Paper Flowers

I have been reading other blocks and looking on Pinterest.  I noticed that several people were making flowers using coffee filters.  One of the methods uses the funnel type coffee filters and petals are cut from these filters.  They use thread to wrap around the base of the petals as the flower is built.  Then the flower is dipped into coffee and spice such as cinnamon.  I tried this method and I found that my dipping concoction was too thick.  I used an apple pie spice and cold coffee.  I rinsed off some of the concoction and what I had left on the flower was strong enough to be a delightful color and still have a heavenly fall fragrance.  To dry the roses, it is nice to have a cup to help keep the flower in proper form as it dries.  It would also be ideal to perch a flower on the top of a small paper cup as it dries. I learned how to make the roses of this method from www.the-white-bench.blogspot.com.

The second method of making flowers from coffee filters uses the standard type of filter.  You use about 3 filters and fold them in two pieces and then again fold or three more times.  Trim the pleated edge into curved petals or pointed petals.  I also used thread to wrap around the stem and dipped the flower into the same concoction that I used from the first flower.  Again, I used the cup to help maintain the flower shape.  The original method used a stem from wood and fabric.  My thought would be to place a flower on a twine handle of a brown gift sack.  Wouldn't this be a perfect sack to use for fall gifts, especially those like apple butter, or maybe even some of my home made fall soaps such as pumpkin spice, apple, or gingerbread with lemon sauce.  Once the flowers are dry, it is the best time to arrange the petals into your desired shape.  A cord or string can be tied onto the flower stems for easier attachment.


After I posted the above information about making paper flowers, I used a spray made for scrap-booking.  The spray gives your items a little shine.  After observing how it worked and how it looked, I realized that the spray was basically mica and water.  I chatted via email with Kaila Westerman at TKB Trading LLC.  She was familiar with the spray and agreed with me on what the contents primarily were etc.  I researched and worked on products for a week or so and I have a pretty good recipe to color the paper coffee filter flowers with. 

Make a paper rose as described above and shown in the pictures.  You may attach a wire stem or pipe cleaner as you wrap the end securely.   It takes 2 funnel type filters to make one paper rose.  For the other type of flower using regular coffee filters, it takes three filters.  Spray each flower after it is securely perching on a cup, or being held by you.  Spray the flower using the following mixture:
1/2 cup warm water, 1 tablespoon fragrance oil, 2 tablespoons mica.  Shake the mixture well before use.  Make sure your mica is a shiny, pearly looking powder.  If you are holding the flowers as you spray, hang up the flower after you finish spraying.  Several light sprays are better than one heavy spray.  Manipulate the leaves allowing the spray to mingle with the inside of the leaves.

See how much the mica allows the flowers to shine.  If you do not like the rustic look, go for the bling with mica spray.

This is what you will need to make the coffee filter flowers.  Add spice and coffee for color and scent, or mica and fragrance oil in a fine spray mist bottle.

The flower on the right is not dry and made with the regular type of coffee filter.  The flower on the left is made with the cone coffee filter and it is dry.

Flowers drying up-side-down.

This spray can be used for various other projects.  I hope you have found this blog entry has been helpful for your future projects. 


Refer to the other blogs or websites for more help in making the flowers or for ordering mica.


Some of my findings are below:

Coffee filters can be re-used.  Once I use the filter, I pour off the grounds and rinse the filter.  I lay the filter on a plate and it dries within a couple of hours.  Once dry, it is already tinted and ready to be used in flower making.

The flowers dried and stayed in shape by either hanging by the stem, or while being perched on the end of a paper cup with the flower tip pushed through a hole in the cup.

Coffee filter fiber tends to have a little give and it works very well with this type of flower.  I tried using recycled fax paper, and it did not want to be manipulated and moved into shape since it had a tendency to tear. 

I experimented with cosmetic grade glitter and I did not find that it would stick to the flower, unless a glue was used.  

I sprinkled mica on top of the original purchased spray, and it would not stay on well, unless it was sprayed after being sprinkled.  Too much mica in your recipe can allow the coloring to become too powdery and come off.  


Mica tends to clog the spray nozzle.  That is why I stress to make up only what you need for one day.


A second reason for not making too much of the product is the need for preservative since we are adding water.

A spraying container that drips or does not leave a fine mist, leaves an unintentional interesting pattern on the paper.

I used a fan on low close to the flowers and it helped immensely in the drying.

A dab of glitter glue in the center of the flower adds a little spark and interest to the flower.  I used a dark purple with a lavender flower.



Thank you for tuning in!    Dawn