What you need for paper flowers
Cut six sheets of tissue to 15 × 20 cm. Gather about 25 cm of cotton thread, scissors and a ruler.
How to open paper flowers without tearing the petals
The bloom takes shape as you lift the sheets from each half of the stack. Line up all six layers with a 15 cm edge facing you. To give the centre a different shade, place two paler sheets on top. These will open closest to the heart of the flower.
Fold an even accordion
Starting at the edge nearest you, make a fold about 1.5 cm deep across the short side. Flip the stack over and make another fold of the same width in the opposite direction. Continue to the far edge. Run a fingertip gently along each fold to set the crease.
Tie the middle and shape the tips
Bend the accordion in half to find the midpoint. Open it out again and tie the thread around that mark. Leave two long tails for attaching the bloom to a gift. With the accordion closed, round both ends with your scissors, cutting through all the layers together.
Lift one sheet at a time
Spread one half into a fan. Hold the knot steady and lift the first sheet towards the middle, supporting it close to its base. Do the same on the other side, alternating until both halves are open. If two layers cling together, gently roll their edges between your fingertips.
To attach the finished bloom to a parcel, slip the thread tails underneath the ribbon and tie a bow. If you are carrying the parcel in a bag, add the decoration when you arrive to keep its shape.