Thursday, August 5, 2010

Upcycling: coffee filter flowers

I got a new coffee maker. It takes #4 cone filters. That left me with an enormous supply of basket filters. I’m sure there are dozens of things you can do with basket coffee filters. After all, they’re already cut into a circle when you flatten them out. But here’s what I came up with.


Here’s how you can make these paper flowers.

For a large flower use about 10-12 coffee filters. Lay them in a stack and flatten them out. Punch or cut two small holes in the center of the filter. Thread a wire or pipe cleaner through the holes and twist tightly.


Start folding the filters one by one. It’s really just trial and error. You sort of crinkle the bottom and fluff each one.


If you want to put your flowers in a vase, use a longer piece of wire and cover with florist’s tape or you can hang them from a tree for a festive garden party feel.



Now I just need a cup of coffee.

8 comments :

  1. Such a great idea! I was just thinking that I would like to have some pretty fake flowers in my dining room. I'm going to have to try to make this.

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  2. So cute. We just got rid of our coffee maker so I have a bunch too.

    I love them.

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  3. Cute! I'm wondering about dying them different colors...any ideas?

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  4. Thanks for your comments! I've seen tutorials where people have colored the edges of tissue paper with a felt tip marker. The color sort of bleeds a little and looks really pretty. I was thinking about kicking this project up a notch next time and tea staining the coffee filter edges. Please feel free to send me pictures if any of you make these flowers. Thanks - Carolyn

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  5. These are gorgeous, inexpensive and long lasting! What a great craft to do. I am featuring this at somedaycrafts.blogspot.com. Grab mY 'featured" button.

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  6. What a great idea. I love them. I wonder if the filters would do well tea dyed if someone wanted a little aged look also. So happy you shared this.

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  7. These are so fun! Thanks for submitting it to M&T Spotlight :)

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