YOU`LL NEED

• 6 – 7 pieces of 180 gram florist crepe paper cut into 20″ x 30″ sheets
• 6 – 7 small binder clips or large paper clips
• 16 gauge floral wire
• heavy duty scissors

STEP 1

First, lay out the sheets of crepe paper and fold each one into an accordion. The folds should measure about 2-3 inches thick and should be creased along the natural, horizontal lines of the crepe paper. Don’t worry about the folds being absolutely perfect!

STEP 2

Keep each bundle bound together by a small binder clip or large paper clip.

STEP 3

Working with the outer color first, gradually trim down the length of each sheet in 1-2 inch increments. This will ultimately give the flower its depth

STEP 4

With scissors, trim the ends into rounded and pointy shapes. Again, don’t worry about being too precise – irregularity will make the flower look more natural! Realign the binder clips to the center of each bundle

STEP 5

Cut along the folds of each bundle . . .

STEP 6

. . . until the scissors hit the edge of the binder clip, leaving the center uncut. Repeat the same steps on all four sides.

STEP 7

Unbind each bundle. Lay the sheets on top of each other with the largest, outer color on the very bottom and the smallest, innermost color on top. Be sure to center the sheets as best as possible. Then, start folding all the layers into an accordion

STEP 8

Roll the bunch inwards and tie a piece of floral wire around the middle.

STEP 9

Secure the wire by giving it a few twists. Fan out the folds, exposing the strips of the first layer.

STEP 10

Gently peel forward one strip at a time and using both hands, stretch the paper open.

STEP 11

I suggest peeling forward every other or every two strips to give the flower a more organic look. And remember to constantly fan out the bundle since some strips may be tucked away between other layers. Once the first layer is done, move onto the next layer and color.

STEP 12

Slowly and gently peel forward all the strips from each layer. Though you might have to adjust some of the petals, the flower will naturally take it’s own shape.

STEP 13

Continue peeling the layers. If a strip is too big or out of place, feel free to use scissors to trim or shape it.

STEP 14

Soon enough, your crepe paper flower will be finished. And I dare you to make just one!