Happy Spring (as of March 19, 2020)! I’ve been waiting for the first signs of spring to share one of my favorite craft projects. I’ve made these DIY paper flowers for party decorations, to decorate my lantern, to put on my vision board pallet, and the list could go on. You can adjust the size to very small or very large depending on your project. I plan to make these paper flowers for my daughter’s room – I might cover an entire wall with them!
This project is super cheap.
You only need 3 things. I used cardstock, but you can use regular paper as well. It’s a great idea to upcycle old jewelry – pearls, pieces of necklaces, rhinestones – these can be used for the middle of the flower. Finally, I use quick drying glue.
While it is helpful to assemble the flowers with glue the sets quickly, I don’t prefer to use a glue gun. Since you have to hold the item in place for a few seconds before it sets, you have a chance of singeing your fingers. Also, if you have small children like I do, you don’t want the glue gun hot while kids are running around. Plus, if you use non-toxic, fast drying glue, then the kids can make their own DIY paper flowers, too. Fun for the whole family (well, my daughter and me at least)!
It takes me about 30 minutes to make each flower, but if you are home without much to do, why not make a few? Are you ready? Grab a family member and let’s get started!
What you need
- fast drying tacky glue
- paper – options include cardstock assorted colors or monotone, bright or muted, patterned paper (I have a flower I made from a paper printed with sheet music), magazine paper or even paper with words on it (recycling an old book?)
- beads, rhinestones, gems, old earrings or other pretty little embellishments for the middle of the flower
- optional – spray shellac or mod podge- this will preserve the flower for years to come.
Instructions
- Draw and cut out the petals. You’ll need 5 larger petals, 5 medium, and 5 smaller petals. You may also choose to do a flower with 1 layer if you prefer, in which case you should prepare at least 6 petals.
- Cut each petal from the flat end to just over the middle of the petal. Roll the edges of each petal over a pencil or even a sturdy straw.
- For each petal, glue one side of the base of the petal over the other side of the petal.
- Cut out a circular or sunburst shape for the base of the flower.
- Now you are ready to assemble. Glue the larger petals to the base, and to each other; slightly overlapping each petal. Follow suit with the medium, then the small petals.
- Glue the bead or gem to the middle of the flower.
- You may also choose to make some leaves by drawing a short branch with leaves and cutting it out. Fold the leaves in half and then loosen the crease to just give it more natural appearance. Glue the leaves to the back of the flower.
- Optional – If you have a spray sealer like mod podge or shellac, give the flowers 2 coats of spray (in a well-ventilated area) to preserve them.
You’re done!
Please shoot us a note and a pic if you make this project. You can find us on Instagram or facebook or drop a comment below! Looking for more craft ideas? You can find them here.
Flowers on my lantern 
Small Daisy shaped flower, leaves and buds 
3 large ombre flowers 
Flowers on my 2020 Vision Board