Supplies: Crepe Paper (Greens + Colors), Stamen, Leaves, Template, Wire (26 or 28 Gauge), Pipe Cleaners, Glue (Coccoina Glue Stick or Paste or Alleen's Tacky Glue), Scissors, Paint Brush or Pencil, Ribbon (optional), Binder Clips (optional, for holding template to crepe while cutting)

Template: Click here to download a free pdf of our Crepe Paper Valentine Flower Template.

Step 1: Cut pieces: Using templates, cut petals, calyx and stem wrap out of crepe paper. Make sure grain of crepe paper is running up/down on each piece to allow for shaping.  You can cut multiple petals at once by folding crepe in an accordion shape -- we find 3 layers of crepe ideal for ease of cutting.

To make one (1) flower of Style A or B: cut 9 Petals, 1 Calyx A and 1 Stem Strip. 

To make one (1) flower of Style C: cut 9 Petals, 1 Calyx B and 1 Stem Strip. 

To make one (1) flower of Style D: cut 3 Petals, 1 Calyx B and 1 Stem Strip. 

(The instructions below are for Style A, B and C but the concept is the same for a flower with less petals like Style D.)

Step 2: Shape petals: "Cup" petals by gently stretching crepe outward and around thumbs at midpoint.  Curl petal tips by gently but firmly wrapping edges around a paintbrush or pencil.

Step 3: Create stem and stamen: Bend a pipe cleaner in half (any color is suitable -- we will cover it by wrapping the stem later).  Place approximately 15 double-ended stamen evenly in the bend.  Point stamen upward and twist pipe cleaner securely to hold stamen in place.  Add 5 single ended stamen -- 3 on one side, 2 on the other -- with tips placed slightly higher.  Use a 6" piece of wire to secure all together by tightly wrapping upward.  Wrap over the bend slightly to keep stamen pointing upward and tightly grouped.

Step 4: Add petals: Cut a 14" piece of wire.  Place the first petal so the shortest stamen sit at roughly the same height as the dip in the heart.  Place the second petal next to the first, partially overlapping.  Place the third petal in the remaining space, also overlapping.  The three petals should be spaced evenly around the stem.  Wrap with wire to secure petals in place by wrapping over petal bases by about 1/2" with 5 wraps of wire (we will use this same wire to wrap the rest of the petals).

Continue adding petals: Place 3 more petals in this style and wrap wire around again 5 times.  Adjust petals if needed.  Place last 3 petals. wrap wire 5 times to secure.  Use remaining length of wire to wrap downward tightly to secure bases of petals.

Step 6: Add calyx: Before adding glue, try placing the calyx at the base of the flower to get an idea for how it will fit and look.  The goal is to just cover the wire securing the petals at the base of the bloom.  When confident with placement, add glue to lower edge of calyx, place over wired area of petals and wrap calyx around base of flower, "tucking and folding" as needed.  When placed, pinch to secure, let dry.

Step 7: Wrap stem and add leaves: Cover stem and add leaf/leaves: Pull strip of crepe slightly to stretch crepe.  Add glue to 1" area at end of strip.  Place around calyx and begin wrapping gently but securely.  Wrap 3-4 times around the calyx, then begin angling downward to cover the stem.  If adding a leaf or leaves: At about 1-1/2" below the petals, place leaf/leaves against main stem and wrap crepe strip over all pieces to secure and join leaf/leaves to stem.  

Continue wrapping crepe strip downward.  Wrap to 1/4" above end of stem.  Trim crepe to 1" and add glue.  Wrap securely around stem and pinch to secure.  Let dry.

Tips: The steps shown above illustrate the largest blossom, Style A.

There are infinite stamen + crepe color + petal combinations -- try mixing crepe colors in a single blossom; try mixing stamen sizes/textures, as in our example.

Adding leaves makes the stem more rigid and sturdy.

Make something not seen in nature but perfectly colorful for Valentine's Day: pink flower + red calyx and stem + purple leaf.

One (1) fold of Doublette Crepe is large enough to make six (6) of the largest blossom, Style A. 

Completed flowers have the following approximate measurements:

Style A -- 3" across bloom x 2-1/2" tall + 6" stem. 

Style B -- 2-1/2" across bloom x 2" tall + 6" stem

Style C -- 2" across bloom x 1-3/4" tall + 6" stem

Style D -- 1-1/2" across bloom x 1" tall + 6" stem

Ready to make more flowers? For the ultimate inspiration in both realistic and fantasy blossoms, our favorite flower-making book is Paper to Petal by Rebecca Thuss + Patrick Farrell.