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I know terrariums and succulents are all the rage right now, but I have to admit – they hold no appeal for me. I love nature and like to bring living things into my home whenever I can, but I go for it in the way of flowers. Big flowers with huge blooms like hydrangeas and peonies. Ooooh…la…la… I love ‘em!
With hub’s unemployment I haven’t bought any fresh flowers and rely on fake to give me my flower fix. I even stopped buying massive flats of annuals that I normally do every Spring to plant outside because of the price.
Last week while on Pinterest I came across this photo and haven’t been able to get it out of my mind ever since. I was in desperate need to have these flowers in my home. I love everything about the room, but the simple white flowers – became an obsession! I had to have them, but how?
I know I could never find them fresh in my area this time of year and even if I did they would cost $20 or more, so I decided the only way I was going get them was to go fake, but even fake are expensive. Instead, I did a little Semi-Homemade makeover on fake flowers I bought at the dollar store.
This is what I created by taking apart dollar store flowers and styling new blooms from tissue paper. I am very happy with how they turned out. Total cost: $4.00.
After seeing that Pinterest photo I knew white blooms would make my dining room look a teeny tiny bit more like the room in the photo since it is done in all neutrals.
1. Lay 5 layers of tissue paper cut to 8” x 14” on top of each other. Accordion fold,
2. Find center and staple. Then wrap a 5” piece of wire around. Round edges with scissors.
3. Carefully begin to spread out each layer of tissue paper to start forming the flower.
4. Fluff so that most of the petals are to one side, unless you want to make pom-pom flowers to hang.
5. You can see the fake rose bouquet I bought at the dollar store in the left hand side of the photo below. Pull off all the flower heads. You will expose the wire stem tops. You want to attach the tissue paper flowers to these wire stems.
6. I poked the tip into the center of the tissue paper flower and then wrapped the wire around the stem to secure. You could also bend the tip of the fake flower stem to create a hook to wrap the flower and the wire around. I did a few each way. Cover the wire with florist tape.
In this photo you can see I have most of the tissue paper flowers attached to the fake bouquet stems.
BEFORE: White Rose bouquet I took apart on the right. AFTER: Tissue paper flowers on the left.
I used the fake bouquet because the work of arranging the heights of each stem/bloom is already done for you. You could also gather up a bunch of branches from your yard and attach the paper flowers.
To make them look more realistic – put water in your vase.
There are so many ways to make gorgeous bouquets of paper flowers. Look what Aunt Peaches did with coffee filters.
Pretty roses from tissue paper.
I made a frilly one for the ribbon spool gift box in my last post. It resembles a mum.
1. Fold over a piece of tissue paper lengthwise. If you want big blooms – just make the space between the folds larger. If you don’t want loop for the petals – trim the top of the folded paper so there are no folds.
2. Use scissors to cut the paper every 1/4 –inch along the length.
3. Roll it up and place a staple on each side of the roll to secure.
4. Cut the excess paper away under staple. This will let the flower sit flat on a gift box.
5. Loopy flower. The purple and white flower is more frilly since the folds were cut off along the top of the length of folded tissue paper.
Some inspiring floral images I found on Pinterest.
I will have hydrangeas in my garden this color, but will have to wait until June for them to bloom.
I also have peonies planted in my backyard, but…
they are only this far along. I will have to wait for a few more weeks before pretty pink blooms show up.
Now all I need is a way to have this outdoor urn overflowing with affordable colorful flowers – paper won’t work outside – any ideas?
If you don’t mind a fake plant or two in your home, you may like the topiary I made using fake greenery.
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{ 55 comments… read them below or add one }
Diane,
You are just so genius. I am not (found out) that crafty. I attempted the tissue flowers first time for Valentine’s Day and that cute container you taught us to make. I did not do well, but I am better now. The first try was a no go… I think I made it too thick or full. I am getting better and plan to keep trying till mine look at least close to as good as these you have done. Getting better is good, ……. sure it is. My first try was a bit sad, but this one is much better. I maybe don’t listen close enough also. It pays to pay attention to what you tell us.
I love love love these flowers. I gotta give this a shot. Thanks for sharing!
I love paper flowers, Diane, they bring me back to some nice childhood memories. I’m planning on making some paper pom poms soon, but I will be keeping your flower directions in mind.
Diane…they are absolutely gorgeous. Thanks for the wonderful tutorial. I must try this!
Hi, Diane! I love this post (would like to feature it this weekend). :) I’ve never thought about ways to dress up Dollar Store flowers before…who knew?! ;) I was wondering if you’d mind updating the link to my blog at the bottom of your post (it’s incorrect)? It’s http://www.serenitynowblog.com
Have a wonderful weekend! :)
Diane, those are awesome! Love them!
Debbie
I completely agree with you about the terrariums, I have tried and I just cant make myself like them. Not my thing… however DIY flowers- def my thang!!! Love it… thanks for the tut!!!
Soooooo pretty, Diane! I love these!!! So fluffy and frilly! You are such a clever gal! As far as your urn goes…..how about making one of your darling topiaries in a larger size and putting it in there…???
xoxo laurie
Hi Laurie – That is a very good idea. I may even have a base as I made an outdoor topiary for a Christmas decoration when we first moved into this house. I will have to search in my attic for the base. Thanks for the idea, XO
Well, aren’t you crafty?! So pretty!
Oh wow…LOVE those paper hydrangeas! Beautifully done.
Thanks Kristi. They are so easy to make and tissue paper is so inexpensive – I think I will be making more in lots of colors.
I too was going to suggest a topiary like you made before. But why not just get some dollar store colorful flowers till the real ones are ready? I use them in our outdoor large planters …till it warms up enough to put in the real ones. What I do is buy a “bunch” of flowers and then cut them apart into single stems. That way you can “arrange” them in the pot more like real ones would grow. Add in some extra greenery and it’ll look pretty real..for now. I LOVE your paper flowers! I may have to make these…we used to make some very similar to these in grade school too.
Hi Connie – Thanks for the idea. When my girls were little we lived in NJ and there was a big beautiful Victorian on the main street with flowers all over – hanging baskets, beds, etc. We lived there for years before I found out that all the flowers were fake. She bought new ones every year, just like you would buy annuals every Spring. She just didn’t want to have to water and care for them daily. She tweaked them and had a good eye to arranging them so they looked realistic. It still amazes me when I think about it.
Diane, these paper flowers are lovely. You really have a flair for florals! I bought a plant half price at Hobby Lobby yesterday so I could make a topiary like your wispy one… If I am successful, I may post it and credit you with a link to your post if that’s ok!
-Revi
I wish I had a Hobby Lobby near me.I have never been to one, but hear so many great things about the store. I hope you have success and please let me know if your post it. I would love to see. XO
Plant flower seeds in the planter, under 2.00 for a pack and put the whole pack in there.
Where did your beautiful Lighting fixture come from?
Hi Brandie – The light fixture was a boring builder issue light fixture that I made over. I did a post on it – Here is the link: http://inmyownstyle.com/2010/11/dining-room-chandelier-make-over.html
Diane, I so appreciate your candor in this post. My first response to it was: Why make fake flowers? Because I tend not to like things that are faux. But I kept reading, and quickly felt ashamed at my judgmental stance. Which is all the more appalling as I myself have had to make some major life changes as the result of reduced employment in the last year.
This post is a great reminder to me of several things: 1. Don’t judge. We so often never know the whole story of something. 2. Necessity is the mother of invention. As I kept reading, I realized that your flowers are not pale substitutes of some real thing. They are their own thing (just as a rendering of flowers in paint is its own thing.) And yours are gorgeous. I doubt I could ever make such beautiful flowers (though you’ve certainly given me all the info I need to try!).
Thank you so much for teaching me about several things through this post.
These are gorgeous! I love how you added the fake stems to them.
Really well done! You can’t even tell that they are fake. I am also gardening on the cheap since my husband is going through a career change and money is short. Maybe you could buy a few packets of seeds to direct sow and grow some flowers that way…..much cheaper than the flats! I am buying spring annuals in a few weeks only compliments of my sister giving me a garden center gift card for Christmas. : )
those are just lovely!…thanks for sharing the how to
I can’t believe how fluffy and realistic they look…for only $4.00!!! Super Cute!
What an awesome idea, this looks beautiful!!! I love having flowers around too, and this is such a great alternative to fresh cut flowers! LOVE IT!
Wonderful post!! As for an outdoor idea… Have you thought of trying plastic bags in the same way you use the tissue paper? Just a thought;) not sure if it would look right, but it would be durable.
We have an Herbal Society. They have a plant exchange in the spring. Perhaps your area does this too. It is a good way to try new things.
How clever! I love it and plan to try this! They look like big, beautiful white hydrangeas! Thank you for sharing!
You are an master at turning the ordinary into extroadinary. I too, am not a fan of succulants – rather have the real flowers – but in these economic times – not doable for me right now. Thank you for sharing your lovely white flowers!
Hi Diane,
This is such a clever, thrifty idea! I would never have thought they were tissue paper. Thanks for sharing :)
Linking up from the Sunday Showcase.
How about Wax paper or coloured plastic wrap for those outdoor flowers?
Hi, Diane
What a super great idea. The flowers turned out lovely.
Vanessa
I LOVE IT!!!!! They are sooo beautiful! Thank you!
I have also made these flowers using wax paper and parchment paper . Using different types of paper adds another dimension to the flowers when used in an arrangement .
Diane,
I’ve read several of your posts now and I know you don’t have much choice but to be very frugal at the moment with your creations. I think it may be a blessing in disguise as your creativity shines through and I seriously love your ideas. You are able to create beautiful things fairly easily and with little money. You are a blessing to many people who look for these ideas. You would not guess that these things are inexpensive. It could easily go the other way if someone did not have your creative ability, but look at what you are able to teach everyone. I am about finished in one of my girls rooms and I used your balloon shade idea with a $5 fitted white sheet, adding ribbons ($2 florist ribbon was cheaper). Everyone loves it.
I will continue to read your blog regularly. Thank you for such great ideas that we can all do.
Blessings!
What a great idea!! I have to say a beautiful peony is my favorite flower – and what a perfect way to get the look – you are a genius ; )
xo
Ashlyn
I am sooo doing this Diane! Thank you showing how great it will look! When we moved to our new house I left behind a huge hydranga plant and several peonies. I will have to waitl years before the little ones I pelanted last Fall give me a show. Missed your blog, we’ve been without internet for five months.
Hey, awesome idea Diane! I love how you just ripped apart those dollar store blooms to make something a lot more attractive ;-). Have you shared this with Heather at Dollar Store Crafts?!
Thanks for joining the DIY Talent Parade!
Thanks for the tutorial, this was exactly what I needed for my living room vase. You are so creative and wonderful, thanks!
What about vinyl tablecloths made into flowers? They come in a plethora of colors… And can be left outside.
Here is a trick I learned a long time ago! I brought a bush of white carnations at my local craft store. when I need a flower fix, I just cut some greens from the yard to fill it out or buy some real flowers (a much smaller bunch) to add! People are always amazed at the flowers at my house – if they only knew.
These are gorgeous, I can’t wait to try them. Thanks!
P.S . I found this post through Pinterest FYI…
I think these are beautiful, I can’t wait to try them. I’ve spent a lot of time on this site and you are truly one of the most creative, imaginative and frugal (which I truly love) bloggers out there (at least that I’ve come across). Also, your photographs are exceptional.
Thanks so much for sharing all your wonderful ideas – They inspire me!
Hi Jo-Ann
Thanks so much. I truly appreciate you taking the time to tell me that you have found inspiration in my posts. I am thrilled that you like my photos, too. I am trying hard to learn as much as I can about my camera and taking the bests shots I can. I still have lots to learn. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Great post…I recently bought an expensive fake peonie arrangement, but had to return because the vase was cracked. Now I’m going to make my own peonies…I found a plastic tablecloth for 1.99 at Hobby Lobby in a brilliant shade of hot pink. These’ll be great outdoors too…yay for faux!
I love this! I too cannot spend money on flowers that will just die in a week or two. This is perfect and they look so real! Definitely have to do this soon.
Hi Diane,
Your flower arrangement is gorgeous and I had no idea they were tissue paper. The tutorial is wonderful. Thank you for sharing your gifts with us. I have placed your blog in the area of my blog – Blogs That Inspire Me because you do.
Funny – I just came back from the Dollar Store with a bunch of flowers to replace in two hanging containers in an area of my backyard. You can’t go wrong with the price compared to what you could spend at a craft store. I’m done this for years and find that I can get several years from $10.00 and no one really notices that they are fake and I’m fine with that since I really just want the pop of color.
These flowers are great! I don’t have a lot of decor/accents in my home. I should try something easy and affordable like this. Also, I follow Aunt Peaches, so I was like OH I KNOW HER when I read this post. :)
LOVE THIS! I have some cheepo flowers that I am going to repurpose to make some of these! They would be perfect on my desk!
I love this one….. and I have learned how to pay attention and have done well with making them. Now to get Sugar The Maine Coon from shredding them and I will be in like flint.
I especially love the transoms you made with the door mirror…. fabulous, just fabulous.
Just found your blog. Love these flowers! Thanks so much for sharing. Happy to be a new follower.
hugs,
Jann
Sharing this on my blog tomorrow. Thanks.
Thanks Debbie XO
Back in the ’60s we made flowers just like these instructions.
At the end we would spray them with hair spray. This made the petals translucent and fragile looking.
Thanks for the reminder of a very good craft.
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