How to Make Paper Flowers (Easy Step-by-Step for Beginners)

Looking for a fun easy craft project? Or maybe something to make to brighten someone’s day? Or how about as a Mother’s Day gift idea? Either way, paper flowers is the answer! I’m here to show you how to make Paper Flowers, it’s easier than you think! This post may contain affiliate links.

Originally published April 2020. Updated April 2026.

Quick Start Guide: Paper Flowers

Want to jump right in? Here’s what to expect:

In this tutorial, you’ll learn:

How to make simple, beautiful paper flowers step-by-step
The best types of paper to use (and what to avoid)
Easy techniques to shape petals for a more realistic look
A few different styles you can try depending on your project

Skill Level: Beginner
Time Required: 15–45 minutes (depending on style)
Supplies Needed: Paper, scissors (or Cricut), glue, and a few basic tools

Whether you’re making these for a party, home decor, or just for fun, paper flowers are one of the easiest DIY projects with a big visual payoff. Let’s get started!

So cute, right?! I have 3 different ways to show you to make these flowers! I had all the supplies on-hand and have my paper stash from cardstock found at Michaels.

Here’s a couple images to pin so you can refer to this tutorial later as well:

Simple paper flowers diy tutorial craft idea

✂️ Materials Needed for Paper Flowers

You only need a few basic supplies to get started, and you may already have most of these at home:

Basic Supplies:

Colored paper or cardstock in a variety of colors
Scissors (or a cutting machine like a Cricut)
Hot glue gun + glue sticks
Pencil (for tracing or shaping)

Optional (but helpful):

Floral wire, dowels or kabob skewer (for stems)
Green floral tape
Ink or chalk (to add color and dimension to petals)
Bone folder or scoring tool (for curling petals)

My Go-To Supplies:

Medium-weight cardstock (easy to cut but holds shape well)
A reliable hot glue gun (low-temp works great)
Sticks for hot glue
Silhouette or Cricut machine for faster, more detailed cuts

You can keep this project super simple with just paper, scissors, and glue—or dress it up with extra details for a more realistic look.

Paper Flowers VIDEO TUTORIAL

The easiest way to show you how to make paper flowers is with a quick video tutorial – this video runs through all 3 types of flowers, so you’ll be a pro in no time! You can scroll down for the step-out instructions and pictures.

Method 1: Rolled Paper Flowers

The first way to make paper flowers a rolled paper flower – all it takes is scissors and paper and glue! Using your scissors, hand cut a spiral out of paper (it doesn’t have to be perfect!). Starting at the outside tail, roll the spiral around a pencil.

Once you get the center, cover the center in hot glue and press the roll of paper onto the glue. Arrange while the glue is still flexible to get the petals just how you like them. Remember, real flowers aren’t perfect, so your paper flowers don’t need to be either!

Create a center by cutting fringe into the edge of paper, then cutting the fringe into a strip and rolling it up. Glue it into the center.

Details help with paper flowers, so be sure to add some leaves. Hand cut leaf shapes and then fold them a little to give them dimension. Glue them onto the back of the flower, peeking out on the side.

Attach the dowel rod stem with a generous amount of hot glue on the back of the flower.

That’s it! A super easy way to make paper flowers for beginners. Enjoy creating this version!

Method 2: Making Paper Flowers Using a Punch

The next way to make easy paper flowers is using a die punch. Did you know that there are large punches that punch leaves and petals? They’re super fun! I have a couple from Fiskars, I used a succulent one, but here’s one that’s all petals punch. This one has lots of flower confetti shapes as well. Looking for one that has the perfect flower shape – try this one.

First go ahead and punch out all the pieces multiple times.

Curve up the edges around a pencil to give some dimension to each petal. Then using hot glue, layer them all together.

Add leaves and stem as mentioned above. That’s it! Another easy way to make paper flowers.

Method 3: Make Paper Flowers using Cutting Machine

A third way to make easy paper flowers is to use your cutting machine, such as a Silhouette or Cricut. Here’s a whole bundle of 3D Flower SVG designs. It will cut everything at once in pieces like below:

Then again, the key to making paper flowers extra awesome is the dimension, so go ahead and use a pencil to roll up the edges of all the petals. Give them a little curl to bring them to life.