Creating Paper Roses For Your Wedding Day

Paper roses are a fun and easy craft that can be used to decorate weddings. They can be made from different types of paper, such as construction paper, cardstock, crepe paper, or even old book pages, and can be created using either a rolling or folding method. The rolling method is quicker and easier, while the folding method takes more time and practice but still yields beautiful results. With some paper, scissors, glue, and a template, you can make a stunning paper rose bouquet for your wedding.

Choosing the right paper

Construction paper, cardstock, scrapbooking paper, music sheets, and old book pages are all suitable options for making paper roses. Cardstock, in particular, is recommended for the folding method as it is strong enough to hold all the layers and glue together.

When selecting the colour of your paper, consider popular rose colours such as pink, red, white, yellow, orange, and blue. You can also experiment with different colours to create unique and colourful paper roses.

Additionally, the size of your paper will determine how many roses you can make. For example, one sheet of A4 paper is typically large enough to make one paper rose. However, you can adjust the size of your roses by cutting smaller or larger circles for the petals.

Cutting out the petals

The number of petals you will need depends on the type of paper rose you are making. For example, if you are making a rose with four layers of petals, you will need three square pieces of paper. If you are making a rose with five layers of petals, you will need four square pieces of paper.

For each rose, cut out one circle from your chosen paper. The circle should be approximately 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter. You can use a compass or trace a round object such as a lid or mug to create a circle.

Next, draw a spiral within the circle, starting from the edge and working inwards towards the centre. The spiral should become wider as it moves towards the centre, and the centre of the spiral should be approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick. Alternatively, you can cut out petals individually using a template.

Now, cut out the spiral or petals. If you drew guidelines, you can erase them now.

Take one of your square pieces of paper and fold it diagonally to create a triangle. Cut along the fold to create two triangles. Take one of the triangles and fold one corner over to the opposite side, creating a smaller triangle. Cut along the fold to remove the small triangle. You should now have a right-angled triangle with one straight edge and one long, curved edge. This will be one of your petals. Repeat this process to create a total of five petals.

Take one of your square pieces of paper and fold it in half diagonally, then unfold it. Fold one corner over to the opposite side, creating a smaller triangle. Cut along the fold to remove the small triangle. You should now have a right-angled triangle with one straight edge and one long, curved edge. This will be one of your petals. Repeat this process to create a total of 20 petals (five for each layer).

Shaping the petals

Firstly, use a smooth, round object such as a pen, a crochet hook, or a glue stick to curve the open round ends of the petals gently. This step will help give your paper roses a more natural and realistic appearance. You can also use a pair of scissors to form the curves if you prefer.

Next, prepare all the petal patterns by curving the open round ends of each petal layer cutout. You can use a pen, a bone folder, or even the edge of your table to curl the petals. This step will help create a more defined shape for your paper roses.

For the single petals, you can create a coiled pattern by simply rolling them up. This will give them a unique shape that will add interest and dimension to your paper roses.

If you want to add further detail to your petals, you can cut along the folds of the petals to create individual petals with distinct shapes. This will make your paper roses look even more realistic and intricate.

Finally, remember to arrange each petal layer correctly and attach them securely with glue. Place the petals with more petals at the bottom and work your way up towards the centre, finishing with the single coiled petals. This will ensure that your paper roses have a natural and symmetrical appearance.

Joining the petals

Step 1: Cut and Prepare the Petals

Before joining the petals, you will need to cut out the individual petals from your chosen paper. For each rose, you will need several layers of petals, with each layer having a specific number of petals. The number of petals in each layer may vary depending on the tutorial you are following.

Once you have cut out the petals, you can shape and curl them to give them a more natural and flower-like appearance. Use a smooth, round object such as a pen, a glue stick, or even the edge of a table to curl the open round ends of the petals gently. This will give them a more three-dimensional shape.

Step 2: Join the Petals into Layers

Take one layer of petals, usually starting with the one that has the most number of petals. Apply a small amount of glue along one open end of the petal strip. Join the other open end by overlapping it with the glued part, ensuring a neat connection. Repeat this process for all the petal layers, including those with a smaller number of petals.

Step 3: Assemble the Layers

Now, it's time to join the individual petal layers together to form the rose. Grab the layers with the most petals and join them together by applying glue between them. Make sure to adjust and align the petals neatly before the glue dries.

Continue adding the remaining petal layers, moving from the layers with more petals to those with fewer petals. Remember to maintain the correct sequence of petal layers to achieve the desired rose shape.

Step 4: Finalize the Center

At the very center of the rose, you will usually place the smallest piece, which can be a coiled or cone-shaped structure formed by a single petal or a small group of petals. Apply glue to this piece and insert it into the center of the rose. This step finalizes the formation of the rose's center.

Assembling the bouquet

Now that you have made your paper roses, it's time to assemble them into a beautiful bouquet. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you create a stunning paper rose bouquet for your wedding:

Step 1: Gather your materials

You will need the following materials to create your bouquet:

• Paper roses in your chosen colours
• Floral wire
• Floral tape
• Ribbon or twine
• Scissors

Step 2: Prepare the roses

If you have not already attached wire stems to your paper roses, do so now. Cut pieces of floral wire to the desired length, leaving enough room to wrap the wire around itself to create a secure base. Use hot glue or sticky glue to attach the wire to the base of each rose.

Step 3: Arrange the roses

Start by selecting the largest or most open roses for the base of your bouquet. Place them together, staggering the heights to create a natural-looking arrangement. You can also add some paper leaves at this stage if desired. Secure the roses together by wrapping floral tape around the stems tightly.

Step 4: Add additional flowers

Continue adding paper roses, gradually working your way towards the centre of the bouquet. Use smaller or more closed roses as you move inward to create a full and varied arrangement. Remember to secure each rose with floral tape as you go.

Step 5: Finish with filler

Once you have added all your roses, it's time to add some filler to give your bouquet a more natural look. You can use paper baby's breath, paper hydrangeas, or other small paper flowers or foliage. Secure the filler in place with floral tape, ensuring that it is evenly distributed throughout the bouquet.

Step 6: Wrap the stems

When you are happy with your arrangement, wrap the stems together with ribbon or twine, covering any remaining floral tape. You can tie the ribbon in a bow or use hot glue to secure the ends, creating a neat finish.

Step 7: Final touches

Trim any uneven stems with scissors, and adjust the placement of the roses and filler as needed. Hold the bouquet at different angles to ensure it looks well-balanced and proportional. Spray the paper flowers with a light mist of water to help them hold their shape, and allow to dry completely before handling.

Your paper rose bouquet is now ready for your wedding! This handmade creation will add a unique and personal touch to your special day.

Frequently asked questions