Paper Bag Poinsettias

We have been in awe of all the variations of the paper lunch bag stars and snowflakes out there, particularly those of Babble Dabble Do‘s (https://babbledabbledo.com/make-paper-stars-lunch-bags/) and wanted to try this project with a Christmas twist, making paper bag poinsettia flowers!  This is a simple and effective way to decorate for a holiday concert, Christmas party or crafting party!  These paper flowers are an inexpensive craft to make and create a striking effect!

Join all our friends this year for CRAFTSMAS- a collection of Christmas projects from some of our very favourite sites! 

(See the links below)

Materials

• Paper lunch bags (You could use red ones from a party store or we will also show you how to paint kraft/brown paper bags or white paper bags that are more readily available)
• Templates poinsettia leaf template poinsettia template
• Scissors
• Items for the centres of your flowers (you could use coloured paper with a circle punch, pom poms, beads or wool felt balls)
• Glue sticks
• Paper or binder clips
• Fishing line or string
• Hole punch
• If you decide to paint your flowers, you will need acrylic paint and brushes (We used red and white to create a tint to add some dimension and green and white for the leaves)
• Velcro dots/tape (*This is an option for if you would like to re-use your project and store them in a more compacted way*)

We always find these items useful too:

Directions

• Count out and line up 12 paper bags with the openings at the top.

• If you want to paint your flowers we found that it was easier to do so before they were glued together. (You could also use pre-coloured bags that you can find at party stores.) Paint one side of the bag (the gusset) if you are displaying them on a wall.  If you are hanging them from a ceiling where both sides will be seen, paint both sides, allowing drying times in between.  You may have to slightly fold the bag to get a flat surface for painting (as seen in the video).  Paint your twelve sides and allow them to dry. When they are dry, fold them back flat and then if you want crisp edges, put them back into the stack and then put them under a stack of books or clip them together with binder clips.

• At the same time, paint the front (and later once dry, the back) of several other bags green.  We used green paint and then added white to the green to create a tint to add a bit of dimension for the leaves.

• Now you are ready to make your petals.  Line up your bags so that your painted edges are on the same side.  How many petals you make at a time will depend on the strength and sharpness of your scissors.  We suggest that you cut one or just a few at a time.  This is the component of this project that may require adult assistance.  Print, cut out your template and then lay it on top, cutting out your petals.

• Glue your petals together, making sure that a) your painted portions are on the same side b) you are very careful with gluing right to the edges and completely covering the surface.

• Now that you have your stack glued (as seen in the video), it is time for the exciting part!  Carefully turn your bags sideways and open your bloom!  You can put it back down and then glue the two ends if you would like it permanently together, but if you would like to re-use it year after year, we found that putting Velcro dots on the two sides allowed you to open and close your bags.  You could do the same with your centre piece and leaves, detaching them from year to year, popping them in a bag all together.  The easiest way to assure that your Velcro dots line up is to take them both off the sheet, putting them together with the sticky sides out and to then stick one side, fold and touch it to other side.  Just use care and gently pull the dots apart when you want to put it down to avoid ripping.

• Use the leaf template and cut out your leaves (or if you want, make your own shape).  You could either glue these inside of the bags or attach them with Velcro dots if you would like to re-use your poinsettia.

• You can make your centres in various ways- using a circle punch with gold paper, felted balls, wooden beads, pom-poms etc.

• Once you are done, tack your poinsettia up to the wall to display it or if you are hanging it up, punch a hole in the top and string it up with fishing line.

Pin this idea

• If you like this project, you are going to love these paper bag stars from our friend Ana of Babble Dabble Do which is where we drew our inspiration from:

https://babbledabbledo.com/make-paper-stars-lunch-bags/

CRAFTMAS PROJECTS

• Light Up Christmas Trees from Little Button Diaries: https://littlebuttondiaries.com/2018/12/01/craftmas-mini-light-up-christmas-trees/

• Sewn Christmas Trees from Raising Kinley: https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq2pmf6BeSP/

• Hanukkah Menorah from Hatch Art Studios: https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq4pJ7BHA6z/

• Pom Pom Penguins from Red Ted Art: https://www.redtedart.com/pom-pom-penguin-diy-ornaments/

• Collaborative Artwork Christmas Tree from Oh Creative Day: https://www.ohcreativeday.com/christmas-tree-craft-reusing-kiddy-artwork/
• Wintery Shadow Box Ornaments from Art Camp LA: https://www.artcampla.com/new-blog/snowy-woodland-shadowbox-ornament

• Painted 3D Trees from The Blue Barn: http://bluebarnliving.blogspot.com/2018/12/3d-christmas-trees-decorated-three-ways.html

• Pinecone Mermaid Ornaments from Creating Creatives: http://creatingcreatives.com/diy-mermaid-ornament-from-pinecones/

• Painted Wooden Ornaments from Handy with Scissors: http://www.handywithscissors.com/seasonal-projects#/stacked-toy-decoration/

• Watercolour Wreath from Barley and Birch: https://barleyandbirch.com/2018/12/make-watercolor-peace-love-paper-wreath/

• Walnut Ornament from The Art Garden: https://theartgardenblog.com/2018/12/06/miniature-walnut-ornaments-craftmas-2018/

• Snow Person Play Pals from Heart Art Life: https://www.instagram.com/p/BrDlBKghsaY/ 

• Gratitude Wreath from Harmony Tree House: https://www.instagram.com/p/BrER8fchQtm/

*Check back each day for more additions!*

Purpose

• Recognizing and creating various symbols of celebrations.

Safety Notes

• We suggest that you use a tray and a smock to protect your clothing and surfaces.
• Use scissors with care and direct, adult supervision.
• Cord, yarn, fishing line etc. can be a strangulation hazard, therefore be sure to use with direct supervision and for its intended purpose.
• Small items such as beads, felted balls etc. can be a choking hazard, therefore be sure to keep them out of the reach of children ages 0-3 years of age or those that tend to put things into their mouths.