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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