How To Make Artificial Flowers

Flowers are a festive addition to any home. Keeping fresh cut flowers in your home, however, can be an unending task. Instead, consider using silk flowers that will last much longer. Follow these tips and you will be creating your own artificial flowers in no time.

Materials:
Silk cotton fabric
Craft paints in desired petal colors

Tools:
Fabric pen
Scissors
Thin floral wire
Wire cutters
Floral tape
Clear glue
Paintbrushes

1. Create petal stencil. You may want to experiment with a pencil and paper beforehand to decide the best shape for the flowers you are creating. Also consider purchasing a stencil from your craft store. If you are looking to create a specific type of flower, consider using a live version of the flower, pulling a few petals off and then tracing those petals to create your stencil.
2. Trace stencil shapes onto fabric. Using the fabric pen, trace the shape of your petals.
3. Cut out the petals. The number of petals you need depends upon how many flowers you are creating and the fullness of each bloom. The fuller the flower, the more petals you will need to make.
4. Add color and texture to the petals. Before putting your flowers together, decide what color you want them to be. Most flower creators prefer to start with a white silk cotton fabric and then add color later. When adding the color, start at the outer edge of the petal and then sweep your paintbrush in toward the center, getting paler as you reach the center. Tapering the color adds depth to the petals so they look more realistic. Now is the time to paint in any stems or highlighting tones as well. Let the paint dry between color applications.
5. Let color dry fully.
6. Assemble the flower. Gather the petals, starting from the center section. Hold 2 or 3 petals in your hand and shape them to your desired look. Once you have the flower’s center, add petals one at a time working around the flower. Overlap petals as desired but try to avoid being too uniform in your overlaps and positioning. In nature, flowers are different and the placing of petals that are unevenly spaced will make your flowers look more like nature’s version.
7. Secure the base of the petals to a stem. Using thin floral wire, create the desired stem length. Thread the stem through the base of the petals while holding the petals into their flower shape.
8. Glue the petals and stem for added security. Use a little clear glue around where the stem and petals are attached. This adds firmness to the base of the flower and helps keep the petals attached to the stem.
9. Wrap stem wires with green floral tape. To complete and finish off the look of the flowers, wrap the stems with tape and gather any collection of flowers into bunches if needed for your desired decoration.

If you are feeling very creative, add greenery or berries to your bouquets. Once you have created a variety of artificial blooms, you are ready to decorate. Use flowers to highlight your entryways or to decorate a centerpiece for your dining room table. No matter how you choose to display your flowers, be sure to keep them clean from dust and they will last a long time.