HOW TO MAKE
PAPER FLOWERS
WITH @EMMELIKIMHI
Looking to brighten up your home or make someone's day with a thoughtful gift? In this tutorial created exclusively for Hobbs, artist Emmeli Kimhi shows how to make beautiful paper flowers in six simple steps.
Looking to brighten up your home or make someone's day with a thoughtful gift? In this tutorial created exclusively for Hobbs, artist Emmeli Kimhi shows how to make beautiful paper flowers in six simple steps.
YOU WILL NEED:
- 90g crepe paper in any preferred colour
- 90-180g green crepe paper
- 18 gauge wire
- Green floral tape
- Ruler
- Scissors
- Tacky glue
STEP 1: PREPARE THE PIECES
First, cut the coloured crepe paper in five 5cm x 15cm pieces. Then cut the green crepe paper into one 6cm x 5cm piece. Then cut a 1cm x 20cm piece of green crepe paper. Lastly, cut thin strips of the green crepe paper into various sizes – these will form the small leaves along the stem.
Top tip: Cut all pieces with the grain vertical. Crepe paper stretches so this is important!
STEP 2: CUT THE PETALS
Take a rectangular piece of coloured paper and fold it vertically five times so it looks like a concertina. Then using your scissors round off the corners. Repeat with all your coloured pieces. Then unfold the paper and gently stretch the tops of the petal strip to create a more realistic and organic look.
STEP 3: ATTACH THE FLOWER
Along the base of the petal strip, cover with your tacky glue. Then, roll the strip around the top of the wire stem, gradually bunching the paper as you go. Do the same with each strip of coloured paper to build up the layers of petals.
STEP 4: SECURE THE SEPAL
Take your 6cm x 5cm piece of green crepe paper and fold it vertically five times. To a halfway point, cut triangular angles and cut off the corners. Then, unfold the strip and along the bottom, cover with glue. Roll it around the base of your petals and use a small piece of green floral tape to secure it in place.
Quick fact: In nature, the sepal protects the flower in bud and supports the petals when it's in bloom.
STEP 5: PLACE THE LEAVES
Take the thin strips of green paper and with your scissors cut each end into a pointy shape. Then, take the 1cm x 20cm green paper and cover it with glue. Starting at the top, roll the glued paper around the wire stem to cover the floral tape. As you roll it, gradually stretch the paper and place the leaves where you'd like them. Continue until you have covered the whole stem with the paper.
STEP 6: ARRANGE THE PETALS
To finish your flower, work the petals gently between your fingertips to soften the edges and give them a natural shape. You can also use your fingernails to curl the leaves on the stem, so they look more realistic. Now you've mastered one, make a few stems you can artfully arrange in a vase or tie together with coordinating ribbons – they'll make a thoughtful, handmade gift!
