STEP 1: PREPARING THE TISSUE PAPER

Colored tissue paper is availablein afew different sizes. The bestsize for this project is 20 inches by 26 inches or 20 inches by 30 inches. Purchase a package of colored tissue that includes avariety of colors. Cut the paper in half horizontally to yield pieces that are approximately10inches by 26 inches. Choose fourdifferentcolored papers for each flower. Colors that lookgood together are colors that are next to each other in the rainbow, for example, purple, red, orange and yellow; or yellow, green, blue and purple. Other attractive color combinations include pale and dark versions of the same color, such as navy blue, medium blue, turquoise and powderblue. Place the four sheets of colored tissue on top of each other, aligning the edges asclosely as possible.

STEP 3: ADDING THE STEM

Fold one chenille stem in half and twist it around the center of the folded tissue, right where the notches were cut. To give the flower’ sstem greater length, twist the endsofthe first chenille piece around asecond chenille stem.

STEP 2: FOLDING AND CUTTING THE TISSUE

Starting with theshort side, fold the stack of papers in an accordion fold that is one inch to 1½inches deep and 10 inches wide. Locate the middle of the folded paper and cut asmall V-shaped notch from eachside, being very careful not to cut thefolded paper in half. This will make it easier to affixthe chenille stem. Trim the two outer edges – keeping the paper folded – into points. This makesthe pointsofthe flower’ s petals look neater.

STEP 4: FLUFFING OUT THE FLOWER

In this step, the folded tissue paper finally becomes aflower. Choose the colored tissue on the outside of the folded paper and gently pull it away from the center of the flower so that it stands out. Next, pull out the second colored tissue paper so it stands out. Do the same with the third and fourth colored sheets. Pull gently yet firmly to really give a3-dimensional looktothe flower. Adjust the papers to form anice spherical shape. ●

– TINA MUNSON

YOU’ LL NEED

• I4sheets of colored tissue paper for each flower

• scissors

• 2 green chenille stems for each flower

ANNE-MARIE CARUSO

14 APRIL / MAY 2017 |( 201) FAMILY

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