Make Paper Carnations
Make paper carnations using tissue paper, scissors, and pipe cleaners to practice cutting, folding, and twisting while creating colorful, realistic paper flowers.
Step-by-step guide to make paper carnations
Step 1
Pick 6 sheets of tissue paper in the colors you like.
Step 2
Stack the 6 sheets neatly on top of each other.
Step 3
Cut the stacked sheets into a rectangle about the size of your palm.
Step 4
Starting at the short side, fold the rectangle back and forth in an accordion with each fold about 1 inch wide.
Step 5
Fold the finished accordion in half so the folds line up and pinch the middle tightly.
Step 6
Wrap a pipe cleaner once around the pinched middle.
Step 7
Twist the ends of the pipe cleaner tightly to secure the paper and leave one long end for the stem.
Step 8
Use scissors to round the ends of the folded paper to make petal shapes.
Step 9
Gently pull up the top tissue layer on one side toward the center to begin opening the petals.
Step 10
Repeat pulling up each remaining layer on that same side until all layers are fluffed.
Step 11
Turn the flower over and pull up each layer on the other side until the bloom looks full.
Step 12
Bend and shape the petals with your fingers until the flower looks round and pretty.
Step 13
Twist the long end of the pipe cleaner down to make a straight stem and curl a bit for a leaf if you like.
Step 14
Share your finished paper carnation on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use if we don't have tissue paper or pipe cleaners?
If you don't have tissue paper, use crepe paper, coffee filters, or thin napkins cut to palm-size (steps 1–3), and swap the pipe cleaner (step 6) for floral wire, a twist of tape-wrapped straw, or a wooden skewer wrapped with tape for the stem.
My petals keep tearing when I pull them up—how can I fix that?
If layers tear while you pull up petals (steps 9–11), gently separate any stuck sheets with clean scissors at the rounded ends (step 7) and pull each layer from the center near the pinched middle (step 5) one at a time, or switch to thinner tissue for easier fluffing.
How can I adapt this activity for different ages?
For preschoolers, pre-cut the palm-sized rectangles (step 3), pre-fold or make wider 2-inch accordion folds (step 4) and have an adult twist the pipe cleaner (step 6), while older kids can use 8–10 sheets and narrower 1/2-inch folds for fuller, more detailed blooms.
What are easy ways to personalize or extend the paper carnation project?
To personalize and extend the flower, paint or ink the edges before folding for colored tips (step 2), layer contrasting tissue colors (steps 1–3) for two-tone petals, replace the pipe cleaner with a paper-wrapped straw for a sturdier stem (step 12), and glue a small bead or pom-pom in the center after fluffing (step 11) before sharing on DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to make paper carnations
DIY How to make Paper Carnations (easy, no machine, paper crafts, flowers)
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DIY How to make Paper Carnations (easy, no machine, paper crafts, flowers)
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Facts about paper flower crafts
✂️ Stacking about 6–8 layers of tissue paper before cutting and fluffing usually makes a full, realistic-looking carnation.
🌸 Carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus) have been grown for over 2,000 years and are a classic symbol of love and fascination.
🧠 Cutting, folding, and twisting paper flowers is great practice for fine motor skills and hand–eye coordination.
🎨 Mixing different colored tissue paper layers lets you create blended shades and more natural-looking petals.
🧶 Pipe cleaners (also called chenille stems) bend easily and hold shapes — perfect for twisting into sturdy flower stems.
How do you make paper carnations with kids?
What materials do I need to make tissue paper carnations?
What ages is this paper carnation craft suitable for?
What are the benefits and safety tips for making paper carnations?
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