1. You will need several sheets of tissue paper (about 1 twelve-inch sheet square will make 2-4 carnations). Make sure they are the right color - you can also color your paper with dyes. (Note: before you do this on the paper you will use for the final version, make a test version of the right size to be sure)
2. Cut the paper into strips 2 and a half inches wide and about 8 inches long. You can do this with pinking scissors for a nice effect or else cut in zigzag fashion if you like.
3. Layer at least 4 pieces of paper on top of each other. You can vary this according to how big and fluffy you want the carnation to be.
4. Fold the layers all together back and forth into an accordion until it is all flat. Each fold should be about 1/4" thick.
5. Fold again in half to make a V.
6. Tie the V in place with a piece of wire or string so that it stays like a V shape, with a fan on each side.
7. Carefully separate the layers of tissue paper with your fingers. Don't tear! You can arrange them so they don't overlap exactly and make random bundles.
8. Attach a stem with green florists paper, ribbon, wire, pipe cleaners, etc.
9. You can add a special touch to your carnations by dipping just the tips in a shallow dish of water colored with red (or any other color) food coloring so that just the edges of the petals are colored.
10. Arrange several carnations in a vase or glass dish, or pin one on someone!