A couple of years ago, my Mum was in hospital and I was planning to buy her some flowers. Then I remembered an online tutorial that I'd come across for making carnations using tissue paper. I'd never really been one for paper crafts before, but these were really pretty - they would last longer than real flowers, and my Mum would always know that they were made with love.

Tissue Paper Carnations

The tutorial for tissue paper carnations was from the Folding Trees blog. The blog authors have stopped posting new material, but the archive of tips, links and tutorials remains. I was aware of the blog because one of its co-authors was June Gilbank of PlanetJune, who designs wonderful amigurumi, punchneedle and more.

Tissue Paper Carnations

Now I have plans to decorate my own home with paper flowers, to bring some colour into our living space (and no watering required!). My recent interest in origami has sparked my inspiration for future projects such as origami roses, tissue paper blossoms, crepe paper roses, and cherry blossom wall art :)