Paper flower corsages

• 1
  Pleat the stacked rectangles.
  
  Cut colored tissue into rectangles. The width should be about twice the desired size of the finished flower. Do not be concerned if there are minor variations in the rectangles. Stack six to eight rectangles. Use more rectangles for fuller flowers. Begin at a short side and accordion pleat the rectangle in small pleats. Continue down the entire length of the rectangle.
  
  
• 2). Secure the pleated stack of tissue with floral wire four times the desired stem length. Bend the wire in half and secure the tissue at the center of the bend. Twist tightly. Double the tail of the wires back toward the tissue and gently twist the length.
  
  
• 3
  Wrap the floral wire with floral tape to create a stem.
  
  Wrap floral tape around the wire, beginning at the tissue end. Return to the tissue end (resulting in a double layer of tape) to give the "stem" some body, adding leaves cut from heavy green paper, if desired.
  
  
• 4). Beginning at the outer layer, carefully separate the layers to open your flower. Accidental tears do not present a problem. Flower leaves are seldom perfect or exactly symmetrical. Arrange the "petals" as desired. Trim any unsightly protrusions. Repeat the process for a multiple flower corsage.
  
  
• 5). Position the flowers as desired for the final corsage. Add ribbon if desired. Cut a layer of lace or tulle slightly bigger than the flowers. Gather the circle across the diameter with floral wire to form a ruffle. Secure the ruffle to the stem or stems of the corsage with the floral wire. Add a corsage pin or small safety pin.