These days, when we give someone money, its
usually in the form of a gift certificate or cash/check in a
greeting card. The money plant is not only easy to do, its a great way
to give the gift of money in a spectacular way.
Here's what you need:
- tissue paper (construction paper, origami paper,
any paper that is colorful.. the size you'll want is something that is
or can be cut into an approximately 6inchx6inch squares
- pipe cleaners (try to get ones that are a bit bigger/stronger if using
heavier paper like construction paper)
- plant pot or basket or vase.. something to stand your money flowers in
- if using a pot or basket arrangement, you'll
want a florist block or piece of styrofoam to poke the stem of your
money flowers into so they will stand up, so if you want to keep it
simple, just use a vase
- pencil or pen, something with a slight point to
poke a hole in the paper
- money (depending on how many "flowers"
you want in your arrangement, you'll want at least 10-15 bills.. so if
you're giving someone 50$, break it into some 5s, 1s and 10s)
What to do:
Take a piece of whatever type of colorful paper
you're working with and poke a hole in the center of it.
Now take one of your pipe cleaners and stick it
through the hole so that about 2 or 3 inches of it
through.
Crumple into a ball, or fold one of the bills so
that it is small enough, and then wrap the 2-3 inches of pipe cleaner
around it to keep it folded.
Gently fold and crumple the colorful paper up and
around the piece of money, enclosing it, and arranging the folds of the
paper into a "flowery" shape.
You can even cut the paper a bit to resemble
tulips or lilies, but if you cut it when the money is folded inside, be careful
not to cut the money!
Now you have one flower, repeat for as many
bills/flowers needed.
If you're using a vase, you can simply put them
into it. If you're using a flower pot or basket, put your styrofoam or
florist block into it, and poke the "flower" stems into the
block in whatever arrangement you'd like. You can cut or tear brown
paper into strips and lay them in the pot/basket overtop of the block to
cover it like "soil".
If you want, for a few added touches:
You can edge the "flower" petals in
glitter, but you'll want to do each one individually so you can turn
them on their sides to sprinkle the glitter over the glue you brush on.
My suggestion is to use a smaller brush, dip it into the glue, and just
apply the glue to the very edges or tips of the folds of paper, so that
when the glitter is applied, and the flower shaken for the excess, you
end up with a beautiful dewy look.
Also, there are all kinds of amazing papers
(tissue, origami, homemade or pressed) that can cost a bit more but also
look great, especially if you want to get really crafty.
Get creative with it, that's the most important
thing. This is the best way I've ever seen to take something good but
boring like a cash gift and turn it into something memorable. Especially
if the receiver is going to be getting other cash gifts, like a graduate
or older child's birthday, you'll really stand out among the envelopes
and plastic gift cards!
About the Author - Kelly D. is a staff
writer and editor for HolidaysDot.com.
© Kelly
D.
