If you want to create a unique [[bouquet] or decorations for a special occasion, or are simply looking for a fun, easy and inexpensive craft to do with your kids, why not create some tissue paper flowers? These crafty flowers can serve a number of uses. If you're looking for an inexpensive gift idea for Mother's Day, a colorful and unique Easter centerpiece, unique decorations for a wedding or Cinco de Mayo, or creative filler for your May basket, tissue paper flowers are a great alternative to fresh flowers. Not only are they less expensive than the real thing, tissue paper flowers are fun and easy to make, and last much longer than cut flowers. This guide will provide you with all the information on how to make tissue paper flowers.

(Creative Commons photo by bandita)

• To make tissue paper flowers, you only need a few basic materials

1. Tissue paper: You'll need 6-8 sheets for each flower. Using different colors of paper or different shades of the same color adds variety and makes for a brighter bouquet
2. Pipe cleaners: Green, if you're going for realism, although the color doesn't really matter
3. Scissors

• The process of making tissue paper flowers is relatively simple and each flower can be created within a few minutes.

1. If your tissue paper sheets are rectangular, cut them in half to make squares—when making the flowers, you want all the sheets to be the same size
2. Gather six to eight sheets of tissue paper and lay them on top of each other, making sure they are lined up. Using alternating colors of paper makes a more colorful flower
3. Fold the paper over, creating about a one-inch fold
4. Continue folding the paper back and forth, accordion style, ensuring that the folds are the same size
5. Once your paper is folded, you can cut the ends to create rounded or pointed edges if you wish
6. Take a pipe cleaner and wrap one end tightly around the middle of the folded paper. Twist the pipe cleaner or wrap it around the center of the paper to make it secure
7. Carefully separate the layers of tissue paper and fluff them up to create your flower
8. Repeat the above steps to create as many flowers as you like

• Howcast Video: How to Make Tissue Paper Flowers (Time: 1:28)

• After making several tissue paper flowers, arrange them in a vase, basket or bouquet to create a colorful centerpiece, decoration or a lovely homemade gift.

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