Tip: These are big “statement piece” flowers; some petals takes up a whole piece of paper each. If you prefer to make them smaller or a variety of sizes, scale the template file to something other than 100% when you print.
You can also find several ideas for different types of paper flowers, with buy link, after the tutorial.
Note: May 2022 update – broken link to free template fixed.
DIY Giant Paper Flowers. Step-by-Step Tutorial with Template
Supplies
- Printer-friendly cardstock in any color. Look for weights in the 28 lb. to 90 lb. range. The higher the number, the stiffer your flowers will be. (Anna uses 65 lb.)
- Scissors
- Glue
- Glue gun (optional)
- Tape
- Some type of cylinder about 1/2″ in diameter (like a glue stick, for example).
- Printable template
Step 1: Download, Print, and Cut Template
Prepare your printer ahead of time. You will need at least 11 pages of whatever color paper you choose for each flower.
- Download the free PDF template from DownloadandPrint website here (a new window will open when you click), then print it.
- Cut around the petals and along the line at the base.
- Cut the center (stamen) and the base.
PRO TIP: When cutting out the stamen, cut is as a circle first using the ends of the “leaves” as a guide. Then remove the V shapes by cutting toward the center. This two-step method is much easier and results in crisper cuts than cutting the stamen all at once.
Step 2: Shape Petals
Make three stacks of petals according to their size, printed side up. Find something you can roll the petals around, such as glue stick. You want to create loose curls, so a pencil will be too narrow, but something about 1/2″ in diameter will work well.
Curl the tip of the petal stack around your rolling tool, rolling about 2″ of the petal tips. Move to the left of the tip and the right of the tip and repeat the roll. You are aiming to curl the petal tip from different angles to give it a more realistic look. Curl each stack of petals, always toward the printed side.
Step 3: Tape Petals
Cross over the two flaps at the base of each petal, and secure with tape on the printed side. You’ll end up making a V at the base of the petals. Try to keep this V the same size and shape on each petal. This, together with curls you created in the last step, creates an S curve on the petal. Each petal should have the same S curve, with the petal tips curling down.
Step 4: Attach Petals
It is time to begin assembling your flower.
- Position the circle base with the center circle up.
When placing the petals, use the circle as a guide, laying them around its perimeter. Also, always place the petals printed side down, they should have the same curve with the tips curling down. - Start with the biggest petals.
You will be attaching them with glue or tape, or a combination of both. To more firmly attach this bottom layer, Anna likes to put down a strip of glue on the base, then reinforce it by tapping down each petal. You could also use a glue gun. Place the first large petal along the center circle guide, then the second petal opposite the first (see the first two pictures above). Then fill in either side with the two remaining petals. - Move onto the medium petals.
The four medium petals should also be placed to hug the center circle. Proceeding just as you did with the large petals, except place them so the medium petals are centered over the join between the larger petals. - Finally, place the small petals.
Similar to the second layer, these petals should be staggered over the medium ones, hiding the join. Don’t worry if tape shows in the center, as the stamen will hide this.
Now your flower is really starting to take shape!
Step 5: Finish with the Stamen
The last step is to attach the stamen.
- Before adhering, crumple it up a little to give it a more realistic finish: Fold the stamen in half, then unfold. Fold it in half the other way, then unfold. Keep folding and creating creases until you are happy with the effect. Go for imperfection!
- Place a dot of glue in the center of the flower and stick down the stamen.
Your flower is complete!
If you plan on making multiple flowers to create a photo backdrop or other decoration, grab your maids and make a fun night of it. Use the production line method things will move along quickly:
(1) Cut all the petals,
(2) arrange them according to size,
(3) curl and shape them, then
(4) assemble.
More Paper Flower Designs
Note: As with most links on MyOnlineWeddingHelp.com, some of the links in this post go to this site’s shop section or directly to another website. My Online Wedding Help will receive a small commission from the merchant if you click and buy a product.
This, of course, is not the only style of paper flower you can make or buy. There are additional paper flowers to buy here.
- Top: These luscious flowers from Carolyn are come fully assembled! She has several styles and colors available
- Center Left: If you prefer a more unique look, Christine sells these spiral flowers, made from sturdy paper. This set has blooms ranging from 1/2″ to 2″ across. She can also add stems for a bouquet or a center pearl. Look through her store for other colors.
- Center Right: Peonies like these from Ksusha are wonderful eye candy in bouquets or centerpiece decorations. They are 4″ – 5″ across, made from crepe paper, and have stems. Perfect for permanent use after the wedding in a vases at home.
- Bottom: Flower walls are impactful as a backdrop for photos or behind a table. This collection with huge 19″ and 12″ flowers is even more so because of the bloom size. Mrs. Wade sends you eight 19″ flowers and ten 12″ flowers, complete with leaves, as well as instructions on how to fluff the tissue paper (they are shipped flat) for the effect in the photo. Take a look at her other listings to create a custom design with your own number, types, and colors.
Printable Summary: DIY Giant Paper Flowers
DIY your own big paper flowers with this step by step tutorial.
Materials
- 65 lb. cardstock in any color.
- Glue
- Tape
- Printable template
Tools
- Glue gun (optional)
- Scissors
- Some type of cylinder about 1/2″ in diameter (like a glue stick, for example).
Instructions
- Download, Print, and Cut Template. You will need about 11 pieces of cardstock and DownloadandPrint's free template here .
- Shape Petals. Curl edges of petals with 1/2" cylinder. At different angles.
- Tape Petals. The v-shape in the petals, along with rolled edges, creates an s-curve.
- Glue Petals to Base. Start with largest pieces.
- Add Stamen to Center. Fold, unfold, and crumple to give a more realistic look.
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Gillian Dowell
Thursday 28th of March 2019
Thank you for letting me subscribe
Sandra
Wednesday 6th of March 2019
Sorry but how many petals do I need of each size ? Thank you
Bobette Kyle
Wednesday 6th of March 2019
Hi Sandra, It is four of each size. But she has them already in the file. You just need to print the whole file and you’ll have enough of all three sizes. Enjoy!
Cindy
Monday 4th of February 2019
Thank you for the most concise instructions. The pdf template does not come up. When I click on it a new page comes up, but nothing is on it. Once again thank you, Cindy
Bobette Kyle
Tuesday 5th of February 2019
Thank you, Cindy. It may have been a glitch. I was able to get there just now. If you are still having trouble, try this direct link to https://s3.amazonaws.com/dnp-free/compressed_Download-and-Print-Large-Paper-Rose-Template.pdf.