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I’ve always loved making paper flowers—they’re such a fun and creative project, especially when the kids get involved. Peonies are known for their lush, layered petals and rich colors, but the best part is you don’t need a garden to enjoy them.
These DIY paper peonies are a beautiful way to bring the beauty of peonies indoors. It makes a lovely handmade addition to your home décor, a thoughtful gift, or even a unique touch for a special event centerpiece. The steps are easy to follow, and the finished flower looks impressively realistic.
Materials Needed
- Purple construction paper (for petals)
- Yellow construction paper (for flower center)
- Green wrapping paper (for leaves and base)
- Green floral wire (stem)
- Wooden kebab stick (for shaping petals and poking holes)
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Craft glue or a hot glue gun
Paper Peony Step-by-Step Video
How to Make Paper Peonies Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Petals
- Using the provided petal diagram, cut out the shapes from purple construction paper.
- Take a wooden kebab stick and gently curl or bend the edges of each petal upwards or inwards to give them a natural, fluffy look.
Step 2: Make the Flower Center
- Cut a thin strip of yellow construction paper, approximately 0.7 inches wide by 11.3 inches long.
- Use a ruler to draw a horizontal guideline across the strip (lengthwise).
- With scissors, carefully cut small vertical slits along the strip, stopping at the line. This creates a fringed effect.
Step 3:
Take a piece of green floral wire. Apply glue along the edge of the yellow strip and roll it tightly around the tip of the wire until the strip is completely wrapped. This becomes the flower’s center. Set it aside to dry.
Step 4: Assemble the Flower
- Take one purple petal cutout and use the kebab stick to poke a small hole in the center.
- Insert the opposite end of the floral wire (the end without the yellow center) through the hole.
- Slide the petal up to the base of the yellow center, add a dab of glue, and wrap it gently around.
- Repeat with more purple petals, layering them one by one. Each time, poke a hole in the center, slide the petal onto the wire, and glue it slightly below the previous layer.
- As you go, curl and fluff the edges of the petals with the kebab stick to give the flower fullness.
Step 5: Finish the Base
- Cut four circles from green wrapping paper.
- Glue them underneath the final purple petal layer to cover the base and enclose the flower.
Step 6: Add the Leaves
- Cut out two larger leaf shapes from green wrapping paper.
- Glue them onto the floral wire stem a little below the flower head.
Let everything dry, and your paper peony is complete!
