How to Tips to Make Artificial Flowers

Flowers are a constant in many of our homes, and offices and are often used as decoration for many occasions. They are a symbol of love and friendship and provide cheer for many. Unfortunately, as much of the flowers are brought in from abroad, not everyone can afford fresh flowers. Artificial flowers can be as beautiful as the real thing and of course, are longer lasting. Not many materials are required, and though there are kits out there, many of the materials can be found around the house. So, grab your iron and other material and get ready to make some flowers. The following are the basic materials needed, many of which should be available at your local craft store. You may wish to get a flower iron, which presses naturalistic patterns into material, though this is not necessary especially if this is a rare arts and craft project.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Scissors
• Cornstarch
• Paintbrush
• Cotton balls
• White glue
• Floral tape
• Flower making thread
• Wooden ladle/spoon
• Wire (for the stem) or Pipe cleaner (green)
• A table big enough to lay out your material
• Paper, fabric, or silk (your choice) – if you don’t desire painting your own flowers, purchase colored material
• Wire cutter

1. Material for flowers Iron the materials (if using fabric) to remove any wrinkles. Trace the pattern of your preferred size petals and leaves on the paper, fabric or silk. You may want to use real flowers as models to get the most realistic designs. You would need to draw the outlines of veins etc. before painting the petals and leaves.
2. Color fabric If you are using material that isn’t already colored, the petals must now be dyed using the cotton balls and paint brushes. Do so by covering the material from the edge of each petal or leaf and working you way towards the center. Set aside to dry.
3. Take a petal. Roll it and tie the bottom with the flower making thread. Arrange desired petals around it and tie with more thread. Now the flower is ready.
4. Pansies Prepare cornstarch mix with ladle/spoon and apply a thin layer so the flowers you’ve formed maintain their shape. The starch should not be visible. Set aside to dry. Carefully cut and shape the number of leaves required following the same process as the petals to shape and hold them.
5. Finished bloom Using the wire cutter, cut the wire to the desired length for the stems. Attach blooms and leaves to the wire using the floral tape to form each full flower. Repeat process to create as many flowers as desired.

Tips & Warnings

• Beginners can start out with flowers that have larger petals before experimenting with smaller blooms, such as daises, or roses.