Turn newspaper or an old book into paper roses for a lovely, neutral floral arrangement.
Tips:
1
I used an old book for this project. Now, I’m not advocating for you to go cut up a perfectly good book! But if you have a book that’s already falling apart and is no longer usable, it’s much nicer to give it a second life than to toss it.
2
You can also use newspaper, but it’s more acidic and will yellow quickly… this might be pretty if you’re going for an antiqued look.
3
I used shiny “paper cord” that I bought in the crafting section of a $1 store (if you’re shopping for this online, it’s sometimes called Japanese Mizuhiki Paper String). You can get creative with what you place in the center of your flower. You could also use colored jewelry wire, baker’s twine, or yarn.
How to:
made with
old book, approx. 10-15 pages
1
Cut the paper cord, colored jewelry wire, or baker’s twine into 9 segments that are 3 inches long.
2
Cut the floral wire to 12 inches. Loop one end of the floral wire around the center of the grouped paper cord pieces.
3
Cut 6 petals that are 2 inches tall. These petals should have three bumps and a stem.
4
Overlap two petals slightly, then pinch around the wire. 
5
Secure with a 3-inch segment of floral tape. Pull the tape tightly as you wrap it. Repeat with the remaining petals.
6
Cut a second set of 6 petals to 2 ½ inches tall. These petals will have four bumps. Attach the petals as you did the first set.
7
Cut a set of 8 petals to 3 inches tall. These will have five bumps. Attach as you did the other petals. (photo Rose F)
8
Cut a final set of 8 petals to 3 ½ inches tall. These will also have five bumps. Attach with floral tape. (photo Rose G)
9
Cut two leaves as shown. Pinch the leaves around the wire and secure with floral tape. 
10
Use a paintbrush or skewer to gently curl the tips of the petals backward.
11
Make several of these roses to create a lovely, neutral floral arrangement that will work in any space!
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Finished?
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LOVE this idea! I’m envisioning color tinted edges..water colors maybe? I’ll have to hit up the thrift shops for books.
Oo, yes, I’d love to see it with water colored edges!
i loved this idea until i tried it. it is extremely hard to use floral tape and very frustrating to tape the paper (which does not stick) to the wire. i really wanted to make these :( if you have any suggestions on what else i can use please let me know. I’m returning the wire and tape. but i still want to make flowers. also, i used the twine and i’m afraid its too thick. i should have used the copper wire you used. i very much enjoy your blog!
Hi Kris, the trick to using floral tape is to S-T-R-E-T-C-H it while you wrap. The more you stretch it, the tackier it gets. For these book page roses, I used paper cord rather than wire… baker’s twine is about the same thickness, so it should be fine. You might just need a bit more practice :)