Get creative with this vivid floral feature to add a splash of colour to a plain wall or mantelpiece. Made with crepe paper and cardstock, it is lightweight and eye-catching.

Supplies

Clairefontaine Crepe Paper

Step 1: Tools and Materials

Good quality crepe paper
Scissors
Hot glue or tacky glue, or double-sided tape
Screw cap from a carton
Cardstock (medium weight)
Ruler and inkless pen for measuring and scoring (or scoring tools)

Step 2: Dimensions

The full dimensions are approximately 30cm by 27cm. They will vary depending on how you assemble the parts and how large you make your flowers. The stand is optional if you want it free-standing.

Step 3: Cutting and Shaping the Petals and Leaves

Cut out the pieces as directed in the diagram. Pay attention to the grain of the crepe paper - always cut the petals with the grain in the vertical direction. Cut the leaf shape with the grain on the horizontal. The size of the petals is up to you. These ones were cut to about 3 to 4cm.

Shape the petals: Gently stretch the centre of the petal sideways with your thumbs. This will curve the crepe paper. Then stretch and pull along the top of the petal in different directions to create a 'fluted' effect on the petal. Repeat for all of the other petals.

Shape the leaf: For a large leaf cut a triangle about 9cm at the base and 5cm high. Concertina-fold the leaf triangle from the point to the wide end (if you have cut it correctly then this should be easily accomplished). Now fold at the centre point to join the long side of the triangle together. Glue along the V and press the two sides together until set, then shape the leaf by stretching and twisting the sides. Pinch the base to create a sharper crease.

Step 4: Flower Assembly

Tightly scrunch up some of the scrap crepe paper into a ball and stuff into the screw top. Hold in place with glue.

Start attaching the small petals around the cap, and continue with the larger petals. Spread out evenly and overlap. Add as many petals as you wish to attain the desired form.

Make about six or seven flowers from complementary colours.

Step 5: Make the Hexagonal Frame

To make the frame, see diagram for the correct dimensions.

Six pieces are required. You can cut four pieces of the size shown from a 30cm x 30cm sheet of cardstock, or two from an A4 sheet.

Each piece has five panels at 3cm wide (15cm total). Three panels are 14cm high, and the other two panels are 12cm.

For purely decorative reasons I have cut off one corner of the pieces for a better finish to the back of the frame (optional), and I've cut a curve on the top of the middle panel. If you prefer you can leave the middle panel at 14cm high.

Once cut and shaped you can overlap and glue the end panels together to form a four-sided piece. Use double-sided tape or glue.

To join the six pieces together overlap the top end of one piece to the bottom end of the next piece until all six are connected. Glue in place. You can do this simultaneously as there will be some adjustments needed before the glue sets (choose your adhesive wisely!).

Step 6: Finishing Touches

Once the glue has set and the frame is sturdy, position the flowers and leaves as you wish and when you are happy with the effect secure in place with adhesive. Leave space for the stand or wall mount.

If you want to hang it then attach a suitable wall mount to the back.

The dimensions for the stand are in the diagram and are for guidance only since your frame size may differ - adjust accordingly. Fold on the dotted lines and glue the central part to the bottom segment of the frame. Then overlap the outer flaps of the cardstock beneath the frame and secure with an adhesive.