Celebrate Litha with DIY Paper Flowers: A Summer Solstice Craft Project

CRAFT YOUR OWN Tissue PAPER FLOWERs

As the days grow longer and the sun reaches its peak, the Summer Solstice, also known as Litha or Midsummer, offers a wonderful opportunity to celebrate nature’s abundance. This summer craft project is ideal for bringing a touch colour and handmade charm to your home.

Materials Needed:

• Tissue paper (multiple sheets, various colours)

• Wire twine (green floral wire twine is ideal)

• Scissors

Optional:

• Green floral tape (for wrapping the stem)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cut the Tissue Paper:

   • Start by cutting strips of tissue paper approximately 5 cm wide and 20 cm long. These will form the petals of your flower.

   • If you bigger flowers use wider and longer strips of tissue paper (as well as longer wire for the stem in the next step).

2. Prepare the Wire Twine:

   • Cut a piece of wire twine about 10 cm long. This will be used to secure the flower and form the stem.

3. Accordion Fold the Tissue Paper:

   • Stack your strips of tissue paper and, starting from one of the short ends, fold the stack in an accordion style. Each fold should be about 1 cm wide.

4. Trim the Ends:

   • Use scissors to trim both ends of the folded tissue paper into a rounded shape. This step is essential for giving your petals a more natural, flower-like appearance.

5. Secure with Wire:

   • Wrap the piece of wire twine around the centre of the folded tissue paper and twist it tightly to secure. Leave some extra wire for the stem and twist the remaining wire together to create a sturdy stem.

6. Fan Out the Tissue Paper:

   • Gently fan out the folded tissue paper to begin shaping your flower.

7. Separate the Layers:

   • Starting from one side, carefully pull apart each layer of tissue paper towards the centre. Do this for both sides, fluffing as you go to create a full, pom pom shape.

8. Final Adjustments:

   • Once all layers are separated, adjust and fluff the tissue paper to get a nice round flower shape. If desired, wrap the stem with green floral tape for a more finished look.

Ideas for Using Your Paper Flowers

Flower Crown Create a flower crown by attaching your paper flowers to a headband or a length of wire shaped into a circle. Wear your crown during your Litha or Summer Solstice celebrations to embrace the spirit of the season. See our DIY Midsummer Paper Crown blog for inspiration.

Summer Wreath Craft a summer wreath by attaching your paper flowers to a circular base made of wire or a foam wreath form. Hang the wreath on your front door or above your mantelpiece. .

Vase Display Display your paper flowers in a small flower vase. Arrange them like real flowers and use them to adorn your windowsills, shelves, or tables.

Enjoy crafting and happy Midsummer!