I figured it was high time I combined crafting with a little geek. So, allow me to introduce: LED tissue paper flowers.
For each flower, you will need:
5 rectangles of tissue paper, 2.5 x 5 inches each
a foam ball, approx. 1.25 inch diameter
1 LED, any color (I used a T1 3/4 size)
a 2032 3v lithium button battery
floral tape
regular tape
a wire stem (optional)
Wrap one piece of tissue paper around the ball, and twist the ends like a candy wrapper.
Remove the ball and trim one end of the tissue just past the twist. Repeat with the other four sheets of tissue.
Assemble the LED and battery. The longer wire goes on the + side of the battery, the shorter one on the other side. Secure in place with tape. The LED should be lit.
Gather the long ends of the five petals and group them around the LED, cups opening in toward the LED, and secure with tape. I found it easiest to put the ends of tissue side by side on the piece of tape, cups facing up. Then, I wrapped the tape around the LED, surrounding it with petals, making sure the first and last petal were next to each other. Spread the petals out from the LED.
Wrap the ends of tissue, LED, and battery with floral tape for a finished look. You can also attach a wire stem and wrap the entire thing with floral tape.
Now your flower is finished. You can make an arrangement in a wine glass or a basket, using all LED flowers or combining them with non-lit flowers.
Or you can wear one in your hair when you go to the science fair or Comic-Con. =)
