Cut the tissue
paper into varying shapes for flowers and leaves. Use varying
size petals, smaller for the center, and larger for the outer
petals.
Wrap single or
multiple sheets around the pencil. For greater
"crinkle" effect, use less tissue paper, and wrap
tightly. For a loose "crinkle", use more paper, and
wrap loosely. Starting from one end of the pencil, gently push
the tissue paper toward the center. Repeat at the other end.
Gently unwrap the paper from the pencil.
Starting
with the smallest petals (the center of your flower), wrap the
base of each petal around the wire. It's easiest to flatten
out the petals, wrap them, and then bend the tops of each
petal backward to create an unfolding flower. Secure it to the
wire by wrapping it with the florist's tape. Leave the tape
long.
Wrap each
successive petal around the wire, overlapping the previous
petal slightly and secure with a wrap of tape. (I like to
overlap a little unevenly - the finished flower more closely
resembles something nature would produce.) You don't have to
use wire as the stem of your flower, but wire has the
advantage of "bendability".
Once your flower
is complete, wrap the tape around the bottom
several times to create a solid base. Continue wrapping the
tape around the wire, moving slightly down and overlapping
with each wrap. Slightly below the base of your flower, begin
placing the leaves by wrapping the base of each leaf around
the leaf, and securing it with a wrap or two of tape. You can
bend the leaves back or not, to get the effect you wish.
Continuing securing leaves to the wire, placing them a bit
apart so that you don't end up with a "bush",
wrapping tape around the wire between each leaf.
After the last
leaf has been added, continue wrapping the wire with tape
until you reach the end of your wire. Cut the tape and stretch
slightly as you press the end into the previously wrapped tape
to secure it.
Several flowers in a
vase make a nice, long-lasting display. You can also use
gardener's styrofoam to secure your flowers - simply cut the
styrofoam into the shape you want so that it fits in the bottom of
your vase/container and stick the ends of the wire into it. For
added foliage, you can buy dried eucalyptus leaves at your local
craft store, or add some silk leaves to your arrangement.
size petals, smaller for the center, and larger for the outer
petals.
several times to create a solid base. Continue wrapping the
tape around the wire, moving slightly down and overlapping
with each wrap. Slightly below the base of your flower, begin
placing the leaves by wrapping the base of each leaf around
the leaf, and securing it with a wrap or two of tape. You can
bend the leaves back or not, to get the effect you wish.
Continuing securing leaves to the wire, placing them a bit
apart so that you don't end up with a "bush",
wrapping tape around the wire between each leaf.
