Love is a flower, you've got to let it grow

Love is the answer, and you know that for sure;

Love is a flower, you've got to let it grow.

- John Lennon

Yep, I'm a sucker for quotes.  And I'm also a sucker for paper flowers!  Why, well, because they don't die!  And, since I love paper in all its fun patterns and colors, what better way to use it!

I first caught wind of the traditional Oragami flower- Kusudama- while scouring Pinterest for wedding bouquets.  I did not want real flowers and I wanted to think outside of the box.  So many possibilities for these beautiful, everlasting flowers - here's how it is done! 

Begin by cutting squares of paper - any size will do - the one above is a 3x3 square.  You can do 5 squares of the same paper or mix up each petal!

It is a 6 step folding process to make 1 petal - 5 petals = 1 flower!

Step one:  Fold the square in the center to make a triangle

Step two: Fold one bottom corner tip up to the top

Step three:  Fold the other corner tip to top (you will now end up with a smaller square)

Step four:  Insert your finger into one of the "pockets" to gently pry it open and push down on the center fold to make a kite shape - repeat for other side

Step five:  fold over the tips of your "kites" to once again make a square

Step six:  Fold the "kite" edges over onto themselves using that center fold as a guide

From here,you are going to glue on the outside of the "kite" fold you just did

Fold the glued edges together and clip while it dries (I invested in a lot of binder clips)

Once dry, "fluff" out your petal so you can see the interior folds.  Repeat for 4 more petals and glue them all together in a circle.

Here you can add a button for embellishment or leave it plain.  You can then do a variety of things:
1.  Hot glue a wire stem - clump a bunch together to make a bouquet - check out the premiere issue of Flea Market Style Weddings or see my wedding bouquet on my lifestyle blog
2.  Punch a hole into one petal and string twine or ribbon through to make an ornament
3.  Glue to a pin back or headband to make super cute accessories
4.  Add to your gift wrapping for a unique look

Let us know how you use these adorable paper flowers!  We'd love to see pics!