Punxsutawney Phil does live in a library, but his brain is still the size of a cashew nut, so I'm not heeding his mopey forecast.
I'll just keep making flowers out of tissue paper in the meantime.
Tissue Paper Flower
Makes one
- six layers of tissue paper cut into a 6-inch x 6-inch square
- one green pipe cleaner
- scissors
- fine motor skills
- zen-like patience
Lay the six-layered square in front of you on a table and fold it, accordion-style, into a 3/4-inch strip.
Cut 1-1/2 to 2 inches off the pipe cleaner, setting the shorter piece aside. Align the longer piece vertically in front of you on the table.
Lay the tissue paper strip across the pipe cleaner, centered, about 1-1/2 inches down from the top. Fold the top of the pipe cleaner over the tissue paper and twist it just beneath to secure the strip.
If you want pointed leaves (like a dahlia), use scissors to cut the ends of the tissue paper strip like an arrow. If you want rounded leaves (like a peony), cut the ends like an arc.
Now spread out the accordion on each side, bringing the four ends as close together as they will come.
Then, starting with the very top layer of tissue, pull it up towards the center. Alternate sides until all 12 "petals" have been separated and pulled up.
Fluff the ruffles with your fingers to hone the shape.
Attach the small piece of pipe cleaner onto the stem in the shape of a leaf.
Keep it up until spring has sprung.