Crepe Paper Roses

While I was at the dollar store I picked up some pink crepe paper streamers because I saw something on Pinterest I just HAD to try.  This is the sight off of Pinterest, where I first saw the crepe paper roses, used for making a kissing ball.  http://www.theidearoom.net/2011/01/tissue-rosette-kissing-balls.html

I wanted to do a twist on that idea so I made mine into a topiary.   

This is what I did.  (I took a crazy lot of photos)

 Supplies needed to make the topiary:
- a container
- glue gun
- crepe paper in whatever color you would like

- a styrofoam ball, use which ever size works best for you (I used styrofoam Christmas ornaments because

     they were 90% off at the store, which made them less expensive then a plain styrofoam ball.)
- moss for the top of the container
- a wooden dowel (I got mine, 3/8th in size, from Lowe's for $0.84)

- brown paint for the dowel

- floral foam to fill the pot

The first two photos show the supplies I used to make the topiary.  I fell in love with these glass buckets I found at Craft Warehouse.  The best part is they were only $2.50 a piece.  You could use any container you would like.  Target has cute bins in the dollar section right now for Valentine's day.

 

Take the crepe paper and cut a section roughly 18 inches long.  Then take the section and fold the top third down so it is not as wide.

Now take the section and begin rolling it, folded side up.  After you have rolled it a few times, pinching the bottom tight, to ensure that your rose will not fall apart.

 Continue to roll the section up while twisting it at the same time. 

Twist and roll...

 Roll and twist...    

 

Keep twisting and rolling until the section is all used.

 The twisting and rolling create a petal like affect.

When you have rolled the whole section up, this is what it looks like. 

You then can take a bit of hot glue to secure the back, again helping the flower to not unroll.  Once you have several flowers made take your styrofoam ball and attach the roses to it using hot glue.  Glue the roses fairly close together to ensure the whole ball gets covered.

You will get in a groove once you start making these, but they can be a little time consuming in the beginning.  I would say as a tip, do not stop once you get going. Keep your hands in motion, rolling and twisting in one movement.  When I paused to inspect my work, things seemed hard to get back on track. 

Then I took the dowel and painted it a dark brown color.  When it was dry, I cut it down to fit the pot. (mine was about 18 inches long)  I then took my rose covered ball and stuck the dowel into it, not letting it go all the way through the ball, but into it far enough that it would not fall out. 

I took my pot and filled it  3/4 full with floral foam, then took the moss and filled up the rest of the pot.  Take the other end of the dowel and stick it into the pot, all the way down to the bottom.

I tied a green velvet ribbon at the top of the dowel but you certainly do not have to do so. 

Here is the final product!!!



Perfect for Valentines day!








Have a great day!
Shannon

I linked up to:
http://fadedcharmcottage.blogspot.com/
http://junkintheirtrunk.blogspot.com/
http://firefliesandjellybeans.blogspot.com/
http://www.52mantels.com/
http://www.atthepicketfence.com/
http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/