The word paper comes from the Egyptian word “papyrus”.  It comes from an aquatic grassy works on the River Nile in Egypt.  It was believed that the Egyptians were the ones who contrived paper flowers and not the Chinese.  History says that way back 5,000 years ago, the Egyptians have been using papyrus for miscellaneous usage.

The Chinese began making paper flowers way back 2,000 years ago. They used it for religious offers. From this, other forms of art which involved flowers and flower designed emerged. They have used paper also in producing other decorative items like paper lanterns, fans, and many others.

During the Victorian days, women began making flowers out of paper in the absence of real flowers.  They made these flowers by choosing a real flower and copy or draw images of them on paper.  They made the stem with wire covered with green tissue paper. They used these flowers for room decoration. 

Here are some flower arts using simple materials:

PAPER FLOWER COLLAGES

For this activity, you can use flower patterns on pattern stations.

1. Using colorful construction papers or gift wrapping papers cut out flower shapes.
2. Prepare background paper and glue brush
3. Spread glue across the paper
4. Create a flower collage by placing multiple flower shapes across the papers.

FINGER PAINTING FLOWERS

1. Take turns finger painting on a table or cookie sheet.
2. When the design is ready, lay it on top of a flower shape large paper.
3. Rub your hand across the back of the paper flower.
4. On the paper flower you will see the impression of your design.
5. It is best to hung on the ceiling.

HAND PRINT TULIPS

This project is as simple as it is best for toddlers.

1. Put red paint on a tray
2. Let your children put their hands on the paint one at a time.
3. On a piece of light blue background paper, have them make a print of their hand.
4. When it dries, help them to add green paper stem and leaves.

For variation, set a large sheet of butcher paper.  Let your children make prints on it.  This can be use as wall mural with lots of tulips on it.

BAKING CUP FLOWERS

1. Flatten a paper baking cup.
2. Put some glue in the center of the flower
3. Use cotton balls, confetti, or felt paper(for children)
4. Make one or two flowers
5. Add these flower tops to a wall display.  Add stems.

For variation, use this for bulletin board displays.  You can place pictures at the center of each flower.

FLOWER STAMPING

Use small sponges for this activity

1. Cut flower shapes using small sponges
2. Using a shallow paint trays, set the sponges and different colors of paint
3. Set couple of  sponges and piece of papers

Place a sponge in some paint and press it onto your papers.