Paper Flower Wreath ~ Tutorial

When I saw the gorgeous cover of the February Martha Stewart Living magazine with the big Valentine heart constructed out of paper flowers, I knew I wanted to create something similar for Katie's shower.  I approach all crafts, particularly Martha's, with slight trepidation.  I've had enough failed attempts to know that I'm not the world's craftiest girl, but it is fun to have something homemade so I'm willing to keep trying.  March on craft soldiers, march on... But this time it turned out to be pretty simple and very cute.  Here are the deets.....

Materials
6 packs of tissue paper, 8 sheets per package {i used three shades of pink}
styrofoam wreath {i used one that is flat on top + bottom see link, i didn't have one for this post}
floral wire
pins
scissors
ribbon
fabric strips to wrap wreath
glue gun

step 1: wrap wreath with fabric, pin in place {i like these pins, extra snug}

step 2: take one stack of 8 sheets of tissue and fold them accordion style starting along the short end. i did about 1.5-2 inch folds.

step 3. cut in half for big flower or thirds for smaller flowers.

step 4. wrap floral wire around the middle

step 5. round off ends with scissors

step 6. fan out and begin lifting one sheet of tissue at a time, till you have a pretty flower. then ohhh and ahhh at your crafty self!

{tip: the smaller flowers are a little more difficult and easier if you use fewer sheets, i did some with 6 sheets and that helped.}

step 7. once you have a collection of flowers, begin playing around with an arrangement on the wreath.  when it looks good, slather wreath with hot glue and hold flower in place.  once it dries there is no moving them so make sure you like it!  finish by pinning on ribbon.  i pinned a small loop of ribbon on the back to hang it.

If you make one I'd love to see pictures!! It really would be super fun for Valentine's Day too.