Make your own paper flowers – My Most Recommended Supplies for Success
Learning how to Make Your Own Paper Flowers can seem impossible if you don’t have a clue what you need to get started, but don’t fret, my dear, because, after 10 years of paper crafting, I am here to help. If you want to own this paper flower thing like a Queen, then consider these tools to help you succeed!
I have tested nearly every recommendation on this page. Many of the resources listed here are crucial to creating my flowers. I will share the supply lists based on 3 levels – necessary, recommended, and seller’s level.
Each level will build upon the previous one. You will notice I shop a lot on Amazon! I won’t try and hide it – I’m a Prime girl! That being said, there are lots of great products out there that can work just as well as the ones I am fond of below.
This post may contain affiliate links that won’t change your price but will share some commission.
Again, these are my personal favorite tried and true resources and paper flower-making supplies.
Ready to learn everything you need to make your own paper flowers? Okay, let’s go!
Level 1 – Basic Must-Have Supplies – The bare minimum you will need to get started.
Why do I recommend this?
Obviously, you need scissors to cut when working with paper flowers. Even if you decide to go the machine-cutting route, a pair of scissors will be needed to cut slits at the bottom of the flower, etc. I recommend using a good sharp pair of dedicated craft scissors. Bulky industrial kitchen scissors won’t cut it (ha! get it?!)
You may also want to consider some detailed scissors like these.
Cardstock for Paper Flowers
Cardstock – Recollections Cardstock on Amazon or Cards and Pockets Matte Cardstock. You may also like some of these additional cardstock resources for paper flowers.
Why do I recommend this?
Paper! Ahh! Now there wouldn’t be paper flowers without the paper! In general, I always use 65-pound weighted (176 grams) cardstock, but I never go above 80-pound cardstock and never below 50 pounds. Most craft stores are going to offer cardstock like this. I tend to shop at Michael’s craft store. So local shopping is probably the easiest suggestion. If you feel your store doesn’t offer a good selection, then you can check out the links above that I have used!
I also LOVE the metallic cardstock from Cards and Pockets here, and if you are ever venturing into crepe paper flowers, there is no better source than Cartifini!
Glue gun and sticks – My glue gun pick and glue sticks pick
Why do I recommend this?
The glue that holds it all together – yes, another pun! You will want to use hot glue when making paper flowers. Why? It dries quickly so you are not waiting for each petal to dry before moving on to the next one. Plus, it is probably the least messy option – not to say there may not be some mess. 😉 I have a favorite glue gun brand I recommend above that has worked well for me for years.
Cutting Paper Flower By Hand
Pencils and large erasers (if hand cutting) Any good quality pencil or eraser will do.
Why do I recommend this?
If hand cut your flowers, most people find it easiest to print the templates once and then use that set to trace with pencil onto their cardstock of choice and cut out from there. To do this successfully, a pencil for tracing is best, and large erasers can be helpful to go back over any lines left behind so your flower is clean.
An outline PDF option is also included if you wish to run cardstock through your printer and cut it out following a printed line. However, this process takes extra time, could cause a printer to jam because it’s card stock, takes ink, and could leave a black line behind if you miss cut, so I do recommend printing just once and tracing with a pencil for best results.
Wood dowel – Find wood dowels at any craft store or hardware store
Why do I recommend this?
Wood dowels are great for paper flower creations because you need something that can easily curl petals, whether large or small paper flowers. Since wood dowels come in all different thicknesses, it is ideal to have a thicker one (3/4 inch thick) for the giant flowers and a thinner one (1/4 inch thick) for small flowers.
Hanging Giant Paper Flowers
Why do I recommend this?
Heavy-duty mounting tape is the best and simplest way to hang your flowers on a wall. There are other options for hanging flowers as well such as a wire hook (more info below in level 2).
You can check out my full list of hanging options here!
Flower templates at my shop, Catching Colorflies
Why do I recommend this?
Of course, I recommend paper flowers because they are awesome, and I love them! But obviously, if you are creating paper flowers, you will probably need a template! Psssh… you can find some free flower templates here!
You might be searching for the rose freebie! Find the Cami Rose tutorial here.
Level 2 – Ready to “Rock it” Supply List – The “professional hobbyist.”
All supplies from level 1 plus….
Cutting Machine For Paper Flowers
Cricut Machine (You can also buy a Cricut Explore Air on Amazon or at Michael’s craft store)
Why do I recommend this?
Okay, so, the truth? Cutting machines are AMAZING! I have been using the Cricut brand series of cutting machines ever since they came out. There are other brands out there that have their good perks, but if I am truly honest, I feel Cricut is the best. One reason for this is that you can use SVG cut files with Cricut Design Space, whereas their main competitor, Silhouette, charges for you to use the cut files. It’s only a $29 upgrade, but I just like that Cricut includes that already. If you are a Silhouette user (good for you!) that loves their machine, I do recommend upgrading to the Designer Edition software so you can use the SVG cut files for better quality and ease of use. 😉
Oh, and by the way, have you heard of the new Cricut Maker?! I need one despite owning 2 machines already! I’ll just leave this right here.
New to Cricut?
Before we continue, let’s address those of you who are brand new to Cricut…
If you are new to Cricut and you are ready to master your machine, discover new hobbies and skills, and design for yourself, be sure to join my FREE masterclass on the 3 secrets to mastering your Cricut machine and unlock your creativity quickly!
This masterclass is for you if you…
- …own a Cricut machine but feel like you have no clue what you are doing!
- …wish you could design your own project files.
- …are tired of searching Pinterest and Google for answers
- …craft several times a week, and want to personalize your crafts, home or event decor or maybe even want to sell your crafts!
Join the Master class right now!
Scissors, Wire, and Ink
Why do I recommend this?
Fringe scissors are pretty darn cool and fun to use. They are basically like 4 pairs of scissors in one. I use fringe scissors all the time when I create the pompom centers of my giant flowers. So if you want to save a few hand cramps I recommend picking up a pair. Some craft stores have these, but if yours does not, just grab the pair I use online above.
Why do I recommend this?
Circle punches come in handy. If you need to close the open back of a large flower or want to add a finished center, they can be useful. You will see me use them a lot with giant flower designs.
Ink and stamp pads
Why do I recommend this?
I like the use of distress ink from time to time because it gives you the ability to distress the edges of paper flower petals and create a realistic touch. You will see me use the ink a lot with small flower designs.
Update: I discovered a brand new distressing medium known as Panpastels. These have been designed to work especially with paper flowers!
Why do I recommend this?
A thick yet flexible wire has two main purposes. The first is for stemming small flowers, and the second is for creating small wire loops for which to hang large backdrop flowers. Read more about hanging paper flowers here!
Paper Blooms shaping mat and tool set
Why do I recommend this?
My specially designed Paper Blooms shaping mat is a soft, ideal surface for molding, cupping, and shaping paper petals. The set of 4 double-sided tools works well with the mat to create the perfectly cupped petal. I definitely recommend these, especially when working with small flowers. It really makes the job easier!
Paper Flower Books
The Art of Giant Paper Flowers– Hard copy or Ebook
Why do I recommend this?
Well, first, to be totally honest, I recommend this book because I wrote it and would love to share it with you! But I also recommend it because it has incredible value to it. If you are in search of a quick start guidebook, begin with The Art of Giant Paper Flowers and its 16 fabulous templates included, which is a great option!
Level 3 – Licensed Seller’s Supply List – The Small Business Owner
For those who wish to start a small business creating paper flowers, take your supplies to the next level. All supplies from levels 1 and 2 plus…
Why do I recommend this?
You will find that hoarding tons of paper as a paper flower artist becomes a regular expectation. So to help with the overwhelming amount of paper, it’s good to invest in a paper storage organizer. I’ve used many different types before, even magazine organizers work great.
Why do I recommend this?
I couldn’t live without my craft caddy! It helps all my glue sticks, pencils, scissors, and Cricut accessories stay organized. You don’t want to live without this one. In reality, this is probably a good one to have in level 2.
Why do I recommend this?
Even if you don’t have a large space, you need a place to work. Having a desk or small dedicated work area will help you stay organized. I’ve had to work in many workstations, from tiny hole-in-the-wall apartment corners to small bedrooms. Thankfully, as the business has grown, so has my work available space. Even if you don’t feel like getting a fancy desk, at least opt for your own folding table that is just for crafting.
Seller’s License for Abbi Kirsten’s Flower Templates
Why do I recommend this?
First, I have to say that if you are selling any of my designs for profit, this isn’t exactly a recommendation but a requirement. The reason I require a license for my templates when selling for a profit is that all my work is copyrighted under U.S. law.
Since these designs are my intellectual property, I like to be aware of who is using my designs for profit. Because investing a small fee for the license is required, it also helps bring only those who are serious about selling the flowers. This helps to ensure my designs do not end up on every e-commerce corner.
And believe it or not, several people have already stolen my work to sell it without a license. Not only have they sold my designs, but they have also resold the templates as their own work – sad but true. You can read our seller’s terms or via the product listing above.
Paper Flower Template Bundles
Giant paper flower library and my Small paper flower library
Why do I recommend this?
I recommend the flower library bundles if you are interested in a lot of flowers for the best price possible. When buying the digital library, it will literally save you 40% in template expenses than if you were to buy each design individually!
For more help with craft business, check out my favorite resources for running an online business.
