Paper Sunflowers

These natural-looking paper flowers lend a decorative accent to any casual decor. Easy to make, they are created from a twisted paper yarn product which requires no special tools, no glue and will last for years without fading. Cluster several together in a basket for a stunning centerpiece, or tuck a single blossom into a bookshelf or on a mantel to add a touch of color.

Materials:

3 rubber bands
TwistArt Spools twisted paper yarn
  - 32 six-inch pieces of 4-ply yellow-
     brown
  - 16 three-inch pieces of 4-ply black
  - 16 three-inch pieces of 4-ply brown
  - 1 six-yard piece of single ply brown

Note: To create a large paper sunflower, cut 128 petals from the 6-inch pieces of yellow-brown paper yarn.

1. Mix the black and brown three-inch strands together and tap on one end and then the other to create a neat column.
2. Wrap a rubber band around several times near the bottom and the top edges to hold the column together snugly. This will form the center of the flower.
   
3. Separate the six-inch strands (figure A). Open out the strands about three inches from one end, leaving both ends twisted to simulate the shape of a petal (figure B). Set aside.

   Tip: Spraying the strands with water helps the petals to open up a bit easier.
   

4. To form the flower, arrange the flower petals around the center neatly and evenly about five petals at a time and insert under the lower rubber band to secure (figure C).
   
5. Form the flower. Shape the petals outward to open up the flower.
   
6. Wrap a six-yard single ply piece tightly around the flower, covering the rubberband completely and tying the ends to secure.

Try one of these wrapping tips for the sunflower base or this paper decorating idea: