These ornamental paper flowers have been something that I've made since elementary school. They've sophisticated over time, but the accomplishment and overjoyed feeling I get after making a bundle of these stays the same.

Over the years, people have asked how these are made and I always swear to write down directions ... just like recipes ... but then stall, because how do you explain something that you do on autopilot? Well friends. Here it is. The method to my paper crafting madness.

Upcycled Paper Flowers and Gift Wrapping

Materials

3 Magazine pages
Hot glue gun with glue sticks
Scissors
Brad fastener
Compass (optional)

Steps
1. Choose three pages from a magazine or newspaper. For the top layer, you'll want to pick something that really showcases the image. The second and third pages are for color and texture.

2. If you're using a compass, the small circle should be at 3 inches, the middle at 3.5 inches, and the largest at 4 inches.

3. Cut a notch about 1 inch towards the center of the circle. Then cut another one right across from it on the other side. Cut between the two notches on the edge. Then keep repeat until you've made eight "petals" total.

4. Take one tab in your hands and fold one corner under the other to make a point. Affix it with a dab of hot glue, carefully (it's hot!) pressing it between your fingers to secure it. Repeat for all eight petals. Repeat steps 3 and 4 for the middle and bottom layers.

5. Pierce a hole in the middle of the bottom layer, then on the middle layer, then stick the brad in completely in the small layer. Work it through the holes of the middle and last layer. Open up the brad and flatten it.

Notes

- I've been making these for years, and I've stopped being precise about the measurements of the circles because it takes up time, and it really doesn't alter the end product too much.

- If you don't have a glue gun, use tape for adhesive. Regular glue doesn't work all the time and you'll have to redo petals.