How to Make Couture Paper Flowers for a Bouquet

Recycle tissue paper from gift bags for an even greener bouquet.

Wedding bouquets are a focal point as the bride walks down the aisle, taking center stage in all the wedding photos. Make your own couture flowers from tissue paper, as these will not wilt as the day goes on. You can also create a unique bouquet that suits your decor perfectly. When you throw the bouquet at the end of the evening, the lucky bride-to-be will have a lasting memento of your special day.

Things You'll Need

• Floral wire
• Pearl beads
• Floral tape
• Tissue paper
• Ruler
• Scissors
• 1 1/2-inch Styrofoam ball
• Ribbon

Instructions

1. Thread the end of the floral wire through the bead so that the last 1 1/2 inches shows above the bead. Bend this end down and twist it around the long end of the wire to form your flower's center.

2. Measure and mark the tissue paper into strips that are 4 inches long and 2 1/4 inches wide. Cut out 12 strips for each flower using scissors.

3. Wrap each piece around half of the Styrofoam ball, orienting in the middle of the strip. Twist both ends.

4. Place one end of the twisted tissue paper against the floral wire stem. Wrap floral tape around it to secure. Keep adding petals around the beaded center and securing them with floral tape. When you have added the first layer of petals, continue to add layers of petals until you have used all of the them.

5. Pull the petals open so that your flower is in full bloom. Make a number of these tissue paper flowers and arrange them in a bouquet. Twist the wires around each other and tie with a ribbon to secure the stems.