... you've been asking for it, so here it is. A little tutorial on how I made my Melissa Frances Crepe Paper roses.
First, this is a picture of the Crepe Paper.
There are 4 sheets of Crepe paper in the package that measure 10" x 82" each, so you get a lot of paper in this!
1. Begin by cutting a piece from the Crepe Paper to measure 1" x 10" and fold it in half on the longest side.
2. Once you have it folded in half (you don't need to make a sharp fold, just hold it in place) then you can begin to roll up one end so that you form a couple of layers.
3. On the inside apply a small dot of hot glue to hold in place then turn/twist the paper outward or the opposite way that you were rolling to make the center.
4. Continue twisting the Crepe Paper, bringing it around the center to form layers of petals. Apply small dots of glue at random to hold into place.
5. Continue twisting the Crepe Paper until the desired flower size is achieved, making sure to bring the layers out a bit as you work around the flower. 6. Notice that on the back side of the rose, the center of the rose protrudes out a bit which makes it easier to hold on to as you are wrapping the twisted paper around it.
7. Once the rose is the desired size, cut off the longest part of the center that you were holding onto and glue the end of the twisted paper to the center of the bottom. Often times the roses form a little cup shape on the bottom and it makes for a good place to tuck the end of the paper into.
8. Sprinkle the roses up with glitter if desired and you're done! Easy!
You can make larger roses in the same manner, but cut your Crepe Paper wider and longer. Play around with sizes-- it's fun :-) I made a larger rose for the center of the bow on this book project and as you can see the "petals" aren't twisted quite as tight as I did for the smaller ones. I like this look! The small roses measure between 1/2" and 3/4" across and the large one on the books measures almost 2" across.
I used to make roses from ribbon like these back in the 90's when I had a retail store, but this type of rose flower has been around longer than that and you can still buy them at craft stores today. Check Michael's wedding section for several color choices. Or make your own from the Crepe Paper, ribbon, or even party streamers work well for this.
Also, check out this post that I did last July when the MF Crepe Paper was first shipping. HERE you can see the Poppy type flowers that I made with the blue Crepe Paper. Basically, I just rolled a single layer of the paper and fanned it out as I went. This crepe paper is so easy to work with and holds the shape very well.
To see more lovely projects made with Melissa Frances products go to the blog HERE! Another design team member also created Crepe Paper roses and she will be posting a tutorial for hers on the Melissa Frances blog soon. Check out Danielle Flanders roses and her Homespun with Heart blog...she has a whole lotta talent and you'll be inspired when you visit! Anyone want to see some new BasicGrey ? I had fun creating with their new lines released at the CHA Winter show.
This was made with Cappella Collection. They call it their wedding collection, but you could use it for a whole list of other projects. Make sure to click the link for a view of the entire line. This is the new Kioshi Collection and it's loaded with pretty floral papers and embellishments for spring. Little girls will love their scrapbook pages done up with those colors and the felt flower stickers and Chenille posies. Too sweet!
Then there is the Green at Heart collection. Happy, flowery, bright colored papers and embellishments that are really hot in fashion and decor today. You can always find BasicGrey to be a leader in what is most influencial in the scrapping world. Have you ever seen their fabrics? Take a look at their Moda line of fabric.... it is awesome.
There are more new collections, but I'll post my projects using them later--I think that I've overloaded you enough today!
How about we have a "Name Your Favorite BasicGrey" collection and we do a GIVEAWAY!!!!!! Comment here for a chance to win. You can pick any of the new lines..... Cappella, Kioshi, Green at Heart, Max and Whiskers, Sugar Rush, or Origins.
Okay, we're off for another night of hockey because that's what we do around here..... See you soon!
Linda :-)


You are so inspiring...i love the green at heart line!! Thanks for the tutorial, I just found some crepe paper rolls & can't waitt o try these! Laura
Posted by: Laura R | February 04, 2010 at 12:57 PM
We have to pick ONE??? Oooohhh, they are all just fantastic, okay....I'm luvin' the Cappella. Just beautiful Ü
Posted by: Tracy | February 04, 2010 at 04:39 AM
going to have to try making those crepe paper flowers!
love the sugar rush line!
Posted by: ivy | February 03, 2010 at 10:50 PM
Linda you are so clever! I love your sweet projects (as always). Thank you for the tutorial - I've been wondering how you made them.
The Green at Heart line is gorgeous!
Posted by: Morag | February 03, 2010 at 02:26 PM
Thanks soooooo much for sharing your wonderful talent with us . . . I can't wait to start making "roses" . . . as for the Basic Gray - I vote for Capella -
Posted by: Linda Bates | February 03, 2010 at 10:23 AM
Thanks for the rose tutorial, I think I might be trying those for a few projects. My favorite new line of BG - Green At Heart!
Posted by: Cathy K. | February 03, 2010 at 04:06 AM
WOW! Your creativity is so inspiring! And thanks for sharing all of the BG goodness-beautiful! I LOVE the Cappella line!!!
Posted by: Stephanie Eaken | February 02, 2010 at 05:45 PM
Linda, thank you for the tutorial. My mind has been trying to figure out how you achieved those beautiful, soft flowers. I love all of BG...right now I'm still having fun playing with Nook and Pantry but Porcelin and Wisteria are right up there...oh yeah, can't forget Lemonade.
Posted by: Patty M | February 02, 2010 at 02:10 PM
Linda - as always your projects are exquisite! Those roses are so cool - i definately have to find a place to use those. My favorite of the new line is origins.
Posted by: Megan | February 02, 2010 at 02:01 PM
From one Linda to another I loved all the new BG lines, but especially the Kioshi as we have a one year old granddaughter and it would make such great page ideas with her on them. I got into crepe paper making my valentine cards and now am so inspired by your roses...that will be next!!!
Posted by: Linda Sather | February 02, 2010 at 02:00 PM
oh, forgot to add that my FAVE new line is cappella! simply gorgeous!
Posted by: abby | February 02, 2010 at 01:43 PM
Love the flowers! So nice of you to do a tutorial on them. Your projects are always amazing! I'm in awe!
Posted by: abby | February 02, 2010 at 01:42 PM
I just love all of your projects-so inspiring! Thanks for the tutorial-I just ran across some old crepe paper rolls so I will have to try these out! My fav is green at heart!!
Laura
Posted by: Laura R | February 02, 2010 at 12:55 PM
WOW those roses are beautiful and as always your work is such an inspiration!!
Posted by: Debbie | February 02, 2010 at 10:41 AM
Thank you so much for showing us how to create those absolutely gorgeous flowers! I love them! As for my favorite new BG line, well, you didn't list my favorite, as it is the Basics line, but the Kioshi line is very fun, too!
Posted by: Jingle | February 02, 2010 at 08:59 AM
Your flowers are beautiful!! And I was so inspired by your lovely books!! I want to make some of those!! I am in love with the BG Origins collection right now, but generally love all BG collections! Thanks so much, Linda, for sharing your gorgeous creative work with all of us! I love it!
Posted by: Becky Elliott | February 02, 2010 at 08:26 AM
What incredible projects! You do such beautiful work! I think Green at Heart is my fave new line! I look forward to seeing more of your creations!
Posted by: Mustangkayla | February 02, 2010 at 07:50 AM
You are an amazing "artist" I know you are very busy, but I miss you and your ideas when you don't blog.
Keep the ideas flowing.
Posted by: Mary | February 02, 2010 at 07:19 AM
Hockey Mom's Rock !!! Thanks so much for the flower tutorial,I just love them !! I would have to say my favorite new Basic Grey line is Kioshi, love the soft colors in this line.
Posted by: Bonnie | February 02, 2010 at 05:50 AM
I don't know how you get it all done plus hockey! :) Very inspiring. I love the rose...I've seen it done in fabric and sewing but this is much more appealing.
I think the Cappella line is amazing!
Posted by: Christina Franco | February 02, 2010 at 05:17 AM
Thanks for the great tutorial. How do you get the glitter to stick on the roses?
And my choice (if I had to pick just one)would be the green at heart BG line.
Posted by: Donna VW | February 02, 2010 at 04:46 AM
Thanks for the tutorial--I will definetly be giving that a try.
If I have to say my all time favorite BasicGrey line--this is a tough one as I have so many favorites--it would be between Ambrosia and Porcelein.
Posted by: Tina | February 02, 2010 at 04:26 AM
Thanks for the tut on the roses! Very pretty! I love how you alter! Your attention to detail on each project is outstanding! Such a treat to visit your blog.
Posted by: Amy Duff | February 02, 2010 at 04:08 AM
i have to say that at the moment origins is my favouite. i love the greens and the browns. But i have to say i'm loking forward to seeing the cappella collection in the flesh, i love thoese grey tones a colour i don't use very often. karen B
Posted by: www.google.com/accounts/o8/id?id=AItOawk0dWIsoAIRVvN71e6-XWQeaseju7v53o0 | February 02, 2010 at 12:32 AM
That's a tough choice, just picking one. I like them all for different reasons, but I think I like Kioshi best.
Posted by: Sue | February 02, 2010 at 12:04 AM
I will be buying tons of M.F.'s crepe paper to make those gorgeous flowers. Your CHA designs for her were so beautiful. Thanks for the how-to on making the flowers. Basic Grey's Cappella Collection in your project has me sold. I just adore the romantic look it has.
Posted by: Linda B. | February 01, 2010 at 09:29 PM
I like the Green At Heart collection. Basic Grey is always a favorite of mine, and I am sure I'll like them all! Love the samples you made, and thanks for posting the rose tutorial.... lovely!
DeniseB
Posted by: Denise Bryant | February 01, 2010 at 08:37 PM
Beautiful roses, thanks so much for sharing how to make them! You are so created and talented! My favorite, if you are talking about all time BG paper that would be Lemonade. New would have to be a tie between Kioshi and Green at Heart!
Posted by: Casey Lu | February 01, 2010 at 07:36 PM
Oh my, you always take my breath away with your creations! I just love your stacked book boxes, so feminine and romantic. I think my favorite new BG line is Capella. It's so elegant and Victorian, just my style!
Posted by: Jessica Canham | February 01, 2010 at 06:52 PM
That is amazing! I am off to see if I have any streamers and see if that will work.... I am so in love with that flower.
You are incredible. Thank you for sharing!
Posted by: Denise | February 01, 2010 at 06:20 PM
Those crepe paper roses are so beautiful! Love the touch of glitter on them. My fave new Basic Grey has to be Kioshi...although, truly it's hard to pick just one!
Posted by: Mary H | February 01, 2010 at 06:01 PM
Great projects. Love the Kioshi and the Green at Heart.
Posted by: kat | February 01, 2010 at 05:52 PM
I think I am a little in love with the Kioshi line! Or the Sugar Rush. No no the Green at Heart..no, definitely Kioshi LOL
Posted by: Kirsty | February 01, 2010 at 05:13 PM
Love the Green at Heart. They are some of my favorite colors!
Posted by: Marty | February 01, 2010 at 04:50 PM
Thanks for the tutorial on the crepe paper roses. I love all of your beautiful and inspiring projects. I like the Kioshi Collection from BG.
Posted by: Charlotte Jue | February 01, 2010 at 04:16 PM
The roses you made are beautiful. I love the Green at Heart papers! Thanks for the gernerous giveaway.
Posted by: Kerri Norrod. | February 01, 2010 at 03:39 PM
Amazing and truely beautiful! Love how that rose comes out and it look ??? easy... Love that crape paper - looks like I need to get some of that!
Thanks for the wonderful tutorial!
Posted by: kat | February 01, 2010 at 03:26 PM
Well, I'm sure I don't have to remind you what a genius I think you are. I'm always soooo inspired by your beautiful work and I can't wait to give the rosette a try. Thanks so much for the inspiration. I am giddy with excitement for the new BG papers...especially Green at Heart. Thanks so much for all you do.
Posted by: Carol | February 01, 2010 at 03:24 PM