Things to make and do - free projects and ideas
Paper weaving card Treasure Maps Trinket tray Tie Dyeing Quilting Small box Gift bag Drawstring bag Books Pasta Jewellery Hexagonal box Tote bag Things to Make and Do


ideas in paper






Paper Roses




These roses must be one of the quickest and impressive projects I've tried. In literally a couple of minutes you'll have completed roses in front of you ready to adorn a gift or card. For a traditional look make them from plain natural coloured papers or for a more contemporary twist use multi-coloured or bright shades. They are also a great way of using up scraps of paper left over from other projects, make a whole bunch of them in a variety of colours and then just wait for the right project/gift etc to come along.



Things to make and do - Paper Roses



You will need:



Paper, coloured/patterned on both sides
Pencil and eraser
A pair of compasses or a round object to use as a guide (lids, cups, cookie cutters etc)
PVA glue and brush/spreader
Cocktail Stick
Scissors
Inks, glitter etc (optional)

Things to make and do - Paper Roses




What to do



1. Lightly draw a circle on a piece of paper (the larger the circle, bigger the rose. I've used a small cookie cutter).



Things to make and do -  Paper Roses



2. If you are using a large piece of paper, cut it to a more manageable size around the circle (not on the drawn line).



Things to make and do -  Paper Roses



3. Tear the paper using the drawn circle as a guide. Rub out any remaining pencil marks.



Things to make and do -  Paper Roses



4. Carefully tear a spiral leaving a small circle of paper in the centre.



Things to make and do -  Paper Roses



5. Starting at the outer edge gently wind the spiral around a cocktail-stick, ending at the small inner circle.



Things to make and do -  Paper Roses



6. Remove the cocktail-stick letting the spiral naturally unwind a little.



Things to make and do -  Paper Roses



7. Some paper roses will look good straight away, but others may need to be teased into your desired shape (as with real roses, every paper rose is unique, even those made from the same piece of paper and using the same circle template will vary in size and shape)



8. Spread some PVA glue over the small circle and gently press the rose into position. Hold in place for a few seconds until stuck then leave to dry (don't worry if you can see some glue as it will dry clear).



Things to make and do -  Paper Roses



9. If you would like to add some leaves to your rose lightly draw a small leaf shape on a piece of green paper and tear the shape out, erase any pencil marks and glue to the underside of the rose. Leave to dry.



Things to make and do -  Paper Roses



10. Optional - You can add an extra interest to the roses and leaves by highlighting the edges with a little PVA glue and a sprinkle of glitter. Leave to dry.



Things to make and do -  Paper Roses



11. The rose is now ready to add the finishing touch to a card, gift or other craft project.



Things to make and do -  Paper Roses




Back to the Paper and Card projects menu...