Do you remember the phrase, “Say it with flowers?” Well, the Victorians really meant it! Tussie-mussies – small floral arrangements from the era of Queen Victoria – were known as the original “talking bouquets.” Commonly given in a pretty metal or embellished paper cone at the beginning of a romance or courtship to convey a special meaning, they were also presented as gifts on other special occasions like Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and May Day.
Handmade tussie-mussies are fun to make, as well as thoughtful gifts to give to the ones you love!
Photo Credit: Jennifer D. Rizzo
Roll the first side corner into the paper and place a piece of tape to help keep it in place.
Photo Credit: Jennifer D. Rizzo
Punch two holes in the top of the cone to thread the ribbon through.
Photo Credit: Jennifer D. Rizzo
Have fun embellishing and decorating!
Photo Credit: Jennifer D. Rizzo
You can easily and inexpensively make your own tussie-mussie this Valentine’s Day (or any day, for that matter) with some very simple supplies. This is an easy and fun project for kids to do as well! You’ll get two tussie-mussies out of just one piece of scrapbook paper.
Materials
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Scissors
- A piece of pretty double-sided 12x12 scrapbook paper
- White craft glue
- Clear tape
- A hole punch
- Ribbon (at least ½ yard per cone)
- Embellishments (stickers, fringe, trim, etc.)
- Flowers
- 2-3 small or large floral tubes, depending on how many flowers you’re using
Directions
Use a ruler or straight edge to mark the paper from corner to corner to form two triangles. Cut your scrapbook paper along the pencil line.
Next is the most challenging part: rolling the cone. (If children are making the project, an adult may need to help with this part.) Orient your triangle so the widest point is at the top. Take one of the smaller, thinner corners on the side and roll it into the top of the corner triangle, keeping the roll tight at the bottom along the straight part of the paper to form the cone shape. Place a small piece of clear tape on the inside of the cone to help keep its shape. Take the remaining side and wrap it around the front of the cone until the point meets the top corner in the back. Place a piece of tape at the seam on the back of the cone.
Using the craft punch, punch two holes in the top for the ribbon. String the ribbon through the punched holes and tie a knot in the top with a bow for a handle. This will become your handle or hanger.
Use white craft glue to attach any embellishments, fringe or trim onto the cone. (Kids can have fun decorating by adding stickers or glitter.) If you add trim, you can use a bit of tape to hold it in place until the glue dries.
Fill your floral tubes with water and cut flowers to size by holding them against the bottom of the cone and measuring against the top. (It’s always better to cut them long and have to take a little more off than to cut them too short.) Arrange the flowers in the tubes, place them inside the cone, then give your tussie-mussie to the one you love.
You’re sure to have a lot of fun with this project! Our kids make tussie-mussies for their grandmothers, and they love planning who gets what paper and which decorations to use. (I love that they really think about whom they’re making the bouquets for and how they consider their grandmothers’ likes and dislikes.) This sweet and pretty project is more than just a present of flowers – it’s a gift of thoughtful joy!
