spring flowers

It's been spring for more than a full day, and there's still snow covering most of the ground. The wind is up, and there's a fire in the wood stove. Not very spring-like, so I thought I'd help it along with some paper flowers. These are neat and quick to make, and remind me a little bit of folded paper snowflakes — I think you'll see why if you read on. 
Start by using something round to trace a half-circle onto the edge of a piece of paper in a pleasing color. Cut out the half-circle. 

Fold the half-circle in half, then fold it into thirds, as if you're making a six-pointed snowflake.

Hold the folded shape tightly as you trim the curved edge into a petal shape. It can be any shape you like, really. Unfold it when you're done. 

Refold a couple of the folds so they're all going the same direction — as if you could roll up the shape. 

The flower will start to take shape at this point. Now you simply overlap the petal shapes on either end and glue them together, ending up with a five-petalled blossom. The petals should match up well, since you cut the shapes all at once. 

If you cut asymmetrical petals, overlap two petals on each end; you'll end up with a four-petalled flower.

Or, go back to the beginning and after folding the half circle in half, fold it in half twice more before trimming the ends. If you overlap two petal sections, you'll get a six-petalled flower.

To add a stem, cut a length of floral wire and insert a quarter-inch or so into the base of the flower. You may need to cut a tiny hole for it to fit. Glob a drop of tacky glue right on in there.

Press a small pompom into the gluey center. The wire will naturally be pressed against one side of the flower, where it will happily adhere. Let the glue dry.

Want some greenery? You can make a little green skirt for your flower using the same method you used to make the flower itself. This time, spread glue stick all over one side of the paper shape, then wrap it around the flower (and itself, where it overlaps).

Or, take a little scrap piece of green paper, fold it in half, and cut out a leaf shape, leaving part of the fold intact. Wrap the folded leaf around a stem and glue the two leaf sides together. Here's my be-leafed collection:

That's it! Lots of ways to experiment and make this your own, as they say. Tissue paper would be especially fun to try. Or, use white paper and paint it! Paint is fun. 

Happy spring (?)! xo