Paper Flowers

I didn't mean to sign up for a Woven Wednesday. Why, you might ask?
Because I'm not crafty.
Okay, I make a scrapbook calendar and have a lot of my pictures in pretty scrapbooks, but those are pretty simple.

But, here I am.

My book fair (I'm an elementary school librarian) is next week, and it's a fiesta theme. One of the decorations Scholastic shared was making paper flowers with tissue paper.

So, here's my attempt at the craft.

1. Make a pile of square tissue paper with three different layers.
Bottom layer: 6 sheets
Middle layer: 4 sheets
Top layer: 2 sheets

(Notice I don't cut very straight)

Lesson Learned: Make the layers different sizes with the top being the biggest.


2. Fold the combined sheets accordion style, making sure each fold is 1-inch. Keep the papers together as you fold.

 

3. Wrap a pipe cleaner around the center of the flowers at the crease. Wrap enough that the paper is held together securely and twist the ends to make a knot.

(Sidenote: Where is the crease? I couldn't figure that out.)

 

4. Unfold the flower. Fan out the tissue paper so that no sheets are stuck together.

5. Pull apart the petals.

 

 

My final product didn't look anything like the example Scholastic shared.

 

My second attempt, which was a little easier and better looking.

 .

 

I was feeling discouraged about my dismal attempts.

Then I remembered all the "art" projects I've tried with my students during library time. I always think they are horrible, but the kids love them. I'm told I'm a fantastic artist or that my pictures are amazing.

 

Because kids don't look at things as critically as adults.                            And so, my flowers are going to be rocking it at the book fair next week. Because I tried.

What have you not tried because you thought it wouldn't turn out perfectly?

 

 

Laura Jackson is a school librarian, the author of YA novel, Worth the Wait, and tissue paper flower enthusiast. Find her at http://authorlaurajackson.blogspot.com/, https://www.facebook.com/laurajacksonwrites, or https://twitter.com/LauraJackson80.