Crepe Paper Flowers: Martha's Wedding Diy Guide

Crepe paper flowers are a fun and easy DIY project that can add a unique touch to any wedding. They are a great alternative to fresh flowers as they are more durable, long-lasting, and can be customised to match any style or colour palette. In this guide, we will show you how to create stunning crepe paper flowers using the single-petal and continuous-petal methods, as well as some creative variations to make your wedding decor truly stand out. So, whether you're looking to make a statement with a giant blossom or add a delicate touch with tulips and peonies, follow these simple steps to bring your crepe paper flowers to life.

Single-petal method

The single-petal method is a way of making crepe-paper flowers, petal by petal. Each petal is individually shaped and pleated before being attached to the stem. Here is a step-by-step guide to the single-petal method:

Firstly, you will need to make the stamen from crepe paper and floral wire. Cut out the necessary number of petals and leaves from crepe paper. You can use templates to help you get the right shape and size for your petals. For example, to make a tulip, you will need six petals, a fringe stamen, and two elongated leaves.

Next, shape the petals. For a tulip, shape the petals to cup inward slightly, and roll three of them at the widest point so that they curve strongly inward. For a peony, shape the petals in the same way but use 35 petals and a button stamen. For a lily, fold the petals in half lengthwise, then crease and unfold before shaping them to cup outward at the widest point.

Once you have shaped the petals, it's time to attach them to the stamen. For a tulip, attach the heavily cupped petals to the stamen first, then add the remaining petals, overlapping them slightly. For a peony, attach the innermost petals low, with the midpoints at the stamen's head, and raise each subsequent ring of petals slightly. For a lily, attach the petals in an evenly spaced ring, leaving the pistils inside the stamen long.

Finally, add any finishing touches. For a tulip, attach the leaves low on the stem. For a peony, curl the tips of the petals inward. For a lily, there are no additional steps.

Continuous-petal method

The continuous-petal method is a technique used to make crepe-paper flowers. It involves cutting a strip of paper with a fringe of petals, which is then attached to a stamen. The petals are shaped afterward, sometimes several at a time. Here is a step-by-step guide to the continuous-petal method:

Step 1: Make the Stamen and Cut the Petal Strips and Leaves

Start by making the stamen, which is the centre of the flower. You can make a simple stamen by cutting a 1.5-inch square of crepe paper. Place a small wad of cotton in the centre and push the end of a floral wire into it. Wrap the paper around the cotton and secure it with floral tape.

Next, cut your petal strips. The number of petals and the length of the strip will depend on the type of flower you are making. For example, a spider mum uses 36 inches of petals, while a carnation uses three strips of petals, each 12 inches long.

Step 2: Attach the Petal Strips to the Stamen

Firmly wrap the strip of petals around the stamen or itself, and secure it with floral tape. Practice this step so that the strip doesn't slip, or cut it into shorter lengths and attach in stages.

Step 3: Attach Leaves and Shape Petals

Attach any leaves to the stem with floral tape. Finally, shape the petals. The shaping technique will depend on the type of flower you are making. For example, for a spider mum, you would curl the inner layers of petals tightly inward, several at a time, and then curl the outer petals less tightly. For a carnation, you would pull the petals outward to create a dome shape.

Tools and materials

The tools and materials required to make crepe-paper flowers can vary depending on the type of flower you want to create. Here is a general list:

• Crepe paper in various colours, such as yellow, pink, green, and off-white
• Floral wire, preferably 18-gauge cloth-wrapped floral wire, in 6-inch or 12-inch lengths
• Floral tape
• Scissors
• Pencil
• Cotton balls
• Fragrance oil
• Paintbrushes
• Craft glue
• Glitter

For specific flower types, like tulips, you will need additional materials such as:

• Small and large petal templates
• A wooden dowel or stick
• Spray paint

Shaping and attaching petals

Shaping the Petals:

• Cupping: To shape the petals so they curve inward, gently stretch the crepe paper. Place your thumbs near the centre of the petal and your fingers at the edges. Pull your thumbs outward, opening up the ridges to form a concave shape.
• Curling: For a more delicate appearance, curl the edges of the petals. You can do this by rolling the petal around a pencil or your finger.
• Pleating: To add texture and dimension, pleat the base of each petal. Pinch the sides together and press the folds in place.

Attaching the Petals:

• Single-Petal Method: This method involves attaching each petal individually to the stamen with floral tape. Start by shaping the petals, then stretch the floral tape and wrap it twice around the stamen. Add each petal, wrapping the tape across the base. Finish by wrapping the tape twice more and then down the stem to anchor.
• Continuous-Petal Method: Cut a strip of petals and attach the end to the stamen. Wrap the strip around the stamen, securing it with floral tape. Shape the petals after they are attached. For some flowers, you can also attach the strip to itself, creating a continuous bloom without a stamen.

Attaching Leaves:

• Notched Leaves: Secure these leaves a few inches below the flower head with floral tape.
• Teardrop Leaves: Cut small slits into the sides of each leaf at the tip to create a teardrop shape. Cup the leaf slightly using the same technique as for single petals.
• Standard Leaves: Pleat the base of each leaf and attach it to a stem made of floral wire. You can wrap floral tape around the base or use craft glue to secure the wire to the centre back of the leaf.
• Elongated Leaves: Fold each leaf in half lengthwise and pleat the base. Attach them to the stem a few inches below the flower with floral tape.

Paper types and colours

Crepe paper flowers can be made in a variety of colours and styles to match the palette and season of any party. The paper comes in unique colours and textures, and is stretchy and sturdy enough to be used with a dry iron.

For a simple flower, you can use a small petal template and a large petal template. You will need five small petals and ten large petals. Roll a small petal around a wooden dowel or stick and secure it with floral tape. Repeat with the remaining small petals. Layer the large petals around the base bud in the same way, rotating the stem as you work to evenly distribute the petals. Cover the entire dowel with floral tape. Curl the top edges of the petals over a pencil and ruffle with your fingers. To add dimension, hold the flower by the stem and lightly dust the petal edges with spray paint in a colour similar to the crepe paper.

For a more complex flower, such as a tulip, you can use a template to cut out six petals, a fringe stamen, and two elongated leaves. Shape the petals to cup inward slightly and roll three of them at the widest point to curve strongly inward. Pleat the base of each petal and pinch the folds in place. Attach the heavily cupped petals to the stamen and add the remaining petals, overlapping slightly. Attach the leaves low on the stem.

You can also make flowers without a template, such as a rose. Cut out five small and seven large petals. Cup the petals at a point just below the middle and curl the upper edge outward. Pleat the base of each petal and pinch the folds in place. Attach the petals to the stamen, positioning the small petals lower on the stamen and tightly curled around it. Raise each subsequent ring of petals slightly, overlapping them.

Frequently asked questions