"Easy! No gluing or cutting required" says the cover of the book Make Your Own Paper Flowers. So I decided to make my flowers in a place where craft supplies are sparse: an airplane. Before my trip, I stashed the Klutz Chicken Socks book in my purse. Without any scissors in my bag, I cleared security in a breeze! After takeoff, I folded down the tray on the seat back in front of me, and set to work.
As I put together the project, a million childhood memories came rushing back to me. I vividly remember so many fun Klutz books. I had the juggling one, the dollar bill origami one, the magic one with the special coin, and my personal favorite, the friendship bracelet one. And seeing Klutz triggered memories in more that just me. All the stewardesses paused as they walked by to check on my progress and talk about the best Klutz books which, after much debate, it was decided was the braid one!
Upon opening Paper Flowers, I immediately noticed that even though the Chicken Socks brand is geared towards the younger set, it still has the same quality materials and instructions of the Klutz brand. Inside were masses of paper petals, 72 to be exact, pipe cleaner stems, leaves, fun punch-outs, and adorable stickers.
I spread out all the petals, and realized that the book just makes perfect sense. Little kids love textures, shapes, prints, patterns, and colors. I had a blast choosing coordinating materials, and I'm not even 3 years old! I could have sorted through the petals for hours.
Once I had my piles, I twisted the pipe cleaners into stems. Give them a good tight twist, so the petals glide right on. Thread layers and layers, starting with the smallest shapes and working up to the largest ones.
Add the collar last to hold it all in place. To finish, fan out all the petals, and then scrunch and crunch them up. The more wrinkly and crinkly, the more full the flower becomes.
The Klutz team came up with tons of fun and clever uses for the flowers, but seeing as I was heading off on a tropical vacation, I decided to stick my flower behind my ear. And that was it! There were no bits of paper scraps to clean up, no scissors or glue to put away. And I was able to store all the remaining supplies back in the plastic blister packaging! That was really useful, because the materials will be right with the instructions and inspiration next time. It's all these reasons and more that Klutz is the crafter's beloved go-to for creative kits.
Book Giveaway Time!
Three lucky CRAFT readers will each receive a copy of Make Your Own Paper Flowers! Please make sure you include your email address in the comment form field (won't be published). All comments will be closed by noon PST on Friday, November 6th. The lucky winners will be announced later on the site. Good luck!
Also this month, as a special to CRAFT readers, get 25% off all Klutz titles by entering in promo code CRAFT at checkout!
Thanks for sharing the tips on making flowers. They looks so cute. Will give it a try. Hope it works :)
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It would be lots of fun to make these- What a good idea to include materials with the book!
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OMG - I have been researching paper flowers FOREVER! I'm trying to make all of my wedding decorations, centerpieces, and bouquets, from paper flowers rather than real ones. So far, the tutorials I've found aren't that great.
I am so excited that there's an actual book!
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my kids (and i) love all the klutz books. this one looks great!
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I loved Klutz books too! I had the hair one and the facepaint book, and used them both until the hair thingies fell apart or the paint ran out. These flowers are neat!
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wow, I've never heard of Klutz, but I love their flowers!
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I LOVE KLUTZ!!! I have been buying the kits at a craft store with their 40% coupon for xmas and bday gifts for years. They are the best quality ever. katklaw777 at yahoo dot com Great giveaway, thanks!
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Oh please please. I love paper crafts and flowers.
shalasbeads@gmail.com
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Oh my gosh! This is an awesome Klutz book - please count me in.
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Another fun book, thanks for the opportunity to win this!
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Awesome!
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I'm sorry, but these are the most hideous paper flowers I have ever seen. I wouldn't even think these were cute if a 4-year-old had made them. Better luck next time, Klutz.
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Thanks for offering this giveaway!
My daughter would love this book.
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PPPPPPPPPIIIIIIIIICCCCCCCCCCKKKKKKKKKMMMMMMMMMEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!! That would be sooooooooooo fun!
claire
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I would have LOVED this when I was younger. Oh who am I kidding? I'd love it just as much now :)
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Looks lovely! My favourite Klutz book of all times is the Drawing one, illustrated by Quentin Blake...
One thing confuses me, though: How are you going to close comments on 6 November when it's the 18th already? Is this a re-post? Am I being stupid?
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This is the solution to what I should give a hard-to-buy for 6 year old niece. Thanks.
leehigginson@gmail.com
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My daughter would love this.
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so cute! i need to get this...i love the hair flower idea!
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Adorable. I have two preteens that would just adore this!
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Paper + Flowers = ♥
melissaellos@hotmail.com
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So cute. My daughter would love this!
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Ohh, I'd love to make these flowers to spruce up my room in the dark winter days.
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Fun! These would be nice to make with my son to give to his grandmothers. Thanks!
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This looks like the perfect project for my 4 yo and me!
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I made some tissue-paper flowers (from the "grown-up" Klutz book) with my four-year-old several months ago, and she had a blast. I just know she would LOVE this book, with projects that she can do ALL BY HERSELF!
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super fun for the winter break coming up! there are only so many snowflakes you can cut....
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Ooh, these would make awesome gift embellishments...
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Guess I'll have to hit the bookstore even more often now!
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Would love to win this for a friend's daughter!
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This book looks so fun!
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Wow! My girls would have so much fun with these!
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Oh goodness what a good idea. I have 26 hours of flying coming up next week and i'm desperate for something todo!
megnificentmade.wordpress.com
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I would love to have this book for decorating things!
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thanks :)
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This looks like such a great book! I love the funky papers!
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That looks like fun! I want a copy
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Klutz books are so wonderful... I learned to crochet with one of them. Simple, clear instructions and wonderful materials!
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Oh how cute!
chickenlil007 [at] yahoo [dot] com
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I LOVE Klutz books. This one looks particularly fun. Hope I win a copy! :)
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I love Klutz!
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Thanks for the review - now I know what my niece will be getting for Christmas!
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This would be a perfect present for the kids in my family to work on together...
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That looks really cool! I would love to try that.
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I've made plenty of tissue paper flowers, but I love the plaid paper in yours!
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What a great idea to make your own flowers when they are so scare during the winter. Pick me, pick me!
cthaker@gmail.com
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This book reminds me of my mother -- when she takes care of my daughter there are often flowers made of kleenex and bobby pins left around the house. I'd love to give this to the two of them to play with together!
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I love that hair flower that you made. This would be such a great present for my kid sister. cute! shopgurl101 AT gmail DOT com
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Looks fun. I want one.
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What fun this would be for my kids!
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Ooh, cute :D
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I remember having one that taught you how to braid hair and make different types of bows. Incredibly girly? Yes. Totally awesome? Oh yes.
My nieces would LOVE this book!
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Fun, fun, fun! Thanks for the chance. My girls would love this!
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Wow, this looks really fun! I love the pretty papers used in the flower.! I hope I win a copy!
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Yes, please! I love Klutz books, my kids would have such fun with this. Me, too...
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