DIY Downloadable: "Modern May Flower"

As a celebration for reaching the 100 fan mark on Facebook, I decided to put together a little something. I had so much fun creating this project that I plan to offer others in the future in a blog theme titled "DIY Downloadable"
For this first installment, we are celebrating May Day! This is a holiday that I don’t believe is celebrated much anymore; But as a young girl, I remember creating May Day baskets for all of my school-mates. My mom would drive us around to the houses and we would place the basket on the doorstep, ring the doorbell and then run!

This project is for a modern handmade paper flower. I think that this would be a great project that you and your children could work on together. The flower could be hung on a doorknob for May Day, or given to someone special for Mother’s Day! Create just one or a whole bouquet!

You will need: paper (either patterned or a single color), scissors, pipe cleaner, button (optional)
Note: A very thin paper may easily rip, and thick paper may be difficult to work with.  It is recommended that you use scrapbook or origami paper for best results

Step 1: Trace around an 8.5"x 11" piece of paper onto the colored/patterned paper of your choice (here I am showing 12"x12" scrapbook paper).  If you already have colored/patterned paper in an 8.5" x 11" size you can skip this step.

Step 2: Place the paper into your printer with the colored side UP!  Print the flower pattern (provided below) of your choice.  I am offering a simple pattern, which is perfect for kids; and a more advanced version, for those who want a challenge!

Step 3: Cut out the pattern (I am demonstrating the more advanced version) then punch small holes in each of the circles shown

Step 4: Turn the flower upside down and loop back a main petal portion (Petal A). Place the pipe cleaner through the colored side.

Step 5: Working clockwise, continue until all petals are layered under the previous one on the pipe cleaner.

Step 6: Once the pipe cleaner has gone through all the 'A' petals, continue by pushing the pipe cleaner up through the center hole on the flower

Step 7: Turn the flower so that the colored portion is facing upwards

Step 8: Gently twist one of the 'B' petals so that the colored portion remains visible. Push the pipe cleaner through the pre-made hole and press until it is firm upon the center of the flower.

Step 9: Continue working clockwise in this fashion until all of the 'B' petals are through the pipe cleaner.  You can then add a button to the top of the flower if you wish.  Then twist the pipe cleaner down so that it firmly holds the completed flower in place! Enjoy!