As I mentioned last week, I was really wanting to celebrate the end of summer – so I crafted up some beautiful paper sunflowers for a little dinner party.  Instead of just posting my usual photo DIY, I filmed a video of the process with the talented Courtney Arcese of Love+Brain Films and I am so excited to share it with you!  You’ll also find the materials needed and step-by-step instructions below, just in case you missed anything while watching.

Materials Needed:

• Styrofoam Disc + Carving Tools (Knife, Melon Scooper)
• Acrylic Paints: Black, Brown, Gold + Paintbrush
• Crepe Paper: Yellow + Green
• Scissors
• Hot Glue Gun + Glue Sticks
• Paper Bowl +  Wire

Step #1: Shape your styrofoam disc to create the center of your sunflower. Use a knife to round the edge of the disc and a melon ball to carve out the center.  Once you’ve shaped your disc, use acrylic paint to add the color.  I applied black paint to the carved-out center and brown to the edge, then added a bit of gold highlights.  It’s best to have a real sunflower in sight for reference while you paint.

Step #2: Take your yellow and green crepe paper (either sheets or rolls, not streamers) and fold it over so you can cut multiple shapes at one time.  It all depends on the size of your flower, but for mine I cut: 22 large yellow petals, 12 small yellow petals, and 10 leaves.  Once you’ve cut your petals and leaves, shape each of them.  To shape, start in the center and stretch the crepe paper.  Use a pencil or skewer to shape the ends of the petals, just as I do in the video.

Step #3: Bust out your glue gun and begin by gluing the small petals in a ring around the back of your styrofoam disc.  Next, add the larger petals onto the back of the disc as well.  I’d recommend constantly turning your flower over to check on the fullness throughout this process.  You can always cut more petals if needed.

Step #4: Next, take a paper bowl and cut off the outer ring. Cut a circle of green crepe paper large enough to cover your bowl and glue it on, stretching it over the back of the bowl.  Then, poke 2 holes in the bowl and string wire through the holes (this will be used to hang the flowers).  Apply glue to the edge of your bowl and secure it to the back of your flower.  Add your leaves around the back of your bowl to finish it off, and you’re done!

Huge THANKS to Courtney and her Love+Brain Films for making this awesome video!  Courtney also made my “Party Cake” video, which you can watch HERE.