I’ve never been able to find fake flowers that I really like. Most of them KIND OF look real. But they’re not and that’s the problem. That’s why I LOVE these coffee filter flowers. No one is going to mistake them as a cheap knockoff, yet they add a really cool punch of color to any occasion. And when each one costs only pennies, they’re a heck of a deal compared to the real thing! I made these for a baby shower I hosted and surprisingly the guests asked if they could each take one home. Note to self … next time SKIP the guest bags!
Supplies:
- Coffee filters (each flower needs 6 coffee filters)
- Food coloring
- Stapler
- Scissor
- Large bowl
- Baking pans
Instructions:
In a large bowl mix cold water and a couple drops of food coloring. I noticed that my flowers turned out lighter than the food coloring water so I’d recommend adding a bit more food coloring once you get to the desired color. Add roughly 10 coffee filters at a time in to the water and soak them. Make sure they’re completely soaked, even the ones in the middle.
Once everything gets wet, you can take them out (no need to let them sit in the water). Squeeze thoroughly to get as much of the water out as you can. Don’t worry about ripping them. Surprisingly the coffee filters were pretty durable.
I pealed them apart so that I only had 3-5 stuck together before laying the coffee filters on a baking pan. I then “baked” them at 200 degrees for about 20 minutes, flipping each at the 10 minute mark.
Mine weren’t completely dry after 20 minutes, but not wanting to burn down the kitchen I let them sit out for a couple hours to completely dry. If you’re a little less paranoid (and a better chef) than I am you can put them in the oven longer, if needed. You’ll want these completely dry as it will be hard to create the flower with damp coffee filters.
Take the first 3 and line them up on top of each other. Fold the stack in half. Then, fold the half in half again, so it ends up in fourths. Don’t worry if they’re not perfectly aligned after you fold. It will actually look a little better if they’re not completely even.
With your scissor, cut a scallop around the top. Again, don’t worry about it being even or even looking nice. One of the best things about making these is that literally NO step needs to be perfect in order to turn out great.
Twist and ruffle these 3 layers. Pinch the bottom tightly so it doesn’t come apart.
It will look like this:
Then staple the base to ensure it doesn’t fall apart.
Next, pile up the remaining 3 coffee filters and place them around the base of the twisted first 3 coffee filters. Make sure to catch all the layers together tightly and then staple the bottom so that the flower doesn’t come apart.
Once I have mine all stapled and secured, I ‘fluff’ them a little (perfectionist) and they’re ready to go!
After you get the coffee filters colored, these only take minutes to make! It was ridiculously quick and easy to add a pop of color to my baby shower decor. These could also be great for engagement parties, Valentines Day, birthdays, even weddings!
Wendy says
So easy and pretty! I used to make these with my students when I was an upper elementary teacher! They make a great Mother’s Day bouquet!
Lindsay @ Crazy Organized says
Thanks so much for stopping by! This would be such a fun project for kids! And what a great idea for mothers day!
Celeste says
These are beautiful and the perfect way to welcome spring! They also make great party decor! I love the idea of using coffee filters. My husband is a huge coffee addict so we have lots of those sitting around!
Lindsay @ Crazy Organized says
Aww thanks so much! I can totally appreciate being a coffee addict! I drink WAY too much coffee too!
Christine Meckle says
What an awesome idea! I love baking decorations, but I’ve never thought of this one! It looks wonderful, definitely does not look like coffee filters. Great post!
Lindsay @ Crazy Organized says
Awww thanks so much! Really appreciate it! I have SOOOO many coffee filters at my house so it was nice to get rid of some 🙂