Tissue Paper Flowers and Baby Showers

Tonight I went to my friend Brittany's baby shower.  The hostesses decorated the entire house in these delicate tissue paper flowers.  They were so whimsical and fun.  Pared with dainty macaroons and miniature cupcakes, they lent to a perfect party atmosphere.  

I begged the creator for a lesson; here is what I learned:

Supplies:
1 package of multicolored tissue or crepe paper
1 package of wire
Scissors 

Directions: Take four to five sheets of the tissue paper and layer them (if you want multicolored flowers, use different colors). Cut into rectangles, the shorter end will be the width. Keeping the sheets layered, take one set of squares and fold it like an accordion so it looks like a thin rectangle. At the center of the rectangle, cut a small v-shaped notch on both sides. Take the end of a pipe cleaner and twist it around the notch. With the stem pointing straight down, gently pull up one layer of tissue into the center. Pull up the remaining layers, one by one. Repeat for the other side of the flower. Once all the layers are pulled up, fluff them in place to look natural. Continue making more flowers with the remaining stacks of squares. 

Tips and variations: For sturdier stems, wrap two pipe cleaners together. Cut smaller or larger squares to change the size of your flowers. Add more layers for thicker flowers or less layers for thinner ones. For a shiny effect, dip the top edges in white glue and then dip in loose glitter. Glue a pin on the back of a flower for a fluffy lapel decoration. Make smaller flowers and string them together as garland.

 Xoxo E