While this paper gardenia project took a little longer than my other rolled paper flowers, it was well worth the effort. This is a tutorial for my layered paper gardenia.
I have this big stack of frosted cardstock that I keep stockpiling but never use. It is the most expensive type of paper and I want to just hoard it.
I finally decided to use it for this gardenia project. Most gardenias are white and I thought plain white cardstock would be a little boring. The frosted metallic white cardstock added just the right amount of luster to bring it to life.
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Materials for Paper Gardenia Flower
Cardstock – I like the medium to heavy weight cardstock the most for this flower (65lbs and up). It holds its shape the best.
Hot Glue Gun – I tried making one with Tacky Glue but it took forever. I would highly recommend a hot glue gun, just watch your fingers.
Cutting Machine – I use a Cricut. Check out my recommendations for Cricut machines and accessories for beginners for more info.
Template – My templates for this paper gardenia flower are available for free in both SVG and printable formats in my resource library.
How to Make a Paper Gardenia
Step 1: Cut the petal layers
If you are are using the Cricut, I would add a little extra pressure if you are using shimmer cardstock. The shimmery stuff tends to have an extra glossy coating which makes it harder to cut.
The default template size makes a flower around 3 inches wide.
Step 2: Curl the petals
Make a vertical concave curl along the length of the petal. I used a scraper but a credit card or any straight edge works.
I then took a brush handle and flared out the other edges of the petal.
Step 3: Glue the smallest layer into a bulb
Fold in each petal of the smaller layer and glue as you go. You want this to be as enclosed as possible.
Step 4: Glue the rest of the layers
I then glue the rest of the 5 petal layers into place. I like to overlap the petals just enough to glue. This creates a nice evenly distributed bouquet in the flower.
For the 3 petal layers, I stack 2 layers together (of the same size) and do the same gluing each petal with the next just barely overlapping.
Step 5: Glue the layers together
Simple add a dab of glue at the base of each layer and stack them together while offsetting the petals.
Related Articles:
How to Make Paper Flower Template
Me encantan tus flores son tan lindas y tan fáciles de elaborar. Es animada a hacerlas gracias
Gracias Denise, feliz elaboración!
What are the sizes in inches of each layer?
How would you make the templates without the machine?
Hi Lisa,
The sizes of the layers of the flower in the tutorial is about 3.5inch to 5 inches wide.