5 Tips for Making Paper Rosettes

If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook, you probably know that I'm a bit obsessed with making paper rosettes, also called lollies or pinwheels.  I've made a bunch for Halloween decorating, and I'm already looking forward to making more rosettes for Thanksgiving, Christmas and Valentine's Day!

Here are a few tips and tricks for making your own paper lollies!  Please feel free to Pin and share these rosette tips.

Tip #1: 

Every rosette needs something in the center.  First of all, you need to cover up the middle where you glue the pieces together.  Second, it's fun to layer a bunch of stuff to get different looks.  This one has a free vintage Halloween printable cat I found on Pinterest.  I've also used buttons, bling and letters for the centers.

Tip #2:  

Use a wide variety of materials in your rosettes.  This big one has wrapping paper (the black and white layer), a paper cake doily, a dollar store pumpkin tissue paper shape as well as scrapbook paper and embellishments.  It's hanging from a ribbon in my powder room.

I also use book paper (ripped from thrift store books) and sheet music - they're some of my favorites.  Other ideas: cupcake wrappers, kraft paper, tissue paper and wax paper.  

Tip #3

Glitter and hot glue are your friends.  Glitter: I apply Mod Podge to the edges of at least one layer of my paper lollies with a cheap kids' paintbrush before sprinkling on the glitter.  It helps to provide a consistent, even distribution.  Martha's fine glitter is my favorite. Hot glue: useful for assembling layers and the pieces of the pinwheel.  

Tip #4

Add a stick!  Not all lollies need a stick, but that does make them easier to display - sort of like a bouquet of flowers.  I use either a dowel or skewer (depending on how heavy the lollies are).  For these, I slipped the dowel inside a fun Halloween straw. You could also use a holiday-themed pencil as a good lollie stick - you can always find those at the dollar store!

Tip #5

There are many ways to make and use paper rosettes.  I did purchase the Cricut Ribbons & Rosettes cartridge; however, it's not necessary in order to have fun with paper pinwheels.  I do find that the Martha Stewart large scoring board helps - you can find at at Joann for around $20, less with a coupon!  Totally worth it.  I use a blunt knitting needle to do the scoring, as the supplied tool resulted in my tearing through the paper.

Here's a great video from Jennifer McGuire that demonstrates an easy way to make paper rosettes.  Be warned- I watched that and it started me on this kick.  You may not be able to stop either!

Check back soon - I'll show how I used another set of paper rosettes for a Halloween banner.