DIY Crepe Paper Flowers

I recently spotted a sensational bouquet of paper flowers inside my favorite (and the ultimate) boutique for creative inspiration, Castles In The Air. A combination of Mexican paper flowers and those ever so popular tissue paper pom poms, these vibrant and cheerful flowers make perfect ornaments for any celebration. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make!

You’ll need:

First, lay out the sheets of crepe paper and fold each one into an accordion. The folds should measure about 2-3 inches thick and should be creased along the natural, horizontal lines of the crepe paper. Don’t worry about the folds being absolutely perfect! (Click on images to enlarge)

Keep each bundle bound together by a small binder clip or large paper clip.

Working with the outer color first, gradually trim down the length of each sheet in 1-2 inch increments. This will ultimately give the flower its depth.

With scissors, trim the ends into rounded and pointy shapes. Again, don’t worry about being too precise – irregularity will make the flower look more natural! Realign the binder clips to the center of each bundle.

Cut along the folds of each bundle  . . .

. . . until the scissors hit the edge of the binder clip, leaving the center uncut. Repeat the same steps on all four sides.

Unbind each bundle. Lay the sheets on top of each other with the largest, outer color on the very bottom and the smallest, innermost color on top. Be sure to center the sheets as best as possible. Then, start folding all the layers into an accordion.

Roll the bunch inwards and tie a piece of floral wire around the middle.

Secure the wire by giving it a few twists. Fan out the folds, exposing the strips of the first layer.

Gently peel forward one strip at a time and using both hands, stretch the paper open.

I suggest peeling forward every other or every two strips to give the flower a more organic look. And remember to constantly fan out the bundle since some strips may be tucked away between other layers. Once the first layer is done, move onto the next layer and color.

Slowly and gently peel forward all the strips from each layer. Though you might have to adjust some of the petals, the flower will naturally take it’s own shape.

Continue peeling the layers. If a strip is too big or out of place, feel free to use scissors to trim or shape it.

Soon enough, your crepe paper flower will be finished. And I dare you to make just one!

Tie a few into a tree . . .

. . . or hang them from a chandelier! But most importantly, HAVE FUN!

(lace blouse by JCrew; all images by HonestlyWTF)

Leave a Comment

206 Comments

  1. These are so fantastic! I just had a great idea for my cousin’s bridal shower. This could be a game, give the girls these papers and the DIY instructions, and have the come up with the best paper bouquet, and the bride picks her favourite one! The winners get a prize. Donezo! We’re doing this!

    xoxo
    http://www.natashafatah.blogspot.com

    3.20.12
    Reply
  2. Amazing DIY! I definitely have to try this!

    xoxo
    http://fashionagony.blogspot.com/

    3.20.12
    Reply
  3. I did such great diys yesterday! But i Did flowers from newspaper and they are pretty amazing!
    These beauties are also great! Great spring diy!!

    3.20.12
    Reply
  4. style-xyz wrote:

    nice idea, but I am afraid it is not so easy to do it 🙂

    http://style-xyz.blogspot.com/

    3.20.12
    Reply
  5. Johanne wrote:

    Haha, that is so cute! Gotta try this some time! 🙂

    http:/notesdujour.dk

    3.20.12
    Reply
  6. Michele P wrote:

    These are too cute! Thank you so much for sharing. I am featuring you on my blog today!
    Michele P
    http://sewinspirations.blogspot.com/

    3.20.12
    Reply
  7. Michele P wrote:

    Thank you for sharing! I LOVE these and am featuring them on my blog today.
    http://sewinspirations.blogspot.com/
    Michele P

    3.20.12
    Reply
  8. Shini wrote:

    Goodness your DIYs have that soooooothing effect, just scrolling through how you do it and all that… and that last photo just makes the day. AWEEESUUM.

    3.20.12
    Reply
  9. Eva wrote:

    Beautiful, colorful, and the perfect post just in time for Spring! Love…
    xo,
    Eva
    http://www.evabstyle.blogspot.com

    3.20.12
    Reply
  10. Gorgeous. What a great/ fun idea.

    Collections

    3.20.12
    Reply
  11. sharmaine wrote:

    omg this is so awesome !! thanks !

    http://arttyfacts.blogspot.com/

    3.20.12
    Reply
  12. wooooow

    3.20.12
    Reply
  13. such a good idea!! Going to try this this weekend!
    http://www.fashionifancy.com

    3.20.12
    Reply
  14. These are incredible! Thanks for sharing!

    http://aurelieandangelo.com

    3.20.12
    Reply
  15. Domonique wrote:

    This would have been an amazing contribution to the Mother’s day party! Maybe make some for summer 🙂

    http://lilylovelock.blogspot.co.uk/

    x

    3.20.12
    Reply
  16. auqnue las prefiero naturales, están muy col!!*

    big kissss

    from BCN

    3.20.12
    Reply
  17. OMG these are beautiful ! What a beautiful post for the 1st day of Spring : ) Going to make mine NOW.

    3.20.12
    Reply
  18. Margot wrote:

    Lovely. PS- where is that pink lace shirt from? xoxo

    3.20.12
    Reply
  19. What a great idea!! I love it!! xoxo
    http://www.hellohellofriday.com/

    3.20.12
    Reply
  20. franci wrote:

    Fantastici!! Grazie

    3.20.12
    Reply
  21. kate wrote:

    Totally making these. I wonder how my bf will feel about me hanging them all over the house…

    3.20.12
    Reply
  22. I just made one of these last weekend for a baby shower turned out great ! Love your idea i will be trying this soon!!

    3.20.12
    Reply
  23. Lisa wrote:

    whoooooa those are way prettier than the version i’ve ever made, i’ll have to try your tips!
    in dramatic fashion

    3.20.12
    Reply
  24. DC2NY wrote:

    Oh wow, colorful but ordinary paper makes such extraordinary bouquets!
    Wonderful creation!

    DC2NYConfessions Blog

    3.20.12
    Reply
  25. AshiAshyAsh wrote:

    I think i’m going to try this, and use the flowers to spruce up my dorm room….

    3.20.12
    Reply
  26. laure wrote:

    This is so cool!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! congrats very nice project perfect for the spring day!
    http://ilovedoityourself.blogspot.fr

    3.20.12
    Reply
  27. Nikki wrote:

    This DIY is so much fun! I’ve actually seen quite a few folks rocking these homemade flowers in their weddings. I love how bright and festive they are!

    http://www.cositabella.com

    3.20.12
    Reply
  28. Amy wrote:

    You make this seem easy, but I may be too uncoordinated to do this! I love the idea though: it means that your flowers will never die.

    xoxo,
    mon amy

    3.20.12
    Reply
  29. Ambyr wrote:

    This is amazing. So pretty!

    xoxo
    http://www.thewrittenrunway.com

    3.20.12
    Reply
  30. Deana wrote:

    Absolutely stunning!

    3.20.12
    Reply
  31. Paige wrote:

    Ahh this is great, i tried a similar version of this with fabric but got it completely wrong this is so much more helpful!

    http://girlwiththeskullscarf.blogspot.com/

    3.20.12
    Reply
  32. francine wrote:

    Love these awesome flowers.

    3.20.12
    Reply
  33. 3.20.12
    Reply
  34. Lovely!!!

    3.20.12
    Reply
  35. i will for sure be making these!!
    xo
    http://www.stylegod7.blogspot.com

    3.20.12
    Reply
  36. Rachel wrote:

    I am doing this project with my girls. Looks like fun.

    Vintagehoneybee.blogspot.din

    3.20.12
    Reply
  37. Zane wrote:

    stunning project

    3.20.12
    Reply
  38. stel wrote:

    nice DIY!!! it’s so funny!!!

    http://thestelstyle.com/

    3.20.12
    Reply
  39. These are gorgeous! Great idea for a party decoration!

    3.20.12
    Reply
  40. Chila wrote:

    It’s official, Spring has begun!

    3.20.12
    Reply
  41. Claudia wrote:

    I loved this post so much that I shared it on my facebook page 🙂

    Mesmerisingly beautiful!

    C.

    3.20.12
    Reply
  42. You guys are too good! I loved this!!

    3.20.12
    Reply
  43. Kate wrote:

    Oh my…this totally reminds me of a princess costume my mom made for me out of crepe paper when I was 6!! It was so pretty, but extremely flammable 🙂 totally making these for my birthday brunch!,

    <3 Kate
    http://www.theforgetfulwife.com

    3.20.12
    Reply
  44. Karissa wrote:

    Gorgeous! I love these, totally going to try.

    http://theautumnissue.com

    3.20.12
    Reply
  45. january wrote:

    wow, these are so fun and beautfiul!
    january, x
    jessicajanuary.com

    3.20.12
    Reply
  46. sacha wrote:

    How pretty i love them on the ceiling!

    3.20.12
    Reply
  47. Liana wrote:

    Pretty! They remind me of the big paper flowers that I used to get at the gift shop in the amusement park I went to as a kid!

    3.20.12
    Reply
  48. dani wrote:

    These are so beautiful up on the light fixture!! What a great idea!!!

    3.20.12
    Reply
  49. This is so going in my apartment somewhere for this summer! Loves!

    3.20.12
    Reply
  50. Leanne wrote:

    So pretty!!! I always tried making these without any success while growing up.

    Love from South Africa

    http://www.arumlilea.blogspot.com

    3.20.12
    Reply
  51. great idea! thank you so much!!!
    xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
    greetings
    http://3maigloeckchen.blogspot.de/

    3.21.12
    Reply
  52. clair wrote:

    I thought at first they were real

    3.21.12
    Reply
  53. AMAZING….I need it for my “DEAD” Orange TRY =)

    You can check my Alexander McQUENN outfit in:

    http://laviequo.blogspot.de/2012/03/queue.html

    XOXO from Munich

    La Vie Quotidienne

    http://www.laviequo.com

    3.21.12
    Reply
  54. Plami wrote:

    What a cool DIY idea! Thank you so much for sharing!

    XoXo
    Plami

    http://www.fashionthrill.com/

    3.21.12
    Reply
  55. soo wrote:

    what the what??? those are amazing! but are they any easier to make than martha stewart’s damn pom poms??? i just about lost 3 fingers while making those things… (fyi-i don’t have a crafty bone in my body…i’m more into outsourcing someone to make it for me….)

    http://mybabykins.com

    3.21.12
    Reply
  56. Erisha wrote:

    OH my word, these are incredible! I would have a springtime party just to be able to make these.

    3.21.12
    Reply
  57. Annie wrote:

    such a cool idea. love how colorful they are

    X, Annie
    anniewear.de

    3.21.12
    Reply
  58. Melaine Bales Hennessey wrote:

    Can I use 160 weight paper instead of 180 weight paper? Do you know?
    Thanks, these are so gorgeous!
    Melaine

    3.21.12
    Reply
    • Erica wrote:

      @Melanie, I haven’t tried it with 160g weight paper. I believe it should be fine, especially if you’re going to hang them upside down. However, I assume the 180g weight paper will give it more stiffness and allow the petals to stay upright. Hope that helps. Good luck!

      3.21.12
  59. Sara Moura wrote:

    Defenetly going to try this 🙂

    If you like DIYs check out Made by: sara

    3.21.12
    Reply
  60. Danielle wrote:
    3.22.12
    Reply
  61. megan wrote:

    This and the yarn pom-poms will be decorating my wedding. Thanks for all of your wonderful ideas!

    3.25.12
    Reply
  62. Terri wrote:

    I’m wondering how this will work with wrapping tissue paper…..

    3.25.12
    Reply
  63. These are just lovely! I will be using a smaller version of this (one that fits a scrapbooking page) for my next project!

    Creative Photo Albums

    3.26.12
    Reply
  64. Jessica wrote:

    Beautiful post! Could you tell me which colors you bought from Castle in the Air? I absolutely love the color combination!

    Thanks so much!

    3.27.12
    Reply
  65. claire wrote:

    I absolutely LOVE these!

    3.31.12
    Reply
  66. Dazy wrote:

    I love this so much! I’ve done a crepe paper flower for my friends bday.
    You can see my diy paper flower post here: http://thefashionwayfarer.blogspot.de/2012/04/diy-crepe-paper-flower.html

    THANKS for all the inspirations! Love your blog! XOXO
    Keep up the great work ;**

    4.1.12
    Reply
  67. Sauvage wrote:

    Oooh, these are amazingly gorgeous and I really must make some.
    Thank you for the lovely and vibrating smile that came along with this beautiful post of yours.

    Keep up the loveliness! :**

    Beatrice

    http://www.ladleful-of-fashion.blogspot.com

    4.2.12
    Reply
  68. I love these! Someone told me they were easy, now I see it!!! THANKS!!! kimi.

    4.16.12
    Reply
  69. Charlotte wrote:

    Beautiful! 3 of these are now attached to my living room wall above the fireplace as DIY art – they look amazing x

    4.25.12
    Reply
  70. Melissa wrote:

    LOVE! LOVE! LOVE the colors! Gorgeous! Great party decoration!

    <3 Melissa
    http://www.deloom.com

    5.1.12
    Reply
  71. Kelly wrote:

    Aaaah I love these!! 😀

    http://mustbebeautiful.blog.com

    5.2.12
    Reply
  72. kendell wrote:

    Thank you ever so much for sharing this tutorial. The flowers are beautiful. Kindest regards

    6.28.12
    Reply
  73. camille wrote:

    your so awesome!

    6.28.12
    Reply
  74. Sandhra Mary wrote:

    Fantastic……..
    those flowers r really colourful……..
    ‘m definitely gonna try dis out

    7.7.12
    Reply
  75. UniquleU LLC wrote:

    These are beautiful! I’ll certainly be using them at my next party!

    7.12.12
    Reply
  76. clely wrote:

    IT IS AWESOME….. I DON’T HAVE WORDS TO SAY…

    8.16.12
    Reply
  77. Kan wrote:

    These are going to add a theme to a kiddy pool party! Love the colors..

    10.14.12
    Reply
  78. dolly wrote:

    its is very artistic way to make paper flower, i liked a lot

    12.13.12
    Reply
  79. Great!!! I love this idea 🙂

    2.12.13
    Reply
  80. Patty wrote:

    Yes, they are beautiful. We used to make them in the 60’s

    2.12.13
    Reply
  81. brenda lamarche wrote:

    we made them as kids but small ones they look like carnations i like the big bright colors .. back they didnt have all the bright color tissue paper they have now..

    2.26.13
    Reply
  82. Rachel wrote:

    I made them and used the flower as faerie wings for my daughter !!! very easy – if you have a good pair of scissors !!! i used basic crepe paper !

    3.14.13
    Reply
  83. Perfeita! Maravilhosa! Linda! Obrigada… beijos…

    6.11.13
    Reply
  84. Beautiful post! Thanks.

    6.11.13
    Reply
  85. Riley wrote:

    I made little flower like these and gave them to my mom. Now I can give her bigger ones!!!! =)

    7.8.13
    Reply
  86. Agee wrote:

    Thanks for the idea! Got to do one last week! But yours are waaaayyy better LOL! Had fun! =)

    7.26.13
    Reply
  87. Lit wrote:

    I was just wondering where you got your crepe paper from, more specifically the two toned green/yellow ones.

    8.12.13
    Reply
  88. Lit wrote:

    is each color only one sheet of crepe paper?

    8.12.13
    Reply
  89. kate wrote:

    it,s good~~~~~~~~~~~~!! i want to make it, l will try that!

    8.17.13
    Reply
  90. Hamna Zahid wrote:

    a vErY InTeReStInG IdEa 🙂

    9.4.13
    Reply
  91. Cyndi Shaver wrote:

    My daughter wants to be the Marigold Girl from the movie Epic for Halloween. I think you just saved my life! Not to mention lots of money! Thank you!!

    9.27.13
    Reply
  92. Jackie wrote:

    Ooh love these! I just posted a DIY tutorial on coffee filter flowers if you want to take a peek!

    http://www.MorningKawa.blogspot.com

    10.3.13
    Reply
  93. Rachel wrote:

    What an amazing craft! I would love to do this for a spring event I have coming up. So easy to just use tissue paper

    4.30.14
    Reply
  94. maria isabel flores wrote:

    Gracias !!!!hermoso ramo de flores, y muy buena la combinación de colores!!!…saludos!

    5.9.14
    Reply
  95. sue wrote:

    Thanks for this project as I think it is something I can do And I have a stash of crepe paper waiting to be transformed

    Sue x

    6.20.14
    Reply
  96. Elina wrote:

    I could not refrain from commenting. Exceptionally
    well written!

    Lisää aiheesta: http://preview.tinyurl.com/e-tupakka59937

    6.23.14
    Reply
  97. Diana Da Costa wrote:

    Awesome…and sooooo simple.

    10.3.14
    Reply
  98. Tania Williams wrote:

    Thanks so much for the tutorial – really pleased with the results following your directions. My flowers look amazing.

    10.21.14
    Reply
  99. Great work and thank you for these explanations

    11.9.14
    Reply
  100. Thank you very much for your explanations

    9.1.15
    Reply
  101. Camila wrote:

    This also could be a great present – beautiful, unusual and most importantly – it’s handmade! I made like three bouquets for my friend on her birthday and she totally loved it!

    10.13.15
    Reply
  102. I normally love making origami flowers but now am hooked on crepe paper flowers with many festive colors. I love this flower tutorial. Thank you. Karen

    1.31.16
    Reply
  103. cross cruz wrote:

    The Calla Lily represents purity & magnificent beauty. If you’re looking for a huge bunch of flowers in various different styles, take a look at our calla lily silk flower collection! These artificial calla lily flower collection Greek for the word beauty, silk calla lilies make a beautiful addition to your wedding as a representation of all things beautiful.

    6.23.16
    Reply
  104. leoo wrote:

    good idea!! I will try.

    7.19.16
    Reply
  105. leoo wrote:

    good idea!! I want get it.

    http://girlsprom.blogspot.com/

    7.19.16
    Reply
  106. Lucy wrote:

    Wow that is impressive. Thanks for putting such a great post that is easy to understand together. Now to try and do it myself.

    11.6.16
    Reply
  107. Ezra wrote:

    First time I tried this out it was gorgeous! 2nd time not so lucky…turns out there’s different qualities of crepe paper. I found it easier to work with the softer kind…

    4.4.17
    Reply
  108. Dawn wrote:

    My nan used to make these in the 70s !

    6.8.17
    Reply
  109. Harvey Lee wrote:

    Amazing DIY! These are so fantastic. This would have been an amazing contribution to my daughter’s Birthday party. I will definitely try this. Thanks for sharing.

    2.27.19
    Reply
  110. Wow! Thank you so much for sharing the tutorial for making a beautiful flower from crepe paper. These flowers are very helpful for decorations. Keep sharing more tutorial with us.

    5.20.19
    Reply
  111. Lety wrote:

    Really pretty

    8.7.19
    Reply
  112. Lynne wrote:

    Wow

    7.7.20
    Reply
  113. TagBand wrote:

    Great Post! You are sharing a wonderful post. Thanks and keep sharing.

    11.4.20
    Reply
  114. These ideas will work in Spring as well as for parties as well.

    7.8.21
    Reply
  115. Joey wrote:

    Wow, beautiful flowers.
    I created something similar. But I recently discovered these flowers:
    https://creative-vector-studio.com/product-category/paper-flowers/
    I liked some and I already managed to make them)

    7.11.21
    Reply
  116. Lily wrote:

    These flowers are beautiful!

    We also have some great fake flowers:
    https://artificialmerch.com/

    9.1.21
    Reply