FLOWER POWER

Nancy, Bess, and George spent all day looking at beautiful roses, tulips, and lilies. Now you can turn an ordinary pen into a pretty bloom with these easy steps.

You Will Need:

• Basic blue or black pens, without the caps

• Green floral tape

• Fake flowers

Optional:

• A small terra-cotta planter (no bigger than 6 inches across)

• Paint and paintbrushes

• A cup of small stones (the size of coins)

Directions

• Step 1: Choose one flower and one pen.

• Step 2: Hold the pen so the tip points down. Place the fake flower against the pen, so the stem runs along its side. (The bloom should hang over the top of the pen.)

• Step 3: Using the floral tape, tape the top of the stem to the top of the pen.

• Step 4: Wrap the floral tape around the pen from top to bottom. Be sure to cover the flower’s stem with the tape.

• Step 5: When you reach the bottom of the pen, cut or rip the tape. Secure the end and voilà! You have a beautiful blooming pen.

If you make several pens, you may want to make a “planter” to hold them in. This is the perfect way to create a colorful, fun (and fake) bouquet.

• Step 1: Paint your terra-cotta planter with any pattern or design you like.

• Step 2: Fill the planter with small stones.

• Step 3: “Plant” your flower pens in the pot. They’ll be waiting for you the next time you need them.