I have made so many paper flowers through the years, but my favorite is a quick and dirty version I call my “5 Minute Peony.” This can actually translate to any flower. I usually just do a search for the shape of the petal and then you can make any flower in the world. The key to making these quickly is to do everything at once. When I cut out the petals, I do a huge stack at the same time (like 7-10.) And even when I make the fringe for the middle I’ll stack it so that I cut all of it in about 30 seconds. They aren’t super detailed or refined but they still wow and impress and are perfect for gifts or Valentines Day. Paper Mart has been our long time sponsor and I have been a huge fan for over ten years (I even bought all the supplies for my wedding from there years ago.) Their crepe paper comes in a million colors and you cannot beat the price.

Materials: Crepe paper, scissors, floral wire, pink cube boxes, x-acto knife, wire cutters

Step 1: Take a fold of crepe paper or tissue paper and cut off a 4″ section.
Step 2: Take the fold and cut along one side about 3/4 of the way through making thin strips of fringe.
Step 3: Cut long sections of wire about 10″ long and short sections of wire 3″ long. If you are making a lot of flowers then cut all the wire at one time for the process to go a lot faster.
Step 4: Fold the long piece of wire in half. Begin wrapping the petals around the center and pinching it tight around the base. When finished, tie a small piece of wire around the fringe to hold it in place.
Step 5: For the petals, take the fold of crepe paper and cut off a 4 inch section.
Step 6: Take that section and cut it in half the same direction as the grain. (Crepe paper has a grain and this will matter later on.)
Step 7: Cut out a petal shape so that the grain of the crepe paper goes from the top to the bottom. It should look like there are lines running from the top of the petal to the base. To save time, you can cut the petals all at one time by putting them in stacks.
Step 8: Take the petals and with both thumbs stretch the crepe paper so it makes a nice curved petal. This is where it will matter what grain the paper is going in so that it stretches right. Again, t go quicker you can even do this to a small stack of petals at the same time.
Step 9: Taking the center of the flower begin placing the petals around and then pinching it and holding it at the base. When you are happy with the fullness of the petals take a small piece of wire and tightly wrap it and twist it to secure it in place. When you are done you should have a nice simple flower.
Step 10: Trim the wire base.
Step 11: Cut out a few leaves using the same process as Step 7-8.
Step 12: Attach them to the base of the flower with wire and wrap tightly to secure in place.
Step 13: Use an x-acto knife to cut an “x” into the top of your box.
Step 14: Slip the flower through the hole and secure with tape on the other side. Voila! Fin.

This post is sponsored by Paper Mart. My favorite resource for packaging and craft supplies.

Styling by Amy Moss
Crafting by Andrea Ramierez