Paper Lotus Flowers for a Serene Chinese New Year

 

Paper Lotus Flowers for a Serene Chinese New Year

Materials:

• Pink, white, or purple construction paper
• Scissors
• Glue
• Pencil
• Pipe cleaners
• Green floral tape

Flowers:

• Pink Lotus: Symbolises compassion, kindness, and purity of heart.
• White Lotus: Represents enlightenment, peace, and spiritual purity.
• Purple Lotus: Symbolises spirituality, wisdom, and mysticism.

Green Names:

• Leaves: Symbolising growth and vitality.
• Stems: Symbolising strength and resilience.

Instructions:

1. Cut the Paper:
• Cut construction paper into 2-inch squares.
• Cut green construction paper into long, thin strips for leaves and stems.
2. Fold the Petals:
• Fold a square of paper in half diagonally.
• Fold the resulting triangle in half again.
• Cut rounded edges along the open side of the triangle.
• Unfold the paper to reveal a five-petal flower.
• Pinch the base of each petal to create a pointed tip.
3. Assemble the Flower:
• Cut out several petals in different sizes.
• Layer the petals, starting with the largest and working your way to the smallest.
• Glue the petals together, overlapping them slightly.
• Wrap a green pipe cleaner around the base of the flower to form a stem.
4. Add the Leaves:
• Cut green paper strips into leaf shapes.
• Glue the leaves to the stem, alternating them with the flowers.
5. Finishing Touches:
• Use floral tape to secure the leaves and stem to the flower.
• Curl the edges of the petals slightly for a more realistic look.

Tips:

• Experiment with Colours: Use different shades of pink, white, and purple to create a variety of lotus flowers.
• Vary the Petal Shapes: Cut the petals into different shapes, such as rounded or pointed, to create different lotus varieties.
• Add Texture: Use a pencil or your fingers to curl the edges of the petals.
• Create a Lotus Pond: Combine several lotus flowers of different sizes and colours to create a beautiful lotus pond.
• Display Your Lotus Flowers: Hang your lotus flowers from the ceiling, place them in a vase, or use them as a centrepiece.

By following these simple steps, you can create beautiful paper lotus flowers to decorate your home for Chinese New Year. These elegant flowers are a symbol of purity, enlightenment, and spiritual growth.