03 Sep Paper Carnation Flower: Collection Of The Best Handmade DIY Tutorials
Paper flowers are beneficial for a variety of reasons. Not only are they a wonderful alternative to live plants, but they can be turned into a wide array of items. You can make paper flowers and attach them to everything from hair bands to wreaths. The paper carnation is the perfect flower for paper crafts. It is probably the most common paper flower that people have made. I remember making simple tissue paper carnations in grade school.
Carnations have a beautiful bloom that often invokes feelings of happiness and love, and the paper version is no different. Choosing a paper carnation over a live plant means you can keep the flower indefinitely, something that you cannot do with a fresh blooms since they die after a few days. The longer life of paper flowers opens up the possibilities as to how and when you can use carnations.
The Carnation
The carnation is rich in history, mythology, and symbolism, and expresses various emotions, including love, distinction, affection, and fascination. A debate of where the name ‘carnation’ came from has been raging on for years. Some think that it comes from the Latin word ‘carnis’, which means flesh, due to its original pink color. Others say ‘carnation’ comes from the Greek word ‘coronation’ or ‘corone’ because it was used in crowns during Greek ceremonies.
The meaning of the carnation varies depending on the color of the bloom. For example, white blooms symbolize purity, or pure love, and some people believe that they bring good luck. Dark red carnations show passion and deep love, while light red suggests admiration. Pink carnations are typically associated with Mother’s Day because it was once believed that the pink carnation appeared from the tears of the Virgin Mary.
Paper Carnation Flower Tutorials
You can make paper carnation flowers out of various materials, with crepe paper, tissue paper, and printer paper being the most popular choices. Once you’re comfortable with the paper crafting process, try other materials, such as fabric or felt, for an even more unique project.
I have listed the following 5 paper carnation tutorials from easiest to most complex. Some of the tutorials require only a few extra items, such as crepe paper and floral wire, on top of common craft tools, like scissors and glue, that you probably already have on hand.
Simple Paper Carnation
This simple paper carnation tutorial is a great starting point for novice crafters who have little to no previous paper flower experience. All you need is some thin computer paper in the desired color – though you can use regular computer paper for a white carnation – scissors, wire, and ribbon. You can eliminate the wire and ribbon if you just want the carnation bloom without a stem. The complete tutorial, in both written and video format, and free template can be found at Dreamy Posey.
Image from DreamPosyEasy Crepe Paper Carnation
This easy-to-make paper carnation uses crepe paper to create the attractive blooms that look lovely alone or when bunched together to create a bouquet. You can also leave the stem off and use the blooms for a flower crown or wreath. Go to Ruffles and Stuff for the full directions to make this easy crepe paper carnation.
Image from Ruffles and StuffLarge Paper Carnations
This free paper carnation tutorial is for larger than normal blooms, which makes them ideal for centerpieces and bouquets. You can make the paper carnations in varying sizes to give the flower bunch a more lifelike appearance. You will need crepe paper, scissors, pliers, hot glue gun with glue stick, floral tape, and floral wire. Visit Crafted to Bloom for the complete instructions, including a free template for the stem and leaves.
Image from CrafttoBloom.comPaper Carnation Valentines
These single, long stemmed paper carnations makes a lovely valentine to show someone just how much you care. You will need tissue paper, floral tape, cardstock, floral wire, scissors, pliers, and paper glue. If you don’t want to use this as a Valentine, skip the steps of making and attaching the tag. Find the tutorial over at Vitamini Handmade.
Image from Vitaminihandmade.com
Realistic Paper Carnations
This ultra-realistic paper carnation tutorial makes paper flowers that look like a real live carnation. In fact, you could place them in a vase and people wouldn’t know the difference until they tried to smell the carnation. Because it’s so realistic in its appearance, this tutorial takes more time and work than the others listed above. It will require crepe paper, which you will dip in bleach to get a two-tone effect, watercolor, paintbrush, glue, scissors, floral wire, and floral tape. Visit Why Don’t You Make Me? for the free tutorial and template. You can find it at the bottom of the page.
Image from WhyDontYouMakeMe.com
Summary
Learning to make paper flowers is a fun and useful hobby. But it’s not without its hassles. If you find a tutorial a bit above your current crafting level, there is no shame with trying one designed for beginners. Once you have a handle on the process, you can move on to the more difficult paper carnations.
If you love making paper flowers and you have made paper carnations, please share your experience. What techniques have you found success with? What materials do you use for your paper flowers? This information may help others in their paper flower-making journey.
I reviewed the best tutorials for 10 other types of flowers. Click on the links below to check out the other flower tutorials.
- Roses: Roses symbolize love and are perfect for Valentine’s day, Mother’s day, weddings and birthdays for that special someone.
- Daisy: Daisies signify innocence and are simple to make with kids.
- Sunflower: Sunflowers can brighten anyone’s day and reminds us of the warmth of summer.
- Orchids: Orchids are delicate and denote beauty and luxury. They make wonderful decorations for gifts and hair accessories.
- Calla Lilly: Calla Lilies are elegant and simple and work well for modern decorations. If you want to make a lot of flowers for an event or party, then calla lilies are great to make.
- Tulips: Tulips represent springtime and are another easy flower to make with children.
- Stargazer Lily: Stargazer lilies are great for bouquets and work well with other flowers.
- Iris: Iris’ suggest purity and are one of the most beautiful blue or violet flowers.
- Bird of Paradise: If you want to make a tropical themed flower, the Bird of Paradise is your best bet.
- Lotus: Lotus flowers imply compassion, love, purity and rebirth. They are the most spiritual flower.
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