Crafting Paper Flower Wall For Your Wedding Day

Paper flowers are a great way to add a personal touch to your wedding. They're also a cheap and long-lasting alternative to real flowers. If you're feeling creative, you can make your own paper flowers for your big day using colourful paper, newspaper, pages from old books, glue, scissors and a pencil. You can even use recycled paper! If you're not sure where to start, there are plenty of YouTube tutorials to help you create different types of flowers and assemble them into a bouquet.

Choosing the right paper

The paper you choose will have a huge impact on the overall look and durability of your paper flower wall. The right paper will make your paper flowers look stunning and lifelike. There are several factors to consider when choosing the right paper, including weight, texture, and colour.

Cardstock

Cardstock paper is a popular choice for paper flowers. It is readily available in most craft stores and is relatively affordable. It comes in a variety of textures and prints, allowing you to create unique-looking flowers. The weight of cardstock paper typically ranges from 65 lb (176 gsm) to 80 lb (216 gsm). This weight is ideal as it provides flexibility and stiffness, allowing you to shape the petals easily while retaining their form.

Crepe Paper

Crepe paper is a lightweight and flexible option that is commonly used for creating delicate and realistic paper flowers. It has a unique texture that mimics the look and feel of actual flower petals, and it can be easily stretched and shaped. There are two types of crepe paper: Italian and German. Italian crepe paper is stiffer and stretchier than regular crepe paper, resulting in more defined petals. However, it is more expensive. German crepe paper is a more affordable option, but it may require more practice to master the shaping and assembly techniques.

Tissue Paper

Tissue paper is a lightweight and affordable option that can create large, airy flowers with a soft and elegant appearance. It is ideal for temporary decorations or projects that do not require long-term durability, as it may tear easily and may not hold its shape over time.

Factors to Consider

When choosing the right paper for your paper flower wall, consider the type of flower you want to create, your skill level, and the overall look and feel you want to achieve. If you are using a cutting machine, ensure that the paper is compatible with it. Experiment with different types of paper, sizes, and techniques to find what works best for your flower wall.

Cutting the petals

The first step to making paper flowers is to cut out the petals. You can use Italian crepe paper, which is stiffer and stretchier than regular crepe paper, or regular crepe paper. If you want to make a giant paper flower, you will need Italian crepe paper. The number of rolls of paper you need depends on how many flowers you want to make. For one 18-inch flower, you will need one roll of Italian crepe paper for the outer petals. You will also need regular crepe paper in the inner petal colour and any crepe paper in the flower centre colour.

Once you have your paper, unroll some of it and cut a strip vertically with the grain as wide as you would like your outer petals to be. For example, if you want your petals to be about 7 1/2 inches wide, cut a strip that is 7 1/2 inches wide. Then, fold the strip in half, against the grain.

Next, cut out a petal shape with the fold at the bottom. You can choose any petal shape you like. For example, you could do pointy petals, rounded petals, or frilly petals. If you want to make a rose, cut out a rounded petal shape.

If you want to make a rolled paper rose, you will need to cut circles instead of squares and use scissors to cut an inward spiral.

If you are using tissue paper, cut out a thin and lightweight paper. You can also use crepe paper instead of tissue.

If you want to make a round flower, you will need to make four flowers and attach them together.

Gluing the petals

For this step, you will need a hot glue gun and glue sticks, or a glue stick. If you are making the paper flowers with children, it may be safer to opt for a glue stick.

Start by gathering the petal at the base, pinching to create a crease. Next, release the gather, add a small amount of hot glue, and then re-gather and hold it tight until the glue sets.

Now, stretch the centre of the petal away from you to create a cupped shape. Be gentle, and avoid stretching the top edge of the petal. Repeat this process until you have 8-10 petals, which will be enough to go all the way around the plate.

Take your paper plate and apply the petals one by one, a couple of inches in from the edge. Glue the backside of the petal to the plate and hold it in place until the glue sets. Add the next petal, slightly overlapping the last one. Continue this process all the way around the plate.

Repeat the above steps to make 6-8 more petals, but this time make them slightly smaller, approximately 5.5 inches wide and 7 inches long. Fold the ends of the petals upwards before applying them to the plate. This will help them stand up vertically. Apply these petals to the plate in a circle just inside the ring of outer petals.

Now, you can start to glue the petals to the inner circle of the flower. Cut a rectangle of crepe paper in a complementary colour, roughly 6 inches tall. This can be regular crepe paper or Italian crepe paper. Fold with the grain of the paper several times until the fold is 2-2.5 inches wide. Then, fold in half against the grain. With the fold at the bottom, cut out an oblong petal shape. Unfold, and you will have a double-ended petal. Stretch the centres of the petals away from you to make cupped shapes, and then bring both sides together, pinching the centres together. Make 15-20 of these inner petals.

Glue these smaller petals around the inner circle of the flower. They don't need to be applied uniformly, so let them be every which way.

Attaching the flowers to a wall

Now that you've crafted your paper flowers, it's time to assemble them into a beautiful wall display. Here are some methods and tips for attaching your paper flowers to a wall:

Using Adhesive or Tape

• One of the simplest ways to attach paper flowers to a wall is by using adhesive or double-sided tape. This method is ideal for lightweight flowers made from materials like cardstock or thin paper. Ensure the adhesive or tape you choose is suitable for the wall surface and won't damage it.
• You can also use adhesive dots or strips, which provide a strong hold and won't leave residue on the wall. They are easy to apply and can be found at most craft stores.

Command Strips or Hooks

• Command Strips are an excellent option for damage-free hanging. They come in various sizes and can be easily removed without leaving marks on the wall. Attach the adhesive strips to the back of your paper flowers or the wall, then press the flowers firmly in place.
• Similarly, Command Hooks can be used if you want to hang your flowers from a string or wire. These hooks can be removed without damaging the wall, making them a convenient choice.

Pushpins or Nails

If you don't mind making small holes in the wall, pushpins or small nails can be used to secure the paper flowers. This method is suitable for lightweight flowers and will create a secure display.

Hanging Flowers from a Structure

• If you don't want to attach anything directly to the wall, consider creating a structure to hang your flowers from. For example, you can hang a thin rod or wire horizontally across the wall and attach your flowers to it using string or twine.
• Another option is to create a grid or frame using lightweight wooden strips or metal tubing. You can then attach the paper flowers to this structure, which can be leaned against the wall or secured in place using any of the above methods.

Attaching Flowers to a Backdrop

If you're creating a wedding photo backdrop, consider attaching the paper flowers to a portable backdrop stand or a large foam board. This way, you can easily set up and move your flower wall as needed without worrying about attaching it directly to a wall.

With these methods and a bit of creativity, you'll be able to transform your paper flowers into a stunning wall display for your wedding!

Using paper flowers as a photo backdrop

Firstly, consider the type of paper you want to use. Crepe paper is a popular choice for paper flowers as it is stretchy and sturdy, allowing you to create full and voluminous blooms. Italian crepe paper is stiffer and stretchier than regular crepe paper, making it ideal for large flowers that will hold their shape. However, it is more expensive, so you may want to mix and match with regular crepe paper for the inner petals and centre of the flower. You can also use tissue paper, which is cheaper and creates a more delicate and lightweight flower.

When it comes to the style of your paper flowers, the options are endless. You can create different types of petals by cutting strips of paper and gathering them at the base, then pinching and gluing to create a cupped shape. Experiment with different petal shapes, such as pointy, rounded, or frilly, to make each flower unique. You can also add texture to your flowers by stretching the edges of the petals to create a ruffled effect. For a simpler option, try making rolled paper roses by cutting circles and creating an inward spiral with your scissors.

To attach your paper flowers to the wall, consider using paper plates as a base. Chinet dinner plates are thick, sturdy, and have slightly higher edges, making it easy to attach the flowers and then hang them on the wall. You can also add wire hangers to the plates to make it easier to display them. If you're looking for an even simpler option, try using push pins to attach the flowers directly to the wall.

When creating your paper flower wall, vary the sizes and colours of your flowers to add depth and interest. You can also mix and match different types of flowers to create a unique and eclectic look. If you're feeling creative, try making oversized flowers for a bold statement, or keep it simple with a mix of small and medium-sized blooms.

With some planning and creativity, you can definitely make a stunning paper flower photo backdrop that will be a memorable part of your wedding décor.

Frequently asked questions