One of the Valentine-themed crafts I remember making most as a child is tissue carnations. I don’t remember who showed me how to make them first — I have memories of my mom and her sisters all sitting around making them with me on our visits to Grandma and Grandpa’s. I do know that the directions are found in a book that my mom had and I now have my own copy of: 838 Ways to Amuse a Child by June Johnson.

All you need are pink tissues (facial tissues, such as Kleenex) and some green pipe cleaners or chenille stems.

Two two-ply tissues are stacked and then folded long-ways.

Fold the tissues accordion-style, starting at one of the short ends. Tear off about 1/4″ off each end — this helps the plys separate as well as give the flowers that torn-edge carnation look.

Fold the top of the chenille stem around the center of the accordion and twist it to secure, then begin separating and lifting the plys one by one, fanning them out (handmade-bow style). Be very gentle — the tissue is extremely easy to rip.

As you work your way around all of the layers, you’ll begin to see the carnation taking shape. Before long, you’ll see this:

Any little girl will love these wilt-resistant flowers. Make a bunch and throw them into a crystal vase for a lovely Valentine’s Day bouquet!