Paper flowers are one of those magical projects: deceptively simple, endlessly customizable, and a total joy to make. Whether you’re crafting with kids, setting up a community table at a local event, or just looking for a meditative moment of creativity, rolled paper flowers are one of our go-to DIY wins.
At Art Supply Center, we’ve got a soft spot for paper that wants to become something. Our shelves are full of gorgeous rolls and specialty sheets (some even made with real leaves—yes, really), and we’ve gathered everything you need to get started. You’ll be making your own bouquet in no time.
What You’ll Need (All Available at ASC)
We’ve got you covered with all the paper and tools to make your flowers bloom:
- Paper rolls or lightweight paper – Perfect thickness and weight for spiral cuts and shaping
- Leaf-embedded paper – These look and feel like the real thing for—you guessed it—leaves!
- Paper shapers – While we don’t carry traditional quilling tools, we do stock embossing styli that are perfect for shaping.
- Washi tape – Traditionally, you would use floral tape. We don’t have that, but we do have a wall of washi.
- Hole punch – For threading leaves onto stems or attaching to displays
- Water-soluble adhesives – Easier to use, clean up, and kinder to paper (and tables)
Ask us for recommendations—we’ll show you the glues and tools we love best.
How to Make Spiral Flowers
This is the easiest way to make a flower that looks fancy but takes just a few folds and a dab of glue. You can use any paper type, but flexible papers (less delicate than tissue paper, but not as thick as card stock) work best.
Step 1: Start with a spiral flower template. You can cut your own or download ours.
Step 2: Cut a spiral.
Step 3: Starting from the outside edge, roll the paper inward using a quilling tool or your fingers. Here’s a video for the visual learners in the house!
Step 4: Once you reach the center, let the spiral loosen slightly, then glue the base in place.
Step 5: Shape the petals as desired (sometimes you can get better results if you shape first and roll later). That’s it!
Don’t Forget the Leaves
For a super easy leaf, cut a figure-8 shape, punch a hole in the center, and thread it onto your floral wire before attaching your flower. Our real-leaf paper gives each leaf natural texture and variation—so even simple shapes feel special.
Easy Petals for Big Blooms
If you’re looking to scale up and make a bigger statement, connected petal shapes are the way to go. Think of them like oversized, rounded hearts—or a figure-8 with a purpose. You can cut out a chain of two petals connected in the center, add a small hole, and then glue that central tab onto your wire or flower base. It’s a super beginner-friendly way to build up a bloom without dealing with individual petals flying everywhere.
You can fold, curl, color or layer them depending on the look you want (before or after assembly, we’re not here to judge!) with embossing tools, ink pads, or anything else that helps you get the look you want. We’ve included the petal shapes on our download as well!
Project Ideas
Looking for ways to use your new paper blooms? Here are a few favorites from our crew of art nerds:
1. Paper Flower Bouquet
Create a mix of flowers in different colors and sizes. Bundle together with a fun washi tape (add a dot of glue for extra security) and a paper-wrapped stem for a bouquet that won’t wilt. Add real-leaf paper leaves for bonus realism.
2. Wall Display or Garland
Glue finished flowers to a length of twine for a cheerful garland, or mount on foam board, shadow boxes, or reclaimed wood for a 3D wall piece.
3. Wearable Flower Pins or Headbands
Attach your flower to a pinback, barrette, or headband for wearable spring magic. Use metallic or patterned paper for statement pieces.
A Little Encouragement Before You Start
Paper flowers are one of those perfect projects that meet you wherever you’re at. Whether you’re cutting spirals with your kiddo, experimenting with a new glue technique, or building a bouquet because the real ones just won’t survive your apartment lighting (raise your hand if even succulents aren’t hearty enough for you)—it counts. You’re making something from paper and possibility, and that’s kind of everything.
So go ahead, make a few petals, try the lopsided one again, and let your art be a little wild. We’re cheering you on from the supply counter.
A Few More Tips:
- Use tweezers or a paper shaper to get that tight inner roll just right
- Add a dab of glue at the base as you go for extra security
- Not every petal needs to be perfect—quirky blooms are the best blooms
Swing by Art Supply Center and grab everything you need to get your paper garden started—paper, real-leaf sheets, glue, tools, and more. Download our template And if you want to show off your flower crown or wall bouquet? Tag us @ArtSupplyCenter so we can swoon over your creations!
No responses yet