It is purely by accident that this post showing you how to make wonderful paper poppies in just a few simple steps follows my post sharing with you the real thing now in bloom on our grassy hillsides! I actually made these simple DIY paper poppies two weeks ago for a women's gathering in our community, and well, as you know life is busy and at present time I only get around to photographing maybe half of what I actually make! I'm hoping the other half will eventually end up in a book or series of some kind, but don't hold your breath as I haven't been able to magically add more time to the day.
Speaking of time, these paper poppies which can be made in many sizes are really quite quick once you get the hang of it, and you could make quite a few of these to use as centerpieces for an event with say ten or even twenty tables. Enlist the help of two friends, set aside two evenings, and voila, gorgeous and original centerpieces will grace every table. Send the flowers home with guests, or keep them for another occasion, nicely wrapped up to keep them dust free.
I have actually made giant versions of these, (link to follow) but this time I needed something medium sized for a reception table. Ready? No special supplies needed! Okay lets get started:
You'll Need:
- colored cardstock, one color for flowers, and other small amounts for center, green optional for leaves
- Note: I actually used very heavy paper sold in huge press size sheets, which makes the flowers even longer lasting, but folding the petals is more difficult and paper can crack
- skewers or small dowels
- hot glue
- DIY paper poppies tutorial with changes as noted in how to section below, also take a look at this post to see other flowers made with same tutorial
How To:
- Make flowers according to tutorial, but for smaller flowers omit largest petal and start with medium sized petal.
- Make four larger petals, and three smaller petals for flowers this size.
- The center of the flower can be made however you like, take a look at mine for inspiration.
- Very roughly, the length of your largest petal will be the diameter of your flower. But do a sample first to get the resutl you desire, then make templates to use for all future flowers. A few sizes together in a vase will work well, or combine them with simple paper roses (tutorial to come) as I have here.
For centerpieces that will be at eye level on a table, you don't want the flowers to be too large as they become annoying and guests can't connect with one another, but for centerpieces on a buffet or side table, huge is fantastic. Also, to anchor your stems in any vase, you can use pieces of styrofoam, but even more practical is to stuff the vase with bubble wrap and poke the stems into that, this works really well, so save that bubble wrap!
Enjoy!
