Q&A for How to Make a Kusudama Flower

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  • Question
    What do I need the paper clips for when I am already using glue?
    Community Answer
    If you don't use the clips, the flower can fall off very easily while the glue is still drying. The paper clips act as supports. Once the glue dries, you can take the clips off.
  • Question
    Can I use sticky notes to make a flower?
    Community Answer
    Yes, because to make the petals, you have to start off with squares - and sticky notes are squares.
  • Question
    Can I use hot glue instead to make a kusudama flower?
    Community Answer
    Yes, it may even work better.
  • Question
    What material would be best for a stem for a kusudama flower?
    Community Answer
    Many things could work. You could use paper or kebab sticks, which you can decorate with ribbons, string, etc. You can also use candy canes during Christmas time.
  • Question
    I have some mini-clothes pins. Will they work for the clips?
    Community Answer
    Yes, because they are just used to hold the flower together until the glue dries. As long as it stays on it'll work.
  • Question
    If I make the petals out of sticky notes, can I use the strip of adhesive along the top edge of sticky notes as the adhesive for steps 10 and 11?
    Community Answer
    It depends on how sticky it is; glue tends to work better.
  • Question
    Where will I tuck the triangles in step 7 & 8?
    Community Answer
    You turn the paper around and tuck them in the diamond shape you made in step 4.
  • Question
    How do I make a kusudama flower into a broach?
    Community Answer
    After making the flower, you can attach a safety pin to use it as a broach.
  • Question
    Can I use tape instead of glue?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but make sure the tape is rolled up and doesn't show.
  • Question
    Can I use staples to keep the petals together?
    Community Answer
    No.
  • Question
    How much time will it take me to make six kusudama flowers?
    Community Answer
    It would probably take you an hour or a little longer to make six flowers.
  • Question
    Can I make a flower using a4 paper?
    Community Answer
    No, it needs to be square. You'll have to fold an edge of the paper or cut it.
  • Question
    Can I make a fridge magnet with it? How?
    Community Answer
    Yes, by adding a small magnet that can be purchased at any store with art supplies to the back of the flower with glue.
  • Question
    I do not have paper clips, what can I do?
    Community Answer
    You can try using wooden clothespins, or if you are patient and skilled enough, you can use your own hands. Just be sure to keep them still for long enough.
  • Question
    Can I do this with less than five pieces of paper?
    Manuel
    Community Answer
    Yes, but it would be a kusudama flower with four petals. Also, it would look a bit odd.
  • Question
    Can I use a stapler if I don't have glue?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but it can easily be seen.
  • Question
    Why can't I use staples?
    Community Answer
    Staples will show on the outside of the flower and it won't look as good.
  • Question
    What size are the paper squares you used?
    Community Answer
    I use origami paper because it is already square and comes in a standard size, making it easy to work with.
  • Question
    Can I use a bobby pin instead of paperclips?
    Community Answer
    It depends on the size of it, and whether it will stay on in order to keep the kusudama flower in place while drying.
  • Question
    How big is the paper supposed to be?
    Community Answer
    As large or as small as you want. Each finished petal will be about half as long as the original piece of paper.
  • Question
    Can I use tape to hold the petals together?
    Community Answer
    Mostly likely not, because if you use tape then when you take off the tape it will rip out paper.
  • Question
    What can I use instead of paper clips?
    Community Answer
    Instead of paper clips, you can use cloth pins or tight hairpins.
  • Question
    Is it okay to use A4 paper and turn it into a square?
    Community Answer
    Yes, just make sure that the square you make is even, or the flower will be lopsided.
  • Question
    What kind of paper would be best if I want to make my flower bigger?
    Community Answer
    Construction paper, or maybe go to Staples and get a poster board and cut it into a square shape.
  • Question
    If I have tape, do I need clips?
    Community Answer
    No. Tape does not need time to dry, but glue does take time, which is why you would need clips. The clips keep it from falling apart, but you don't need them if you are using tape.
  • Question
    How do I make the Kusudama ball with the flowers?
    Community Answer
    Glue several flowers (about 8-12) together as you would glue the petals. Hold them together using a paper clip, as shown in the article, and wait for it to dry.
  • Question
    What do I do if when I glue the petals, the flower looks like it is missing petals?
    Community Answer
    If that happens, the petals could be too squished, and you might need to round them out more. You also could make extra petals.
  • Question
    Could you explain Step 11 more?
    Manuel
    Community Answer
    You don't fold it right away into a flat piece; just kind of roll it up, and connect the flap with glue to the other flap.
  • Question
    How can I make a stem for the flower?
    Community Answer
    You can take a pipe cleaner and stick it in the tiny hole at the bottom of the flower.
  • Question
    What can I do if I don't have paper clips?
    Community Answer
    Use small binder clips or, if you have the time, hold it in place yourself.
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