How to Make a Tissue Flower

Tissue paper comes in many bold hues.

Tissue paper is often stuffed into boxes or bags to conceal a gift, but can also be used to make bright, colored paper crafts. Tissue paper flowers add a lovely touch to flower-themed birthday parties, outdoor celebrations or other festive events. Although tissue paper is fragile and can tear easily, with patience and perseverance you can make bright, beautiful tissue paper flowers for your next celebration.

Things You'll Need

• 6 sheets tissue paper
• Pipe cleaner
• Scissors
• Wooden dowel
• Tape
• Green crepe paper

Instructions

1. Stack the six sheets of tissue paper on top of each other, alternating the colors as you go. The more the colors vary, the more beautiful your flower will be.

2. Turn your tissue paper stack lengthwise and fold the bottom edge up, approximately 1 inch thick. Flip the paper over and fold the section in again. Repeat this action, creating a 1-inch wide fan shape, until you fold all the paper.

3. Use the pipe cleaner to secure the tissue paper and create the center of your flower. Fasten one end of the pipe cleaner around the center of the fan, and then twist the ends of the pipe cleaner together securely, leaving the long end of the pipe cleaner for your flower's stem.

4. Use scissors to cut each end of your fan into a semi-circle. This provides soft, rounded edges for your flower's "petals."

5. Lay the paper on the table and fan out the edges. As you create your flower, pull each sheet of tissue paper upward, toward the pipe cleaner.

6. Separate the tissue paper stack. Pull the edge of one sheet upward and inward, toward the center of your flower. Work carefully so you do not tear the paper. Place one hand on the remaining sheets of paper to hold them while you completely separate the top sheet with your other hand. Repeat this process until you have pulled all the tissue paper upward and you have formed a flower.

Tips & Warnings

• Tape your flowers to thin wooden dowels or garden stakes and plunge the opposite end into the ground for an outdoor party. Add green crepe paper streamers, if desired.

• Use 12 sheets of tissue paper, tie the fan together with string instead of a pipe cleaner and separate the paper on both sides to create a round, hanging ornament.

• Use caution; tissue paper tears easily.

References

• Disney Family Fun: Giant Tissue Paper Flowers