CREPE PAPER FLOWER

Things You'll Need:

• Crepe paper
• Ruler
• Scissors
• Green pipe cleaners

Instructions:

Stack five sheets of crepe paper on a flat surface. You can use the same colored crepe paper throughout this project, or you can layer different colors for a unique look. Work in a well-lit area so that you can see what you are doing.

Measure an 8-by-8-inch square of crepe paper with your ruler and cut all the layers with your scissors. This is a great activity for children, but supervise them when they are using scissors.               

Make a 1/2-inch fold in the stack of crepe paper. Run your finger along the fold to create a crease. Hold the new fold tight and flip the crepe paper over. Fold the crepe paper you are holding backwards to create a second fold. This is called an accordion fold. Continue in this manner until you reach the end of the crepe paper.

Fold the crepe paper in half by bringing the two short ends together. Do not make a full fold or crease. You are looking for the center of the paper.

Cut a tiny V-shape on each side of the fold.

Wrap one end of a green pipe cleaner around the middle of the paper (where you made your tiny cuts) and then twist it around itself where the pipe cleaner meets the underside of the flower. This will secure the pipe cleaner stem to the crepe paper flower. The long end of the pipe cleaner should be pointing down.

Pull the ends of the crepe paper up, and then begin to open the layers inside by pulling them out gently. Work with the layers, pulling and lifting them, until you are satisfied with the look of your flower.