coffee filter flowers (updated)

Yet another thing you can do with coffee filters.

materials:
regular, white coffee filters
large straws
eye droppers
watercolors
glue
paper towel


get to work:
1. Much like the tie-dye butterfly project, you begin by dropping a few drops of watercolor onto the filter. In this case use 3 filters at a time.
2. Once the filter is covered in paint you then dab it with a paper towel taking off any excess paint.
3. Take the filters and separate them, then lay them back on top of one another.
4. Twist the bottom of the filters so that the top part scrunches together and looks like a flower.
5. Place a small amount of glue inside the tip of the straw.
6. Squeeze the twisted end of the filter into the straw and let dry.

some helpful hints:
Choosing a few complimentary colors rather than a rainbow of colors, prevents the paint from running together resulting in brown flowers.
Also large straws can usually be found at any Asian market. These are typically used for bubble teas therefore are wider than a regular straw.
Finally good old fashioned filters with the wavy edges work best for this project.

update:

I have to admit, I thought the colors on the first set of flowers didn't turn out too well. So I took some watercolors (a la the watercolor marker activity) and made a few new ones. As an alternative to the flower straws, you can also clip the flowers at the back and hang them. Here are some examples: