Materials
Making a cherry blossom tree out of paper is a fun and creative project that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Begin by gathering the necessary materials: white and pink tissue paper, floral wire, floral tape, scissors and a green craft stem. It is a good idea to purchase a few extra supplies in case of mistakes or miscalculations. Additionally, if the person prefers to color their own pink blossoms, a set of coloring pens or markers is necessary.
Tissue paper comes in many colors and can be found in craft stores. It is relatively affordable, and comes in 8.5 by 11-inch pieces with several colors and designs. Floral wire and tape can also be purchased at craft stores. Both of these items come in a variety of colors and designs, so be sure to match the colors. Scissors and a craft stem are the last items necessary.
Shaping the Blossoms
After the materials are collected, it is time to prepare the cherry blossom tree. First, start by cutting the tissue paper into 4- or 5-inch squares. It is recommended to prepare a large batch of these paper squares, as there will likely be several mistakess or miscalculations along the way. After the paper squares are prepared, begin folding the paper. To fold the paper, hold it with the corners facing down, and make a mountain fold in the middle of the paper. Do this for every paper square.
Once the folded squres are prepared, it is time to shape the blossoms. To do this, hold each paper square in the middle, and press the corners down. This creates the effect of petals. Keep the corners pressed down, and use scissors to trim the edges. If coloring the blossoms is desired, it is best to do so before adhering the blossoms to the wire.
Adhering the Blossoms
To adhere the blossoms to the wire, use the green stem and craft tape. The stem should be slightly longer than the wire. Start at one end of the stem, and gently place the blossoms on it. Make sure the petals of the blossom have enough room to spread out. Once the first blossom is placed, wrap the tape around both the blossom and the stem. Do this for the remaining blossoms.
It is important to be aware that not all blossoms will look the same. There will be variations in size, color, and shape. This is normal and adds to the charm of the cherry blossom tree. It is also best to position the blossoms in a cascading manner for an authentic cherry-blossom-tree effect.
Securing the Blossoms
After the blossoms are adhered to the stem, secure the stem with floral wire, and wrap it with floral tape to hold all the blossoms in place. Continue to tape the wire securely to the stem until it is completely covered. Use the floral tape to attach the stem to the wire and secure it in place.
The cherry blossom tree can also be shaped with the wire to resemble a real tree. Bend and twist the wire until the desired shape is achieved. Secure any loose ends with the wire or tape.
Final Touches
The final touches of the cherry blossom tree include adding foliage. To do this, cut green paper in various shapes and sizes, and attach it to the tree with the floral wire. Secure any loose pieces of paper with tape. If coloring the foliage instead of using paper, use glue to secure the foliage onto the cherry blossom tree.
Finally, display the finished cherry blossom tree proudly. Hang it from a window or in a room for others to admire. With a bit of creativity and supplies, a beautiful cherry blossom tree made out of paper can be made for all to enjoy.
Storage and Maintenance
When not in use, store the cherry blossom tree in an envelope or box in order to protect it. Floral tape and wire can deteriorate over time, so use a soft cloth to dust the tree off periodically and check for any fraying or deterioration.
It is also a good idea to use the weatherproofing spray sold at most craft stores to protect the cherry blossom tree from outside elements. Be sure to follow the directions carefully, and apply the spray outdoors in an open, ventilated space.
Preserving and Packing
The chery blossom tree can be stored for future use in several ways. Before packing it away, lightly spritz the tree with water to keep it from drying out. Then, adhere the tree to a piece of cardboard using glue. Gently wrap the cherry blossom tree in plastic wrap, and store it away until ready to use. The tree will last much longer if stored in this way.
For those that travel frequently, the cherry blossom tree can be packed and brought with them. Store the tree in a shallow, plastic container with a lid. To ensure the tree’s security, layer it with tissue paper and use a few pieces of scotch tape to keep it in place. The plastic container will protect it from getting mangled or wet during travel.
Displaying the Tree
When showcasing the tree, use only the softest materials to prevent any damage. Hang the cherry blossom tree from a string and secure it with tape if needed. Additionally, putting the tree in a vase with foam will also provide extra stability for the tree.
Using a few pieces of clear fishing wire can also help support the tree’s delicate branches. Evenly distribute the fishing line among the branches and around the tree. This will ensure an even and aesthetically pleasing display of the cherry blossom tree.
Drying the Blossoms
Another way to preserve the cherry blossom tree is to dry the blossoms. To do this, gently remove the blossoms one by one and hot-glue them onto a piece of cardboard. Allowing them to air dry will help keep their form and shape. Once they are completely dried, they can be stored in an envelope until needed.
To preserve the color, use powdered tempera paints or markers and sprinkle it on the blossom lightly. This will provide the blossom with a little extra color and essence.
Additional Decorations
To add more character to the cherry blossom tree, string a few strands of lights around it. If not using an artificial tree, tape or hang the lights from the twigs. There are also many ribbon decorations that can be used to add a more festive feel to the tree. Place the ribbon around the branches and around the pot to create a more layered feeling.
Adding additional elements to the tree, such as paper butterflies and birds, can also create a unique look to the tree. There are many ways to express creativity with the cherry blossom tree, so be sure to look for unique ways to customize it and make it stand out.
Conclusion
Making a cherry blossom tree out of paper is an enjoyable and creative undertaking. Collect the necessary materials, shape the blossoms, adhere them to the wire, add foliage, and then hang the tree proudly. Be sure to store the cherry blossom tree properly and to check on it regularly to ensure that it is maintained and kept in optimal condition. Finally, use decorations and lighting to bring additional charm to the tree. With a bit of patience and creativity, a beautiful and unique cherry blossom tree can be made for all to enjoy.
