by Marie Stine

Created on: April 21, 2010

Tissue paper is a very thin paper that comes in a variety of colors and is found in the gift wrapping section.  It’s normally used to wrap delicate items or gifts but tissue paper can be used for more than just lining the box of a gift.

Tissue paper flowers are easy to make and takes just a few supplies.  To make the flowers you will need the following:

Tissue paper

Pipe cleaners

Stapler

Glue

Cut a 4 inch strip of tissue paper.  Smooth the paper out and beginning with the narrow end, accordion fold the tissue paper about one inch wide.   When you reach the end, staple the folded paper in the center.  To attach a pipe cleaner for the flower stem, staple it on the opposite side of the first staple.

Gently and delicately pull each layer of the tissue paper up from the ends towards the center of the flower.  Continue to do this with each layer to form the flower.  Fluff and shape the flower.  You can also make different kinds of flowers by cutting out various sizes of petals and gluing the layers onto the pipe cleaner.

Make a little basket by recycling a single serve milk carton.  Cut off the top of the carton, wash with hot soapy water and let dry.  Cut two inch squares of brightly colored tissue paper.  Punch a small hole in opposite sides of the milk carton.  These are for the handle of the basket which is made from a pipe cleaner.  Do not insert the handle yet; just set it aside for now.          

Squeeze some liquid white glue onto a paper plate.  Twist a square of tissue paper onto the end of a pencil, dab it in the glue and then paste it onto the milk carton.  Continue to do this until the carton is completely covered.  Make sure to put the squares of tissue paper closely together.  Thread the pipe cleaner through the pre-punched holes from the outside to the inner side of the milk carton.  Twist the ends to form a knot.  Use the basket as a candy holder or a container to hold loose change.

An advanced craft for tissue paper is to make a stained glass window using black cardstock, small colored pieces of tissue paper and a craft knife.  Basically, make cut outs in the cardstock and then the tissue paper will be glued on the back side of the cardstock, which creates a stained glass look.  Before cutting the cardstock, make a pattern on a plain sheet of paper.  Use a cutting mat to protect your work surface.  Keep the design simple and remember to leave enough room in between the cutouts to be able to glue the tissue paper to the cardstock paper. 

Tissue paper is used in a variety of ways.  Find your creative side and see what you can do.

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