DIY Flowers: When Fresh Is Out Of The Question

For some people, fresh flowers are almost non-existent during the winter months. Sure, there's the small variety at the grocery store, but during tough economic times, even an extra $10-$20 added to your bill, can feel a bit extreme. So instead of reaching for your wallet, go for your craft scissors and make some of your own! They will still make you cheery and can easily be recycled as adornment onto the next present or gift you have to give! Click through to see some of our favorites!

The sky is the limit when it comes to making your own flowers. You can always start out by ordering a few kits online (or pick them up in stores) to get you started with a few basic techniques, or check out some of the super simple ones we love below!

Simple Spiral Roses Tutorial: from Dozi Design. Unlike many paper flowers that require mad folding skills, this simple idea only necessitates the ability to draw a spiral and cut it out.

Origami Cherry/Sakura Blossoms: from the Flirty Guide. These flowers turn out beautifully and have step by step origami instructions that you are sure to master after a few tries!

Contemporary Pom-Pom Flowers: from Curbly. This simple tutorial will have the vase on your table full in no time. Plus, they're a great way to use up left over bits of yarn!

Pomander How To: by Kenziekate. Diy wedding flowers taken to the extreme became a huge internet sensation thanks to the labor of love that went into these displays. Although an exact how-to isn't included, there is instructions on creating the structure and some tips on their amazing process!

Watercolor Flowers Tutorial: from Our Fun Life. This process utilizes Japanese rice paper to wick the color through each petal for a natural look. Also great for other handmade items!

Crafted Bouquet Tutorial: from Martha Stewart. Not only are the flowers included in the step by step process, but the leaves are as well. Be sure to check it out!

Additional AT: Handmade Flower Ideas!

Look! Four Fun DIY Paper Flower Centerpieces

DIY Plaster Flowers

I actually like branches in the winter and especially now with the cherry, peach blossoms..Lucky to have a street lined with cherry trees that are in full bloom right now my hood is all pink. I cut a small cherry branch off my tree and put it into a green glass vase its very preppy in a good way.

posted by LoriSF on February 9th 2009 at 6:48pm
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I made hundreds of crepe paper roses and peonies for my wedding last July. We couldn't afford fresh ones so this was a really fun alternative.

check 'em out
http://www.flickr.com/photos/24625802@N08/

I think I will have to try those pom poms. Cute!

posted by coyotbeck on February 9th 2009 at 7:20pm
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I love silks! I have at least 11 centerpieces of silks and 2 real flower centerpieces, and everyone still thinks my home looks okay, not to much, ya know. Anyway, I also love these hand painted flowers, to CUTE!

Thank you for letting me post a comment,
Melissa at Yourfurniturelink and Mortise & Tenon LA

posted by mortisetenon on February 9th 2009 at 7:35pm
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...I'm thinking of all the little florist shops who will be suffering in these economic times...

posted by mschatelaine on February 10th 2009 at 4:11am
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These are such good ideas. I refuse to buy fresh since they tend to die within a few weeks - this is something I can't kill - LOL.

posted by ChrisGal on February 10th 2009 at 8:59am
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coyotbeck-they look fantastic!

posted by Enamorada on February 10th 2009 at 9:45am
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I like dried Honesty (money plant) branches in place of fresh flowers. They are tedious to prepare but very pretty, and last a long time.

posted by jancola on February 10th 2009 at 1:14pm
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