deck the halls…with tissue paper

Well, guess what…these lovely tissue paper flowers are back….and as easy as ever!

I spied these in the latest issue of Style at Home magazine and I absolutely love ‘em. These very large, oversized flowers will add a big punch to your holiday décor on a tiny budget. And they are fun and easy to create.

Now, I plan to make these in silver and white instead of red and green to match my existing décor. And that’s part of the beauty of these….you can make them in any style, shape, size and color you’d like!

I think what makes this idea new (again) and chic is the large scale, so be aware of the scale in your own design. Be creative, too….use ornaments and ribbon and other fun, festive items to attach in the centers to keep these lovelies looking fresh and fabulous.

Tissue paper comes in large sizes and in many, many colors…and you could also try large 3-ply napkins to give your flowers more structure.

And…this idea doesn’t have to be just for the holidays either. There are a whole bunch of decorating uses that are equally lovely….on the wall in a nursery, at a baby shower or wedding, or why not on your table at Sunday brunch? Hang them on ribbon from the ceiling or archway, make them a bit smaller and put them on plates with name tags, mount them on the wall….so many great ideas!

Here’s a refresher on the steps…

1. Stack eight 20” x 30” sheets of tissue paper and make 1-1½ “ wide accordion folds. Firmly crease each fold.
2. Fold a 16-20” length of floral wire (or pipe cleaner or twist tie!) in half and slip the wire over the centre point of the folded tissue paper and twist to secure. This is where you can also attach whatever you choose for the centre of your flower.
3. Using scissors, cut ends of tissue paper into rounded or pointy petals
4. Separate layers of tissue paper, carefully pulling them away from the centre one by one.
5. Tie a length of fishing line (or string or ribbon) to hang, or to secure to banisters.

Be creative and have fun!

For more about rouge, visit www.littlered.ca or check out past blogs at www.justalittlerouge/blogspot.com