January’s birth flower is the carnation. This popular
flower for arrangements is associated with love, fascination and distinction.
The flowers, particularly the red ones have also been associated with May Day
and the Labour Movement, or even socialism. This connection evolved into the
wearing of carnations on Mother’s Day, celebrated in the US and Canada on the
second Sunday. Traditionally one would wear a white carnation if Mother had
passed on or red if Mother is still alive.
The Latin name of the carnation is Dianthus caryophyllus, as given by
Theophrastus and refers to Dios, divine and anthos,
flower. The postcard dates from 1906 and is illustrated by Catherine Klein, an
extraordinary flower painter.
Many of us will
remember the handmade Kleenex carnations that decorated many a gift and bridal
party cars when we were youth. For those wishing to show others, the
instructions are:
Supplies:
Tissues – I used 3 ply for extra fluffy
flowers
Bobby pins
Markers
Scissors
Floral tape
Dollar store fake flowers if you want to
make a bouquet
First, layer 2-4 tissues on top of each other. I used 3 per flower because I had three ply.
Then fold them accordion style, push a bobby pin over the center. Next pinch of the ends. I left about 2 inches on each side, but you
can make any size you want. Then take a
marker and color the ends. (Optional).
Now starting at the top, pull each layer of the tissue
apart until it is at the center. Be
careful not to tear the tissue. Work your way down the side until you reach the
bottom, and then repeat on the other side.
Then fluff.
Then repeat…a bunch of times. This is where the hours of busy time come
into play!
It is also optional to pick up some stems of greenery
from the dollar store. Expose the tips by cutting away the top leaves. Attach
one carnation per stem with floral tape after first attaching the flower to the
bobby pin, then to the naked tip.
Similar flowers can be made of coloured tissue paper.
Stack 4-6 pieces of tissue cut into 8inch squares and follow instructions
above.
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