Poinsettia-Inspired Paper Flower Wreath

wreath

December 10, 2011

Poinsettia-Inspired Paper Flower Wreath

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The colors of poinsettias and a white paper flower wreath spotted in a home décor catalog were the inspiration for this hand-dyed paper flower wreath. White paper flowers are readily available for all types of scrapbook and craft projects. After the flowers are dyed, they can be used as accents on greeting cards or turned into corsages or a colorful floral bouquet. So why not create a colorful holiday wreath that can be enjoyed throughout the year! For more inspiration, take a peek at the Batik Dyed Paper Flowers tutorial in our DIY projects.

And here's the full tutorial for the wreath...

SUPPLIES:

Rit Liquid Dye: Petal Pink, Fuchsia, Scarlet, Cherry Red, Wine
14” Straw Wreath
White Paper Flowers (#529567) by Prima Marketing
Large Dark Red Bow
Measuring Cup & Measuring Spoons
Spoon for stirring dye
5 Small Plastic Containers (1-cup size)
1 Box Extra-Long Pearlized Pins
Q-Tips
Latex Gloves
Paper Towels
Plastic Table Cover

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Cover work surface with plastic cover.

2. Prepare 5 separate containers of dye using Petal Pink, Fuchsia, Scarlet, Cherry Red and Wine. Wearing latex gloves, measure and mix 2 teaspoons dye with ½ cup very hot water (140º F); stir. Note: If water is not hot enough, heat water in the microwave or a tea kettle.

3. Sort flower petals by size and type into groups of three (small, medium, large). Three petals will be dyed and pinned together to create one flower.

4. Apply dye to each flower petal. It’s best to use different techniques

Ends of flower petals can be dipped in dye solution.

Or, a Q-Tip can be used to paint dye in center or along veins in flower petals.

Or, flowers can be immersed in dye for 30 seconds. This photo shows 3 flower petals each dyed differently. Note: If dye solution cools down, reheat in the microwave for 30 – 60 seconds.

5. After dyeing, dry flowers in the microwave: Line bottom of microwave with paper towels. Place the dyed flower petals in the microwave and set on High for 1 minute.

6. Layer 3 flower petals together and set aside.

7. This photo shows 5 flowers, each dyed in one of the 5 colors.

8. Pin flowers to straw wreath using pearlized pins. Overlap flowers and be sure to cover inside of wreath. Tip: Straw wreaths usually come covered in plastic wrap. Leave this plastic on the wreath. It makes the wreath less messy to handle.