How to Make Paper Flower Garlands

Paper flower garlands add a feel of good old down home decorating to any gathering. They are ideal for parties, special occasions, and are sure to be a big hit for school children everywhere. With a few sheets of tissue paper and some ribbon even children can make these delightful garlands.

Things You'll Need

• Brightly colored tissue paper
• Green ribbon
• Scissors
• Green pipe cleaners

Instructions

1. Choose a color scheme for your garland. For a festive look and feel, try using a variety of bright reds, yellows, and blues to create the flowers. Kids will love these fiery garlands that bring a party to life. For a more formal look, choose soft blues and creams. Or simply choose the guest of honor's favorite color and throw in a contrasting color to add visual appeal.

2. Layer four 6"x12" rectangles of tissue paper. Fold these accordion style making alternating folds that are 1" wide. Continue to fold back and forth until your folded strip measures 1"x6".

3. Round the ends of the folded tissue paper with a pair of scissors.

4. Wrap a pipe cleaner around the center of the strip and twist together firmly. This will be the stem of your flower.

5. Create a fan shape on both sides of the pipe cleaner by gently pulling the folded tissue paper until the sides meet.

6. Open the flower by gently pulling each of the four layers away from the others. Begin with the center petals, lifting and fluffing as you go. Be careful not to tear the layers of tissue paper. Repeat until the entire flower is fluffed.

7. Attach the flowers to the ribbon by wrapping the pipe cleaner around the ribbon and twisting securely. Leave space between flowers so that the green ribbon shows through. Drape the vine over windows or door frames to create the look of vining flowers.

Tips & Warnings

• Drape your paper flower garland over windows, around door frames or even along the wall. The green ribbon vine will look best if it is free flowing.

• If desired, cut leaves from green tissue paper and attach to the base of the flowers or at intervals along the vine. Experiment with the size and shape of the leaves until you find one that you like best.

• For variety, try making flowers in different sizes and colors and adding them to the ribbon.

• Never drape tissue paper garlands near open flame or heat sources.