How Do I Make Carnation Flowers From Tissues?

The best craft projects to do with children are those that allow them to achieve a successful outcome. These projects are often quick and simple and require few supplies. Make carnation flowers from tissues for a kid's birthday party or slumber night activities. One carnation can be made into a brooch or whimsical barrette, and several carnations can form a bouquet. These flowers are cheap alternatives to more expensive decorations when decorating for high school dances, parade floats, and the bride and groom's get-away car after a wedding.

Things You'll Need

• Facial tissue, 3-ply
• Ruler
• Scissors
• Pipe cleaner

Instructions

1. Lay a facial tissue on your work table. Unfold the edges, forming a square. Use a tissue that is at least three-ply thick. If your tissue is thinner than that, or if you would like a fuller carnation, stack another tissue on top of the first one.

2. Fold 1 inch on one edge of the tissue to the top. Fold another inch to the back on the same edge. Repeat the accordion pattern with a 1-inch fold to the front and another to the back until the entire square has been folded. The tissue is now a 1-inch wide folded strip.

3. Fold the strip in half, matching the two short ends. Press the fold to crease. Unfold the strip. The crease marks the center of the strip.

4. Cut out a 1/4-inch triangle shaped notch on each long edge of the folded tissue at the center crease.

5. Lay a pipe cleaner vertically on your work table. Place the folded tissue strip horizontally on the pipe cleaner. Align the cut-out notches over the pipe cleaner. Fold the pipe cleaner in half, trapping the strip between the fold. Twist together the ends of the pipe cleaner at the fold, cinching the center notches of the strip.

6. Form the carnation blossom. Carefully separate each layer of the folds and each thinner ply of the tissue.