Paper Flower Topiary

Can I just say how much I like this craft and how it turned out!!!

When Amy from the Post Dispatch said they would like a spring Easter themed craft my head started spinning with all the possibilities.

But one night while lying in bed, I thought of this dried flower topiary that I used to have. {And loved! It had this same shape...same look...but to tell the truth...I now like this one better!}


And I thought...why not a spring paper flower topiary!

Honestly one of my favorite crafts to date...but be aware...it's a bit time consuming. Since I rarely am sitting and not doing something so I'll admit...I made these flowers while watching some of my favorite Jane Austen movies!!

A tip... you don't have to use a bucket for the base you could use an Easter basket, a vase, metal tins and more.

Have fun!!

Spring Paper Flower Topiary

Supplies needed:

• Making Memories Flutter Collection papers and embellishments (available at acherryontop.com)

• Making Memories decorative pins

• Bo Bunny double dot cardstock

• Glue Arts glue glider Pro Perma tac adhesive

• 3- or 5-inch Styrofoam ball

• Small Styrofoam block

• Basket shred

• Metal bucket

• Wood dowel

• Colorbox chalk inks (available at Michael's)

• Hot glue gun

Step 1 • First select the papers and designs you would like to work with. Cut your papers into 4-by-4, 5-by-5 and 6-by-6 squares. (Circles are fine, too) Then draw a spiral design starting around the outside working into the center. Cut along the line drawn until you reach the center. You should have a long cut circle spiral.

Step 2 • Next, begin to roll the spiral starting at the outside of the spiral circle working your way to the center. Once you reach the center, allow the spiral to open a bit and relax. Apply a bit of hot glue to the center and bottom of the spiral circle. This will hold the flower together while you work with it.

Step 3 • Next, give the flower a bit of personality. It's best to allow the flower to unroll a bit. Each one will look different depending on how you made the spiral and allowed it to open. Crimp some of the edges in and out. You can also ink the edges with your chalk inks or distress inks for a great look.

Step 4 • For the pom pom style flower, cut a strip of paper approximately 1 1/2 inch by 12 inches in length. Scissor cut along the long side with small cuts making it look like grass. Continue this down the entire length. Then start on one end and roll it up into a tight roll. Unroll just a bit at the end and apply your adhesive to hold.

Step 5 • Next tap open the flower with your fingers, opening the cuts gently. Depending on the color and pattern of papers you chose, you'll get a different look each time.

Step 6 • Select a size of Styrofoam ball to work with. For this project a 5-inch ball was used. A 3-inch ball would work as well. The larger the Styrofoam, the more flowers you will need. A good estimate is 20-40 flowers.

Step 7 • Once you have all your flowers made, it's time to create the topiary. First choose a small container to use for the base. Metal buckets and colored vases work well. Add a Styrofoam block to the container. Next either paint or ink the wood dowel to coordinate with your project. Insert the dowel into the Styrofoam base and then into the Styrofoam ball.

Step 8 • Then select different colors and patterns of flowers, and hot glue the base of the flower onto the ball. Work your way around the ball filling in with the pom pom style flower to complete any gaps.

Step 9 • For the final touches, Making Memories Flutter collection includes matching chipboard buttons. Using long, decorative pins, add these in spots to the topiary. Last, hot glue a butterfly, ladybug and any other embellishment to the flowers.

Step 10 • Add your paper filler to the container, and you have a sweet spring topiary.

And here is a link to the online story showing the craft for those who are not in St. Louis! I also mentioned to my newspaper editor that this topiary would be beautiful to make for weddings...can you imagine these on the tables. The ball of flowers also looked beautiful just "sitting" in the bucket without the stem. So many options! So Brides do take note!

Be sure to share with me if you make one!!!

Happy Crafting!!!!!!!!!!!!!