How to Make a Paper Carnation

Carnation-style paper flowers are quick and easy to craft using a variety of methods and materials. The finished product can make a lovely arrangement or festive decorations.

Accordion-Fold Method

1. 

    Layer several sheets of tissue paper.
   Layer several sheets of tissue paper. Use at least 5 sheets, but more can be used to create fuller flowers. Sheets can be all the same color or a variety of colors depending on how you want your flowers to look.
2. 

    Align the edges of the tissue paper.
   Align the edges of the tissue paper. You will be working with a square or rectangular shape.
3. 

    Fold the tissue paper like an accordion or a fan.
   Fold the tissue paper like an accordion or a fan. Each fold should be about an inch to an inch and a half wide (2.5 to 3.8 cm).
4. 

    Crease paper firmly.
   Crease paper firmly. If needed, place a thin towel over the folded tissue paper and firmly press with a hot iron to help set the folds.
5. 

    Fold the creased paper in half.
   Fold the creased paper in half. At the center twist a pipe cleaner to secure it. It can also serve as the stem of the flower.
6. 

    Trim the edge of the paper.
   Trim the edge of the paper. Use scissors to cut a point or rounded edge onto the folded paper.
7. 

    Spread out each side of the folded paper.
   Spread out each side of the folded paper.
8. 

    Separate sheets.
   Separate sheets. Gently pull individual sheets of paper toward the center of the flower.
9. 

    Repeat until all sheets are pulled to the center.
   Repeat until all sheets are pulled to the center.

Circular-Cut Method

1. Layer 12 sheets of tissue paper. Sheets can be folded until layers are 48 pieces thick to save time.
2. Draw 3-inch (7.5 cm) circles onto the paper. Cut out the circles through all the sheets. You will be left with stacks of 48 paper circles. (Note: Less paper can be used to make fewer flowers).
3. Stack 12 paper circles. Secure the pieces with a paper clip and puncture two holes in the center with a sharp point, such as a large sewing needle.
4. Thread a pipe cleaner through the holes. After pushing it through one hole, curve it and push it back out the other hole to form a loop that secures the paper. The pipe cleaner will also serve as the stem.
5. Separate the sheets of tissue paper. Gently pull each sheet toward the center of the flower and firmly crinkle the base of each piece to hold the flower shape.

Toilet Paper Method

1. Pull a length of toilet paper 15 to 25 pieces long. Detach from the roll but do not detach the individual squares.
2. Fold the toilet paper like an accordion or a fan. Make each fold about an inch wide (2.5 cm).
3. Secure the middle of the folded toilet paper with a string or thread.
4. Fan the folded edges. Holding the center, gently twist each side toward the center of the flower to fluff the edges.
5. Fold a piece on green crepe paper into a bow tie shape. Glue it to the back of the flower to make leaves.

• For the effect of a daisy, use yellow tissue paper in the center and white for the edges.
• To scent your paper flowers, add a spritz of perfume or a drop of essential oil in the center.
• The more paper you use, the thicker the flower will be.
• On the circular-cut carnations, color the side of the paper rounds with a felt marker while they are still in a stack. Once folded, it will give a natural look to the petals.
• The toilet paper method is the easiest method to do with young children.

• Supervise children when using scissors, sewing needles or a hot iron.

Tissue Paper Method

• Tissue paper
• Scissors
• Pipe cleaner
• Iron

Circular Method

• Tissue Paper
• Pencil
• 3-inch (7.5 cm) round for tracing
• Scissors
• Large sewing needle
• Felt Marker
• Pipe Cleaner

Toilet Paper Method

• 15 to 25 squares of toilet paper
• 1 small piece of green crepe or construction paper
• Glue
• String or thread
• Scissors