Party Planning 101: How to Make Coffee Filter Flower Decorations

Events at the museum may be on hold for now, but that doesn’t mean the parties have to stop! Putting on your own party planning hat is the perfect way to tap into your creativity while at home. Right now is the perfect time to plan a party at home!  

If you're going to have a party, you'll want to add some décor. And do you know what the most commonly used item for décor is?

Flowers! Flowers are a great way to instantly make any space look more inviting and special. Simply follow the steps below to create your own centerpieces.

Materials:

• White Round Coffee Filters
• Washable Markers
• Tape
• Sticks. Any stick-like item will work. Popsicle sticks, pipe cleaners, small wooden dowels, straws & even real sticks from your backyard are all great examples
• Small jars or cups filled with 1 inch of water

Tip: Have enough jars/cups in order to create multiple flowers at once to speed up the process. Six coffee filters were used to make the bouquet you see in these photos.

Instructions:

1. Lay the coffee filter flat on top of a protective surface (in case marker goes through). Using any colored marker trace a circle around the bottom of the coffee filter.
2. Fold the coffee filter two or three times depending on the size of your cup. Your coffee filter should now look triangular in shape.
3. Slightly twist the tip end of the coffee filter to make it pointier.
4. Place the coffee filter, tip first, into your cup with water. Don't push down too far. The tip should just barely be touching the water.
5. Watch the magic! You will see the water begin to absorb up the coffee filter, spreading your colored marker throughout. Let sit here for 5-10 minutes until the water as gone up the entire coffee filter and you see the color has made its way to the edges.
6. Remove coffee filter from cup and lay flat on another protective surface (like a towel or newspaper) to dry. Drying will take approximately 10-15 minutes. You can speed up this process by setting them outside in the sun or with the help of a grown up use a hair dryer or fan.
7. Once fully dry you will take the coffee filter and refold the same way as you did in step 2. Only this time fold three or four times in total. Repeat this step for all of the coffee filters you colored.
8. Hold three of the folded coffee filters by their tips in one hand while placing your stick on top to create a stem. Take three more folder coffee filters to place on top of the stick covering it.
9. Take a strip of tape and wrap around the tips of the coffee filters and the stick in order to hold it all in place.
10. Fluff out the individual filters to make them look more flower shape.
11. Place your finished bouquet in a vase and your centerpiece is complete!

Experiment with this craft by using more or less coffee filters. Create a bunting or a wreath instead of a bouquet. Also try coloring with different colored markers on the same coffee filter to see the new color and pattern the water creates. Options are endless. Don’t forget to share your party and flower decor by using #TCMAtHome. We can’t wait to virtually party with you!

Melissa is the event producer in the Events & Rentals department at The Children's Museum. For more information on hosting private events at the museum (once in-person gatherings are safe, of course!) please visit www.childrensmuseum.org/visit/events and fill out an inquiry form.