As promised I'm blogging about my latest project and attempting to do a tutorial. Key word, attempting, so if anyone has questions about how to make the flowers after my explanation, do not hesitate to ask.
Now I cannot take credit for the genius idea of making your own paper flowers. Truth be told, I have no idea who came up with the brilliant idea because there are literally hundreds of tutorials out there, each with there own interpretation and uniqueness. So, here's mine....
Step One...
Just in case it's NOT obvious, you need to choose your paper. For these flowers I took sheets from an old novel I picked up at a local book store. Since I love books, I only pick the ones that are not sellable. If you have a used book store, ask someone who works there if they have any books that they are getting rid of or planning on recycling. There is almost always books that they cannot sell. Chances are you can snag them for a buck or two.
Anyways, I digress. These pages are typical paperback size.
I should mention now, that I didn't measure a thing. The more IMPERFECT the BETTER!
Step Two...
Three, yes THREE (3), sheets at a time I cut out a spiral looking shape. I did mine free-hand, BUT, you can always draw the spiral shape out first.
You can adjust the size of flower by making the spiral bigger or smaller. The width of the cuts I made were about 1 cm to 1.5 cm.
If you want taller flowers, make the widths wider. If you find they are too tall, trim them with scissors. This technique is VERY forgiving.
Step Three...
I don't have a photo of this step because it requires all fingers, one palm, maybe a knee, and some balancing power.
Basically starting with the outer most part of the spiral you start rolling, keeping the bottom/base of the flower as tight as possible without tearing the paper. The base of the flower is the inner part of the spiral. The outer part of the flower should start to flare out a bit as you get closer to the end of the spiral.
Once you've reached the end of the spiral, you use whatever means necessary to hold the flower together and glue the circular end you are left with to the bottom of the flower.
I use hot glue, hence the VERY sore fingers.
Remember if you are using three sheets of paper you need to glue the circle down three times!!!!
Again, I'm sure that's OBVIOUS :)
Once glued it should look similar to this, but not exactly, because each flower will look slightly different.
Once rolled and glued, I inked the edges. I do have to say it is much easier to ink the flower before you glue it on whatever your project may be. I learnt the hard way on my first wreath. I wasn't sure I wanted to ink my edges (SERIOUSLY, who was I KIDDING) and then, once all the flowers were on the ball (the LARGEST one), I decided they needed to be inked.
Anyways, I used Tim Holtz Vintage Photo distress ink.
Step Four...
This step is simply gluing the flowers down on whatever you intend to use them on. I had some old decorative balls lying around.
I was bored with the original look of the balls, so I decided to cover them. I have to say I am in love with how they turned out...
Hope you enjoyed! It took a while to do, but I totally think it was worth it. Would make great centre pieces for a wedding. Just add a couple of tea lights :)
