Lunch Bags Into Paper Flowers

I promised you there would be a paper flower tutorial and below she stands:

In case the above picture didn't clear things up for you, let me break it down. 

1. Start with a paper lunch bag. Cut up one seam and then completely remove the bottom rectangle. You'll be left with one long rectangle of brown paper. 

2. Divide that piece into fours. I like to fold, cut in half, stack and cut in half again. Make sense?

3. Take your four pieces and accordion them up (you'll do this on the short end)

4. Round your two ends using scissors. This gives a rounded petal flower. You could also cut the ends into a "v" for a spiky petal flower. 

5. Take a length of twine and tie in the middle of your piece, keeping the paper accordioned (is that a word?). You can also use a pipe cleaner, yarn, string or even a staple. Whatever you have on hand. 

6. Begin to separate each layer (petal) and fluff toward the center of your flower. Don't worry, you WILL tear a piece or two (or ten). It doesn't really matter in the grand scheme of life. In fact, these flowers don't carry much weight in the grand scheme of life. If you want to get real. 

7. Let's not get real. Let's finish fluffing our petals. 

Beautiful. 

Now, use these flowers as place card holders or pin them to a length of twine with clothespins for an easy-peasy garland. I did two versions of this on my upcoming mantels. You'll have to tune into Mantel Mondays to see the results. Until then, enjoy these teasers.

Do you feel adequately teased? Excellent. My job here is finished.