21 DIY Paper Flower Tutorials

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you purchase through our links at no extra cost to you.

Creating DIY paper flowers is a fun and rewarding craft that lets you design stunning, lifelike floral arrangements without worrying about wilting or watering. Whether you’re making handmade paper roses, giant paper peonies, or delicate tissue paper carnations, these tutorials will guide you through each step.

With simple materials like crepe paper, cardstock, and tissue paper, you can craft breathtaking blooms that rival real flowers. Perfect for home decor, weddings, or gift wrapping, these paper flower tutorials will help you create long-lasting floral art.

I still remember the first time I tried making paper flowers—my petals were lopsided, and my glue smudged everything! But after a few attempts, I was hooked. There’s something magical about turning flat sheets of paper into intricate DIY paper roses, sunflowers, and cherry blossoms.

1. Realistic Crepe Paper Roses

Crepe paper roses are one of the most popular DIY paper flowers, known for their soft, delicate petals and lifelike texture. These roses are perfect for bouquets, centerpieces, or even single-stem decorations.

How to Make Crepe Paper Roses

Materials Needed:

• Crepe paper (red, pink, or any rose color)
• Green crepe paper for leaves
• Floral wire
• Glue gun or tacky glue
• Scissors
• Floral tape

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cut crepe paper into petal shapes—start with 10-12 small and large petals. Slightly stretch the edges to give them a natural curve.
2. Wrap the tip of the floral wire with a small piece of crepe paper to create the rosebud. Secure with glue.
3. Gradually attach small petals around the bud, gluing each in place. Continue adding larger petals as the bloom expands.
4. Wrap the base of the flower with floral tape to secure everything tightly.
5. Cut and shape green crepe paper leaves and glue them to the stem.
6. Adjust the petals for a natural look and display your DIY paper rose in a vase!

2. Giant Wall-Mounted Paper Peonies

Paper peonies are voluminous and dramatic, making them ideal for wall decor, backdrops, or party decorations. Their ruffled petals create a luxurious, full-bloom effect.

How to Make Giant Paper Peonies

Materials Needed:

• Large sheets of cardstock or crepe paper
• Glue gun
• Scissors
• Pencil
• Round base (cardboard or foam board)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cut 10-15 petal shapes in varying sizes from cardstock or crepe paper.
2. Use a pencil to curl the edges of each petal for a soft, natural look.
3. Arrange the largest petals in a circle on the cardboard base, securing them with glue.
4. Layer medium and small petals inward, forming a full, rounded bloom.
5. For the center, cut small strips of paper, fringe them, and glue in place.
6. Attach the finished paper peony to a wall with double-sided tape or hang it as part of a backdrop.

3. DIY Paper Sunflowers with Textured Centers

Bright and cheerful, paper sunflowers bring a pop of color to any space. Their signature golden petals and textured brown center make them a favorite for summer decor.

How to Make Paper Sunflowers

Materials Needed:

• Yellow cardstock for petals
• Brown tissue paper for the center
• Green floral tape
• Floral wire
• Glue

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cut 12-15 pointed petals from yellow cardstock. Slightly curl each petal for a natural look.
2. Create the sunflower center by crumpling brown tissue paper and gluing it into a circular shape.
3. Attach the petals around the center, overlapping them slightly.
4. Secure the flower to floral wire, wrapping the base with green floral tape.
5. Add green cardstock leaves to complete the sunflower.

4. Intricate Origami Lotus Flowers

Origami lotus flowers are elegant and symbolic, often used for meditation spaces or as floating decor in bowls of water.

How to Make Origami Lotus Flowers

Materials Needed:

• Square origami paper (pink, white, or blue)
• Tweezers (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Fold a square piece of origami paper into diagonal creases to form triangle guidelines.
2. Fold each corner toward the center, repeating this step twice to create petal layers.
3. Gently pull out the edges of the folded layers to shape the petals.
4. Adjust and refine each petal using tweezers for precision.
5. Place the paper lotus in a small dish of water for an elegant display.

5. Vintage-Inspired Paper Hydrangeas

With their clustered blossoms, paper hydrangeas create soft, full bouquets that are perfect for vintage-themed decor.

How to Make Paper Hydrangeas

Materials Needed:

• Light blue, lavender, or white paper
• Hole puncher or small flower-shaped cutter
• Floral wire
• Glue

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Punch out 30-50 small flower shapes from the paper.
2. Slightly curl the petals for volume.
3. Glue each tiny flower onto a floral wire, layering them densely.
4. Add green paper leaves for contrast.
5. Arrange multiple hydrangea clusters in a rustic vase.

6. Handmade Tissue Paper Carnations

Tissue paper carnations are budget-friendly and easy to make, with soft, ruffled petals that look incredibly lifelike.

How to Make Tissue Paper Carnations

Materials Needed:

• Tissue paper (pink, red, or white)
• Scissors
• Floral wire
• Green floral tape

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Stack 5-7 layers of tissue paper and cut them into rectangles.
2. Fold them accordion-style and tie a floral wire in the center.
3. Round the edges with scissors to create petal shapes.
4. Carefully fan out the tissue layers and fluff them into a full bloom.
5. Wrap the base with green floral tape and add leaves.

7. Elegant White Paper Calla Lilies

Paper calla lilies have a simple yet sophisticated shape, perfect for minimalistic floral arrangements.

How to Make Paper Calla Lilies

Materials Needed:

• White cardstock
• Yellow crepe paper for the stamen
• Floral wire

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cut white cardstock into elongated heart shapes.
2. Roll the edges slightly and curl them around a yellow crepe paper stamen.
3. Secure with glue and attach to a floral wire stem.
4. Wrap the base with green floral tape and add leaves.

8. Crepe Paper Daffodils in a Spring Setting

Paper daffodils bring a fresh, springtime touch to any space, with their trumpet-shaped centers and delicate petals.

How to Make Crepe Paper Daffodils

Materials Needed:

• Yellow and orange crepe paper
• Floral wire
• Scissors
• Glue gun

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cut six petal shapes from yellow crepe paper.
2. Cut an orange rectangle, fringe one side, and roll it into a trumpet shape. Glue the edges.
3. Attach the petals around the trumpet center, slightly overlapping them.
4. Wrap the base with floral tape and attach to floral wire.
5. Add green paper leaves and display your daffodils in a vase.

9. Handmade Paper Cherry Blossoms on Twigs

Cherry blossoms symbolize renewal and beauty. These delicate DIY paper flowers look stunning on decorative branches.

How to Make Paper Cherry Blossoms

Materials Needed:

• Soft pink tissue paper
• Floral wire
• Brown dried twigs
• Glue gun

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cut small five-petaled flowers from pink tissue paper.
2. Slightly curl each petal for a natural look.
3. Glue clusters of blossoms onto dried twigs for realism.
4. Optionally, add tiny white dots in the center of each flower for detail.
5. Arrange the cherry blossom branches in a tall vase.

10. Layered Cardstock Paper Dahlias

Paper dahlias have intricate, layered petals that form a full, rounded bloom, making them a striking addition to any floral display.

How to Make Paper Dahlias

Materials Needed:

• Cardstock in various shades
• Scissors
• Glue gun
• Circular base (cardboard or foam)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cut multiple petal shapes in different sizes from cardstock.
2. Slightly curl the edges of each petal for dimension.
3. Glue the largest petals around the circular base, layering smaller ones toward the center.
4. Finish by adding a small, rolled paper center for detail.
5. Display your DIY paper dahlia in a shadow box or as part of a bouquet.

11. Paper Lilacs in a Woven Basket

Paper lilacs feature tiny clustered blossoms, creating a lush, textured floral display perfect for rustic decor.

How to Make Paper Lilacs

Materials Needed:

• Light purple, violet, or white tissue paper
• Green floral wire
• Glue gun
• Scissors

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cut tiny flower shapes from tissue paper, about ½ inch wide.
2. Slightly curl each petal using your fingers for dimension.
3. Glue the flowers in clusters onto floral wire stems, layering them to create a full lilac effect.
4. Wrap the stem with green floral tape and add a few green paper leaves.
5. Arrange the finished lilacs in a woven basket for a charming display.

12. DIY Paper Tulip Garden

Paper tulips have smooth, cup-shaped petals that look just like real spring flowers.

How to Make Paper Tulips

Materials Needed:

• Colored cardstock (red, yellow, pink, or white)
• Green floral wire
• Scissors
• Glue gun

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cut six identical petal shapes from colored cardstock.
2. Slightly curl the edges of the petals outward.
3. Attach three petals together to form a half bloom, then attach the other three around it to complete the flower.
4. Insert floral wire into the base and secure it with floral tape.
5. Add long, curved green paper leaves, and arrange the tulips in a small wooden box or planter.

13. Floral Shadow Box with Paper Wildflowers

A shadow box with paper wildflowers creates a unique 3D art piece, perfect for wall decor.

How to Make a Paper Wildflower Shadow Box

Materials Needed:

• Various colors of cardstock
• Scissors
• Glue gun
• Shadow box frame

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cut out various tiny flower shapes, like daisies, lavender sprigs, and baby’s breath.
2. Shape each petal slightly for realism.
3. Arrange the flowers and leaves onto a cardboard backing, layering them to create depth.
4. Glue them securely and frame your wildflower arrangement inside a shadow box.
5. Hang it on a wall or display it on a shelf!

14. Hanging Paper Wisteria Vine

Paper wisteria creates a stunning cascading effect, perfect for event backdrops or home decor.

How to Make Hanging Paper Wisteria

Materials Needed:

• Purple or lavender tissue paper
• Green floral wire
• Scissors
• Glue gun

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cut small petal shapes and glue them together in clusters.
2. Attach clusters to floral wire strands, layering them downward to form cascading vines.
3. Secure multiple strands to a wooden frame or trellis.
4. Add green paper leaves for contrast.
5. Hang the completed paper wisteria as a decorative accent!

15. Minimalist Black-and-White Paper Anemones

Paper anemones have a modern and chic look, making them great for monochrome arrangements.

How to Make Paper Anemones

Materials Needed:

• White cardstock
• Black tissue paper
• Floral wire
• Scissors

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cut six rounded white petals from cardstock.
2. Crumple black tissue paper into a small ball and fringe additional strips to create a detailed center.
3. Attach the petals around the center, gluing each one securely.
4. Wrap the stem with floral wire and secure with floral tape.
5. Arrange in a black vase for a high-contrast effect.

16. Hand-Painted Watercolor Paper Poppies

These paper poppies look artistic with their watercolor-style petals.

How to Make Paper Poppies

Materials Needed:

• White cardstock
• Red and orange watercolor paint
• Black tissue paper
• Glue gun

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cut four slightly wavy petals from white cardstock.
2. Paint the petals with red and orange watercolor, blending the colors for a natural effect.
3. Create a black tissue paper center and attach it to the petals.
4. Glue the flower onto floral wire wrapped in green floral tape.
5. Display them in a glass vase to highlight their artistic beauty.

17. Realistic Paper Magnolia Blooms

Magnolias have large, smooth petals with a sophisticated look.

How to Make Paper Magnolias

Materials Needed:

• White cardstock
• Yellow crepe paper for the center
• Green floral wire
• Glue gun

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cut six large petal shapes from white cardstock.
2. Slightly curl the edges outward for realism.
3. Cut a yellow crepe paper center, fringe it, and attach it to the petals.
4. Secure the bloom to floral wire, wrapping the base with floral tape.
5. Add dark green paper leaves and display in a tall vase.

18. Bright Rainbow-Colored Paper Gerbera Daisies

Gerbera daisies are cheerful and vibrant, making them perfect for DIY paper flower arrangements.

How to Make Paper Gerbera Daisies

Materials Needed:

• Colored cardstock in bright shades
• Scissors
• Glue gun
• Floral wire

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cut multiple thin petal strips from colored cardstock.
2. Attach them in layers around a circular cardstock center.
3. Slightly bend the petals outward for volume.
4. Glue the flower to floral wire, wrapping the stem in green floral tape.
5. Arrange in a clear vase for a lively display.

19. DIY Paper Lavender Sprigs in a Rustic Pot

Paper lavender sprigs are elegant and easy to make, perfect for farmhouse decor.

How to Make Paper Lavender

Materials Needed:

• Purple and green cardstock
• Scissors
• Floral wire
• Glue gun

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cut small oval shapes from purple cardstock.
2. Attach them in rows along a floral wire stem, layering them to resemble lavender buds.
3. Wrap the base with green floral tape.
4. Insert them into a rustic clay pot for a charming display.

20. Festive Paper Poinsettias for Holiday Decor

Paper poinsettias make gorgeous holiday centerpieces.

How to Make Paper Poinsettias

Materials Needed:

• Red and green cardstock
• Yellow tissue paper
• Glue gun

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cut six red petal shapes and slightly curl them outward.
2. Layer the petals in a star-like formation.
3. Create a yellow tissue paper center and attach it to the petals.
4. Add green leaves and attach to a floral wire stem.
5. Use it in Christmas wreaths or table centerpieces.

21. Romantic Paper Ranunculus Bouquet

Paper ranunculus flowers are soft and full, making them perfect for wedding bouquets.

How to Make Paper Ranunculus

Materials Needed:

• Crepe paper in blush, ivory, or peach
• Floral wire
• Scissors
• Glue gun

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cut thin, rounded petal strips from crepe paper.
2. Layer them tightly around a floral wire, securing with glue.
3. Continue adding more layers for a full bloom effect.
4. Wrap the base with floral tape and add leaves.
5. Arrange the ranunculus flowers into a romantic bouquet!