Tissue Paper Flower Corsages and Butterflies...

A couple of weekends ago I had the opportunity to do a little kid crafting as part of a craft show that Gala Artisan Jewelry & Gifts was hosting.  I wasn't completely sure of what to expect, ie. what age ranges to expect or how many children would be there, so I kept it fairly simple and inexpensive.

We made tissue paper corsages and butterflies...It was a windy daythus the wood blocks holding down our supplies...But, it was also a ton of fun, especially because we got a visit from the Moxie family!  What a treat it was to be able craft with another Jane!  And, of course, to be able to catch up with Jill in person!  Super sweet and nice of them to swing by and spend the morning with us, thanks guys I really really appreciated it! 

So, with Mother's Day fast approaching as well as the end of the school year, I thought that these would make lovely gifts or gift toppers for your favorite mom, grandmother or teacher.  And, bonus, the supplies are all fairly inexpensive, you probably even have them in your craft supplies already.

What you need:  tissue paper, clothespins, marker, pipe cleaners, construction paper (for leaf), hole punch, scissors

To make the flower corsage:  cut circles approximately 5" in diameter, stack several, poke hole through the center with a pipe cleaner Here's Violet in action... Next, fold over the pipe cleaner about a half an inch to make a "stamen", bring hand up from the bottom and push up the "petals" (kind of like closing an umbrella), pinch petals at the bottom and twist the pipe cleaner around the pinched area, fluff out the petals, add a leaf, twist pipe cleaner around the leaf Next twist your pipe cleaner flower around your wrist and there you have it, a fun and pretty little corsage... To make a clothespin butterfly:  cut two rectangles of tissue paper approximately 10" x 6", although it really doesn't need to be exact, fold in half lengthwise and then in half lengthwise again, pinch open clothespin, tuck tissue paper inside clothespin Fold pipe cleaner in half, pinch that inside the clothespin as well.  Fluff out the wings.  Add a face, and there you have it, a cheery butterfly who is ready to flap and fly where ever little hands take him... or to pollinate a flower... And, because he's made with a clothespin...he can be clipped just about anywhere... On a shirt, in your hair, or on top of a gift! 

Have fun with them!