DIY Tissue Paper Flowers

Even though I’m not a faux flowers kind of person, I decided to try my hand at DIY tissue paper flowers. Why, you might ask? Well, I’m always looking for projects to make from things that are ubiquitous (and wildly cheap) at thrift shops. I kept seeing vintage sewing patterns at thrifts, but when I say “vintage”, I mean ugly patterns for 80s and 90s clothing. 

And making DIY tissue paper flowers from the sewing pattern paper seemed like a great way to put those shoulder pad patterns to rest.

I would never do this with the really nice vintage sewing patterns. But 1990s skorts and jumpers are things that should never come back in style. 

And upcycling those types of patterns is a great way to KEEP those awful styles from ever coming back!

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Sewing Pattern Paper for DIY Tissue Paper Flowers

First, I cut 8-10 rectangles from my sewing pattern paper, all roughly the same size. Then, I stacked them on top of each other as neatly as possible.

I cut my vintage sewing patterns into rectangles that were roughly the size of a standard sheet of paper, as a guide.

Next, I folded the sewing pattern paper in an accordion-style fold. When I was done, I rounded off the ends so that it looked like an accordion cigar.

Now I needed something to pinch the center of my “cigar” that would also serve as a flower stem! I used some natural-looking floral wire to wrap around the middle of the sewing pattern paper, leaving a nice length for stem.

 If it just me or does it look like a dragonfly now?

Finally, it was time to transform my “dragonfly” into big paper flowers! And to do so, pretended to be a bustier.

Why? Because to form the DIY tissue paper flowers, I had to lift and separate the petals. Just like a bustier!

I gently formed my big paper flowers by carefully separating apart the layers of tissue- truly lifting and separating.

I fluffed and crunched the “petals” on both sides of the floral wire center, and made sure the entire thing was fairly uniform all around.

DIY Tissue Paper Flowers from Vintage Sewing Patterns

When all was said and done and I was happy with it, I had a full and fluffy paper flower that resembled dried hydrangeas.

I popped it in a vase (well, a vintage bottle) and admired my work.

Isn’t that so sweet? I love how the bits of black from the sewing pattern paper show through here and there. That gives them a very interesting look, I think.

Even more so than basic colorful tissue paper!

And these big paper flowers are so quick to make, you’ll have an arrangement of them in no time. And they’ll last as long as you want them to; no water or care required!

And there you go, easy tissue paper flowers that anyone could make. They’re perfect for parties, holiday centerpieces, and even weddings! Plus, they’re wonderfully cheap AND you can recycle your scraps, so it’s like a net-zero project.

The question is, though, what should I make next with my remaining sewing patterns? I mean, I have TONS OF THEM from the thrift store. Maybe decoupage with them?

If you enjoyed this upcycling idea for vintage sewing patterns, then you’ll also love these ideas for Christmas gift wrap!

And for another paper flower project, check out how I made this paper flower bouquet, too, before you go!

Craft on!

S

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