Crafting Wedding Garland Paper Flowers: A Step-By-Step Guide

Creating paper flower garlands is a fun and easy way to add a whimsical touch to your wedding. With just some paper, glue, string, and a few other simple tools, you can make beautiful floral decorations that will wow your guests and create lasting memories. In this guide, we'll show you how to make paper flower garlands, from cutting out the petals to assembling the final product. We'll also offer some tips and tricks to make your garlands look extra special. So, get your crafting supplies ready, and let's start making some paper flower magic!

Choosing paper type and colour

When it comes to choosing the paper for your wedding garland paper flowers, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, decide on the colour scheme you want for your flowers. You can go for classic white, or choose colours that match your wedding theme or venue decor. You could even opt for a colourful rainbow effect!

Next, consider the type of paper you want to use. It should be thin enough to curl easily but sturdy enough to hold its shape. Some paper types to consider are:

• Text weight paper: This is a good option if you're looking for something similar to a good quality copy paper.
• Cardstock: This is a thicker option that will give your flowers a more structured look.
• Metallic paper: This can add a bit of shine and glamour to your flowers. Go for a metallic vellum for a thin, transparent effect.
• Tissue paper: This is a great option if you want to create a lightweight, delicate flower.

Keep in mind that the paper you choose will also depend on the type of cutting method you plan to use. If you're cutting the flowers by hand, a thinner paper might be easier to work with. If you're using a cutting machine, you can experiment with thicker papers.

Finally, don't be afraid to mix and match different papers to create a unique and personalised look for your wedding garland paper flowers!

Cutting out the flowers

The first step in making paper flower garlands is to cut out the flowers. This can be done by hand or with a cutting machine. If cutting by hand, print the template on cardstock and carefully cut out each petal and leaf. This is the most time-consuming part of the process, so it may be helpful to enlist the help of friends or family members.

If using a cutting machine, simply upload the template to the machine and let it do the work for you. This will save you a lot of time and ensure that your cuts are precise.

Once all the petals and leaves are cut out, it's time to start curling them. Take a pencil or a thin paintbrush handle and wrap each petal and leaf around it, holding it for a few seconds so that it curls inwards. This will give your flowers a more realistic and dimensional look.

For added interest, you can also try spritzing or spraying the flowers with a small amount of water to create a crinkled effect.

Curling the petals

If you are making the flowers from the Flower Template by Abbi Kirsten, you will need to cut out six petal layers for each flower. Once you have curled all the petals, it's time to assemble the flowers. Glue three of the petal layers together by alternating the petals so they are not directly stacked. For the remaining three petal layers, fold them up by tucking all the petals in and gluing the bottom to the other three layers. Repeat this process for the other two petal layers.

Now you have two sets of three petal layers each. Glue these two sets together to form a flower. Repeat this process to create more flowers for your garland.

Stringing the flowers together

Now that you have your paper flowers ready, it's time to string them together to create your wedding garland! Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Gather Your Materials:

You will need the following materials to string your paper flowers:

• A needle with an eye large enough for your chosen thread.
• Thread, string, or twine in your desired colour. Lia Griffith recommends using white cotton thread for a delicate look.
• Scissors.
• Hot glue gun.

Prepare Your Flowers:

Before you begin stringing, make sure your paper flowers are ready. Curl the edges of the petals gently using a pencil or the handle of a paintbrush. This step gives the petals a more lifelike shape and adds dimension to your flowers.

Stringing the Flowers:

• Cut a length of thread that is slightly longer than you want your finished garland to be, giving yourself some extra room to work with. Thread your needle, and tie a small knot at one end of the thread to prevent the needle from slipping off.
• Take one of your paper flowers and apply a small amount of hot glue to the base. Quickly attach the threaded needle to the glued area, ensuring the knot is hidden behind the flower.
• Continue adding flowers to your garland by gluing and threading them onto the string. You can space them evenly apart or play around with different spacings to create a unique look. Lia Griffith recommends alternating three leaves with one flower for a natural, flowing look.
• Once you have added all the flowers and achieved your desired length, cut the thread, leaving a little extra at the end. Tie a small knot at the end of the thread to prevent the flowers from sliding off.
• You can now hang your paper flower garland at your wedding venue!

Customisation:

Feel free to experiment with different flower sizes, colours, and spacings to create a unique garland that matches your wedding theme. You can also add other elements such as paper leaves or hanging vines to make your garland even more eye-catching. Enjoy the process of creating something beautiful for your special day!

Hanging the garland

Firstly, you will need to decide on a base for your garland. You can use a branch, a dowel, or a ribbon. Lia Griffith, a maker and designer, used a branch for her garland, which she hung using string. If you are using a branch, you can loop string around both ends and then hang this from two nails in the wall.

Next, you will need to decide how to attach your flowers to your base. One option is to use a needle and thread. You can alternate between flowers and leaves, using hot glue to attach the flowers to the thread. If you are using a branch as your base, you can also attach the flowers using string.

Finally, decide how you want to space your flowers. Lia Griffith spaced her strands about 4-5 inches apart and the flowers 2-3 inches apart. However, this is just a guide, and you can adjust the spacing to suit your preferences.

And that's it! You now have a beautiful paper flower garland, perfect for a wedding or any other special occasion.

Frequently asked questions