How to Make Crepe Paper Roses for Valentine's Day

Here's a little tutorial on how to make crepe paper roses for Valentine's day (I have a few ideas on how and where to use them at the end of the post.)

You will need:

Assorted colors of crepe paper. I found mine here. You could also try tissue paper if you like, though it won't be quite as stiff. Vile Michaels also sells some very good thick two colored crepe paper from Martha, of course.
Scissors
Florist wire and wire cutters
Floral Tape



Above are the outer petals.



Above are the inner petals. Create a stamen (the center of the rose) by cutting fringe on a single strip of crepe paper. ( I used yellow.)



You can cut your petals free hand, or you can print the images above to use as templates. For each rose, you will need fourteen to sixteen outer petals, five to six inner petals and one stamen. Make sure the grain of the crepe paper is running vertically when you cut them so that you can shape them properly.



To shape, place your thumbs together in the center of the petal and gently press down and tug outward. This will make your petal rounded and more natural looking.



Using a bit of floral wire (or a toothpick if you prefer) roll the tip of the petal outward over the wire to create a lip and a natural looking inner petal.



Use the same technique on the rounded edges of the heart shaped outer petals.



Now coil your stamen around the floral wire.



Move the stamen a little down the wire.




Fold the wire over to secure the stamen in place. Tape the stamen down with your floral tape. (Remember, it gets sticky as you pull on it, so pull gently on the tape as you go.)



Begin adding the small inner petals, taping each one securely.




Gradually add the larger petals, working in a circular motion and overlapping each new petal over the preceding one.




Voila! You've made a lovely paper rose! Martha suggests using these for table decorations at a party, but obviously fresh flowers are much prettier. What if you tried these ideas instead?



A pretty floral crown for the bride (or mother) to be at a shower? (Of for anyone who likes to pretend she's a fairy!)




I used mine to re-imagine the light above our dining nook. It's not quite Tord Boontje, but its a good temporary solution for us gypsies!



You could also attach an alligator clip. Now this can be a pretty corsage, a hair flower, or a present topper.



Don't be shy- add some new elements and create something totally unique. But be sure to report back here- I can't wait to see the fabulous twists you come up with! Have a rosy day!

Love,

Miss B