By: Christine Asciutto of @twinkleplansherday

Mother’s Day is approaching and making Mom feel special has never been easier. Today I’ll be sharing how to create an easy paper flower bouquet using Mildliner Highlighters and some everyday household products.

Materials Needed:

  • 5 White coffee filters
  • Paper plates
  • Mildliner Highlighters
  • Spray bottle with water
  • Paper straws
  • Floral or washi tape
  • Scissors


Step 1: Use Mildliner Highlighters to “Dye” Your Coffee Filters

The first step is to add a splash of color to your white coffee filters. To begin, select a Mildliner Highlighter color you want for your paper flower and use it to add strokes to the edges of your coffee filter.

Next, use your spray bottle to add a small amount of water to your coffee filter while it rests on the paper plate. The paper plate will help keep your work area mess-free and help keep your filter flat. Let the ink diffuse evenly throughout the coffee filter and let dry. Repeat this step four more times to ensure your paper is thoroughly saturated with color.

Step 2: Fold the Dyed Coffee Filter

Once your coffee filter is thoroughly saturated and dry, fold each filter in half. Then fold it in half once more until it resembles an ice cream cone shape, like shown above.

Step 3: Cut Triangle Shapes

Using scissors, snip a tiny section of the bottom of the “cone.” This will create a center hole in the flower design once it is unfolded. Once cut, turn the cone upside down and make four 1-inch cuts along the bottom. Next, cut triangle shapes along the edge, as shown in the example above. 

Repeat steps 1 through 3 four more times until you have 5 total pieces.

Step 5: Assemble the Pieces into a Flower

Now that you have all your flower petals created, it is time to assemble your flower together. Start by unfolding each filter to reveal a flower shape.

Then, insert the paper straw into the center hole of the first filter and wrap the filter along the top, securing with floral or washi tape. Repeat with the remaining filters to add more volume with each layer.

Step 6: Create Multiple Paper Flowers for a Bouquet

Repeat steps 1 through 5 to create more paper flowers ranging in a variety of colors. Once create, these flowers can be arranged in a bouquet or used as a gift topper.

For more spring-inspired craft projects, check out 4 DIY Napkin Tags Perfect for Spring.