)  xoxo, V 

Comments

[Ann-Denise Anderson]

Now that's what I call super cool! I love that wreath Miss V~I've missed you.... summer with five kids leaves me little time for social visits but when I do visit you it sure is worth my while! Love the skates as well~reminds me of the days at Skate country, corner of Ft. Lowell and Glenn, That was a long time ago....hehe it's probably not there anymore:( Love those rainy days too:)
xoxo, Ann-Denise

[Terisa]

Too Stinkin' Cute!

[Chris]

Ms V, thank you for this tutorial, because I am going to make tons of these at home tonight! yes I am.

[Christine]

Mine are not coming out correctly! I think I'm messing up somewhere where you have to fold the right and left into the center. Can anyone help?

[valerie]

found my way here via a post on craftig I have loads of scrapbook papers but no scrapbook mojo at the mo so this looks like just the thing

[Sara]

Your flowers are absolutely gorgeous! Take a look at what I've been doing with the same type of flower and some others from metallic crepe paper! http://www.creativejewishmom.com
Look under the category holiday:Succah decor

[flowers to Philippines]

Gorgeous cuts and design.Thanks for sharing this interesting stuff.

~Ella~

[flowers to Philippines]

Inspiring creation!This is really cool

~Ella~

[SailmakersDaughter]

So beautiful. I just have to link these on my blog and spread the word. Thanks for the tutorial. Here's my blog if you wanna check out the post http://sailmakersdaughter.blogspot.com/

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Hi great blog thank you thank you Vanessa! for taking me back to my childhood while i'm stuck behind an adult desk. i'll be making more of these for sure, once i'm home with all my pretty papers.

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You LOVE making them probably I also fond of make them.Alas! I can't make them Properly But I will have to try this.Because Its useful Paper Flower Madness.

[Florist Italy]

I hav been wandering online since the past couple of hours and accidentally came to your blog post..Just admiring the way you conclude your post:*********** I used clear packing tape (strong stuff), to tape the flowers to the wires from the inside. Then I used double sided tape, to tape another flower behind each front facing flower, to cover the original packing tape that is only slightly visible...... *********

[Florist Italy]

I have been wandering online since the past couple of hours and accidentally came to your blog post..Just admiring the way you conclude your post:*********** I used clear packing tape (strong stuff), to tape the flowers to the wires from the inside. Then I used double sided tape, to tape another flower behind each front facing flower, to cover the original packing tape that is only slightly visible...... *********

[medieval clothing]

Your really good at what you are doing. Keep up the good work.. Will be looking forward for more posts.. :0

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[Jennifer]

I haven't got a talented bone in my body...for art anyway...any art...and I can't seem to figure these out! I am so confused. My flowers are NOT turning out anything like these.
I am going to keep trying, but am not holding out much hope!