Beautiful DIY large paper flowers that are colorful and will make a statement in any decor, event or photograph. Only a few supplies needed to DIY your way to gorgeous crepe paper flowers. These paper flowers will bring that botanical vibe without the worry of it fading over time.
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I love fresh flowers in the home. It brings such light and life and always puts me in a good mood. Although I love the look of fresh flowers and how they bloom over time, they also die over time. One day I have a beautiful bouquet, the next the petals are dropping (I am no joke looking at a bouquet I bought four days ago that is already half dead, sigh). Let’s not forgot the cost, if I could afford it I would have fresh flowers in my house all the time, but I, unfortunately, cannot.
Faux flowers can be a great option but most of the time they look less than spectacular. Step in large crepe paper flowers. These are so pretty and won’t drop dead petals all over your house. The colors are vibrant and they are big, which makes them look whimsical and fun. The colors that you can choose from seem endless and they stand out in any decor. You can also use these for photos, wedding decor or smaller ones would make a great bouquet.
The crepe paper has a natural look and can be shaped very easily. With that being said, crepe paper can also be a little funny to work with. It is awkwardly stiff but floppy at the same time. I learned that trying to be too gentle with the paper only makes it harder. Don’t worry about being a little rough with it, it will only make the petals look more natural. Remember to be patient, I promise it is worth it! The end result is so gorgeous!
What you’ll need:
- Templates from Martha Stewart
- Floral tape
- 18 gauge stem wire
- Green crepe paper
- Red or Pink crepe paper
- Modge Podge or Craft glue
- Scissors
Let’s get started!
1. Start by printing and cutting out the templates. You will have to enlarge the templates, I enlarged mine to 200%.
2. Cut out squares as large as the templates and stack no more than three pieces at a time. Lay the template over the stacks of crepe paper, you will want to secure the two together so the paper does not move. You can do this with paper clips or staples. You can trace the template but the crepe paper will move around. Cut out 3 teardrop petals, 12 -15 heart petals, 1 – 2 leaves and 1 calyx.
3. To make the stem, put three stem wire together and wrap completely with floral tape. Cut out the leaves, cover the top nine inches (as long as the leaf) of two individual stem wires with craft glue and cover in green crepe paper. Allow to dry and then glue the stem wire in the middle of the leaf to look like the vein of the leaf.
4. Shape the petals by pulling on all sides to expand and using a pen or pencil, curl the top of the petals outward.
5. Wrap the first teardrop petal around the stem and secure with floral tape, add the next two staggered a bit.
6. Add the heart petals one by one, stagger each one and secure with floral tape. Floral tape can be difficult to work with also, it can be helpful to use a small piece of scotch tape to keep petal in place while you wrap it in floral tape.
7. When the flower becomes full it will be a little more difficult to wrap the petals around the base. This is where you will have to get a little rough and shape the petal to where it needs to go. This is also where the scotch tape can be really helpful, place the petal, tape it down, then wrap in floral tape.
8. Wrap the calyx piece around the base of the flower and upper stem. Wrap with floral tape.
9. Add the leaves to the stem one by one, shaping and bending the stem wire so the leaf pops out and secure with floral tape. Slightly bend the top of the leaf up so it stays stiff and does not droop.
10. Using strips of green crepe paper, glue and cover the entire stem. You will need to cut smaller strips for around the leaves.
And you are done! These are a great alternative to fresh flowers that will not fade in a few days. These flowers will stay looking fresh forever and will bring a pop of color any home decor, photo or party.
Omg! These are so pretty!!!! You are so talented !!!
Thank you so much!