DIY Crepe Paper Flowers

by Erica in D.I.Y.

I recently spotted a sensational bouquet of paper flowers inside my favorite (and the ultimate) boutique for creative inspiration, Castles In The Air. A combination of Mexican paper flowers and those ever so popular tissue paper pom poms, these vibrant and cheerful flowers make perfect ornaments for any celebration. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make!

You’ll need:

6 – 7 pieces of 180 gram florist crepe paper cut into 20? x 30? sheets (it’s important to use heavyweight crepe paper for it’s stretchiness and strength)
6 – 7 small binder clips or large paper clips
16 gauge floral wire (last seen here)
heavy duty scissors

First, lay out the sheets of crepe paper and fold each one into an accordion. The folds should measure about 2-3 inches thick and should be creased along the natural, horizontal lines of the crepe paper. Don’t worry about the folds being absolutely perfect!

Keep each bundle bound together by a small binder clip or large paper clip.

Working with the outer color first, gradually trim down the length of each sheet in 1-2 inch
increments. This will ultimately give the flower its depth.

With scissors, trim the ends into rounded and pointy shapes. Again, don’t worry about being too precise – irregularity will make the flower look more natural! Realign the binder clips to the center of each bundle.

Cut along the folds of each bundle . . .

. . . until the scissors hit the edge of the binder clip, leaving the center uncut. Repeat the same steps on all four sides.

Unbind each bundle. Lay the sheets on top of each other with the largest, outer color on the very bottom and the smallest, innermost color on top. Be sure to center the sheets as best as possible. Then, start folding all the layers into an accordion.

Roll the bunch inwards and tie a piece of floral wire around the middle.

Secure the wire by giving it a few twists. Fan out the folds, exposing the strips of the first layer.

Gently peel forward one strip at a time and using both hands, stretch the paper open.

I suggest peeling forward every other or every two strips to give the flower a more organic look. And remember to constantly fan out the bundle since some strips may be tucked away between other layers. Once the first layer is done, move onto the next layer and color.

Slowly and gently peel forward all the strips from each layer. Though you might have to adjust some of the petals, the flower will naturally take it’s own shape.