Paper Irises are super simple to make and can add that extra flair to any craft or DIY home decor project.
I finally found a camp for my son to attend the past couple of weeks. He is happy to finally be out of the house. I am happy he is out of the house. Everyone is happy. He loves his new camp instructor and her name is Iris.
Since Iris is making everyone happy these days, I thought I’d make a little something for my son to give to her as a thank you gift.
That little something turned out to be paper Iris flowers for Iris. (I’m sure she has probably gotten way too many Iris bouquets in her lifetime but this one is extra special!)
I was pretty happy to the end result and it was really easy to make which was part of the requirement since my son is the one making it for his teacher.
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Materials for Paper Iris Flower
Cardstock – I like to use medium weight cardstock with colored cores. Here are some of my favorite brands:
- Recollection Assorted Starter Pack – Basic assorted colors, great starter pack, perfect weight for most papercraft projects
- Metallic Shimmer Assorted Set from Amazon – This set is a little lighter in weight but the colors are beautiful in 3D
- Cardstock Warehouse Brand on Amazon – I love the quality of all the matte colored cardstock with Cardstock Warehouse. It is my go-to brand for individual matte colors that I might need
- Stardream Metallics Line – For paper crafts, the Stardream line is the go to for a metallic shimmer finish. It is the perfect sheen to make any project pop. The core is also colored is which hard to find for metallic paper.
- Assorted Pink Set from Paper Paper – This is a must-have for paper flower makers. The variety is perfect to create a bouquet.
- Assorted Purple Set from Paper Paper – This is another must-have for paper flower makers. I love the variety of finishes in this pack.
- Metallic Variety Set from Paper Paper – I don’t know any avid paper crafter that doesn’t use Stardream metallics line of shimmer paper. It is the only metallic cardstock line that I know of that has such variety and has colored cores.
Glue – Depending on how you are using the end flower, I have a few recommendations. I personally used a hot glue gun for the ones in the photo mostly because it was faster with the stem.
Floral wire – I just picked out what I need with this kit I got from Amazon.
Cutting Machine – I use a Cricut. Check out my recommendations for Cricut machines and accessories for beginners for more info.
Template – This paper Iris template is available in SVG and printable PDF formats for free in my resource library.
How to make a paper Iris flower
Step 1: Cut out the petals from the the template
I like to use a fresh light grip mat for this project. This flower is also simple enough to just cut by hand.
Step 2: Curl the petals
I have a little dedicated scraper. I used the softer edge of this to create a softer curl. You can also just use a credit card or any straight edge.
The smallest 2 of the 3 petal cutouts belong to the base. These 2 pieces face concave down.
Step 3: Glue the 2 base layers together
I like curling both of them but that is up to you.
Step 4: Glue the top petal to the base
Be sure to offset the petals. You can either glue the petals together to leave them open.
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