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In the Craftsroom

SEASONS: FALL | CHRISTMAS | VALENTINE'S DAY | SPRING FLOWERS | SUMMER

Mark shows you how to make paper cherry blossoms, paper camellias and ribbon roses.

Paper Cherry Blossoms Click here to download instructions on folding paper cherry blossoms.

Paper Camellias

In the south, winter brings a welcome relief from the heat and humidity and some of the most beautiful flowers on earth – camellias. Keep these beauties around year-round by making some of your own.

Can you tell which are real and which are made from paper? The answer is at the bottom of the instructions!

Answer: The camellias on the left (shown in a head vase hanging on my front door) were picked from camellia bushes in our garden! The camellias on the right (shown in a shadow box that hangs in our living room) are made from paper. I hate to admit this but I made these in 1987 making them 20 years old!

Ribbon Roses

Just in time for February – The Month of Love – and Valentine’s Day, create these beautiful roses from French-wired ribbon.

Materials: 22” of 1” to 2” wide French wired ribbon for rose. Additional ribbon for leaf.

Directions:

1. Make a knot at one end of 22" ribbon length. At opposite end, poke out wire from one side. Loosely gather ribbon along this wire down to knot. Do not pull to hard as it could snap. Continue gathering until entire side completely is ruffled and curling naturally. Leave wire end free; do not cut off.

2. Form rose by holding knotted end in one hand. Begin to spiral gathered ribbon around knot loosely with other hand. Wrap tightly at first to form a "bud," then continue wrapping lightly so that it flares out and acquires an open rose effect.

3. At end, fold raw edge down to meet gathered edge, as shown. Secure by wrapping wire length around knot tightly and catching in free end; cut wire end off. Adjust "petals" as needed to create desired effect.

4. Cut a 3" strip of ribbon wide. Fold each end diagonally to center. Then, fold each side towards center again forming a point. Gather bottom end and wrap with wire or use hot glue to secure.