The Folded Cross
Trim a piece of palm and cut to about 10" and cut another to about 5". Fold the longer piece so the ends meet about 2" from the top of the back side. Staple in place. Fold the second piece so the ends are also in the center and place this as a crossbeam on the cross. Staple the center. If you wish, you can secure the center by wrapping a narrow piece of palm or the tough rib. Press between two books until dry.
The Circular Folded Rose
You need 2 tapered leaves of equal length connected at the bottom. The rose will have a center only if the palm leaf is tapered and becomes smaller as you fold. The width of the palm can be up to 1/2" at the base.
Beginning at about 2" from the base, fold one leaf back, slanting 45° to the left (1), fold the other leaf back, again at a 45° angle under it (2), fold the first under again continuing in in a counter-clockwise motion, bringing the "rose" as it is now appearing, over the front of the stem (3). Since the palm is tapered, the rose begins to become smaller as you continue. When you feel you have a nice rose, secure the center with a pin or inserting the ends into the weave. You can either trim the ends, or let ends spin off. The center of the rose can be decorated with sequins, a tiny ribbon, or just a knot. It does not need to be decorated if done well. Roses look nice alone or in a bouquet of roses. A palm rose bouquet is welcome as a gift to the person who has everything money can buy! If hung on the wall, the roses can open and hang down, forming a nice spiral. Some leave the folds tufted, not pulled tight, for a rounded effect.
