You Will Need ...
  1. 5 napkins (the same or different colors)

  2. 1 pipe cleaner

  3. Scissors

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Step 1: 

Completely open up each of the 5 napkins and lay them directly on top of each other. If you are using a printed or patterned napkin, make sure the printed side is facing down.

Step 2: 

Begin a series of folds similar to that of a fan. Take about an inch from the bottom of the napkins and fold it upward. Run your fingers firmly along the crease - really smoosh the crease down!

Step 3: 

Holding the fold in place, flip the entire stack of napkins over, keeping the folded end closest to you. Take the folded bottom part of the napkins and fold it up again. (Remember, keep thinking "fold like a fan.") Firmly run your fingers along the crease to really set that fold in place.

Step 4: 

Repeat these steps of flipping over the napkins, then re-folding the bottom, and firmly pressing the crease, until the entire napkin is folded up!

Step 5: 

Now that you have all the napkins folded like a fan, let's get started on creating the "flower petal" shape. Use one hand to pinch the middle of the "fan" in place, and use your other hand to hold a pair of scissors. Placing your scissors about an inch from the top end of the fan, you are going to cut out a semi-circle. Essentially, you are rounding the edge to create the petal shape. Make the same semi-circle cut on the other end.

Step 6: 

Now for the stem. Fold your pipe cleaner in half and place the folded napkins inside the bend of the pipe cleaner. It should look like a dragonfly.

Step 7: 

Keeping everything in place, twist the pipe cleaners tightly a few times, locking the napkins in place.

Step 8: 

Right now it looks like a butterfly. Start spreading those petals! Pinch the pipe cleaner with one hand and use the other to spread out the napkin folds.

Step 9: 

Now to fluff up your flower. Pull up the first layer of napkin, similar to how you might peel an onion. Once the entire first layer is standing upright at the center, begin the same process with the second napkin layer. Continue with each layer. Every layer you fluff up makes your napkin flower more and more beautiful! Don't worry if one of the napkins tear, just proceed. The next petal will hide the tear and your flower will be beautiful no matter what.

Step 10: 

Once you're finished, you should have an excellent gift or party decoration.

Age: 
All Ages
Craft Length: 
5 - 15 minutes
Difficulty: 
Easy peasy (fun and simple)
Prep Time: 
No prep time needed!
Recycled: 
Paper
Supervision: 
1 adult per 10 children
Variations: 

If you would like larger flowers, you can make the same craft using tissue paper! Have fun!

Variation Photos: