Let's Talk Paper for DIY Paper Flowers: Which One is Best for You!
Are you ready to add a touch of beauty to your life with paper flowers? Choosing the best paper is the first step towards creating stunning and lifelike paper blooms. In this complete guide, I will walk you through the process of selecting the perfect paper for your beautiful flowers.
When it comes to paper flowers, not all paper is created equal. The choice of paper will greatly impact the overall appearance and durability of your creations. Factors such as weight, texture, and color all play a role in determining the final outcome.
In this guide, we will explore different types of paper suitable for making paper flowers, including cardstock (my go to), tissue paper, and crepe paper. Look at characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages, dive into large petals and smaller SVG files so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs for your crafts.
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Why Paper Selection is Important for Paper Flowers:
When it comes to paper flowers, not all paper is created equal. The choice of paper will greatly impact the overall appearance and durability of your creations. Factors such as weight, texture, and color all play a role in determining the final outcome. Also - just the general project you want to make. Are you making a cake topper? Are you making a back drop with large paper flowers? Is this for a wedding or a photo shoot? How realistic do you want the flowers to look?
Types of Paper for Paper Flowers
There are several types of paper that are commonly used for making paper flowers. Each type has its own unique characteristics and is suitable for different styles and techniques. Let's explore some of the most popular choices:
Cardstock paper for paper flowers
Card stock paper is my go-to when making paper flowers - I tend to lean on the "lighter" weight when it comes to my paper flowers - 65 lb cardstock (or 176 gsm weight) however, every now and again I bulk up to 80 pound (216 gsm weight). Over the years, I have leaned more towards solid core cardstock to make my flowers on my Cricut machine - the white core can be great for some flowers but in my opinion can look unrealistic. Card stock also comes in a variety of textures and prints so you can really make some unique looking paper flowers and the kind of paper you end up choosing is totally up to the vibe you want from your blooms.
One of the advantages of using cardstock paper is that it is readily available and can be found in most craft stores like Hobby Lobby or Michaels. It is also relatively affordable, making it a popular choice for beginners and experienced paper artists alike.
I have fallen in love with making DIY paper flower tutorials over my years of crafting and have made numerous SVG files to help you make beautiful blooms. Don't forget to follow along with me in 2024 while I make different beautiful paper flowers to match each month - starting with my carnation tutorial.
Crepe paper for paper flowers
Crepe paper is a lightweight and flexible paper that is commonly used for making delicate and realistic paper flowers. It has a unique texture that mimics the look and feel of actual flower petals. Crepe paper comes in a wide range of colors and can be easily stretched and shaped. Keep in mind, there are two types of crepe paper: Italian crepe paper which will on the heavier side and German crepe paper. The different weights of paper can give you two completely different outcomes of flowers, so play around to find out what you like.
One of the advantages of using crepe paper is its versatility. It can be manipulated to create various types of flowers, from roses and peonies to daisies and sunflowers. Crepe paper is also great for adding texture and depth to your paper flower designs.
However, crepe paper can be more expensive compared to other types of paper. It may also require some practice to master the techniques needed to shape and assemble crepe paper flowers. Additionally, crepe paper is not as durable as some other papers, so it may not be suitable for long-lasting arrangements. You can definitely use a cutting machine to create these paper flowers, however, you will have to test around with your machines and blades to reduce tearing in your petals. For crepe paper flowers, you may want to stick to a pair of scissors to do a lot of the cutting.
Tissue paper for paper flowers
Tissue paper is a lightweight and affordable option for making paper flowers - you can think of this like gift wrap, it's not the most durable but gives a delicate look. It is available in different colors and is easy to work with. Tissue paper is great for creating large, airy flowers that have a soft and eligant appearance.
One of the advantages of using tissue paper is its affordability. It is one of the most budget-friendly options for making paper flowers, making it ideal for the largest flower projects or when creating a large number of flowers.
However, tissue paper is not as sturdy or durable as some other types of paper. It may tear easily and may not hold its shape well over time. Tissue paper flowers are best suited for temporary decorations or projects that don't require long-term durability.
Factors to consider when choosing paper for paper flowers
When selecting the perfect paper for your paper flower projects, there are several factors to consider. These factors will help you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and preferences. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:
Do you want a natural-looking paper flower? If so I would lean towards crepe paper, tissue paper, or a lighter weight cardstock with my first option being crepe paper. Crepe paper has a lot of beautiful texture to give you a realistic look for many types of paper flowers.
Where to buy paper for paper flowers
Now that you have a better understanding of the different types of paper for paper flowers and the factors to consider when choosing, you may be wondering where to buy these papers and other paper flower supplies for your craft room. Here are some popular options:
Visit your local craft stores, such as Michaels or Joann, for a wide selection of paper options specifically designed for paper crafts.
For online shopping I love the 12 x 12 cardstock shop where they have a ton of different brands to choose from.
The best place to find your craft supplies, in my opinion, is anywhere you can get a good sale. I stock up on floral wire, floral tape, specialty cardstocks, and paper packs whenever I see a good deal!
Bonus tip: for creating your layer of petals I tend to lean towards using a drop of hot glue over craft glue but each flower and paper type will determine whether you opt for a glue gun or a tacky glue.
Where to score FREE paper flower templates
There are so many paper florists out there online some have paid templates and some free. To make gorgeous paper flowers with your cutting machine you need to start with a good SVG file to create the flower shape you are looking for.
You can find my cut files for all my paper flowers, including rolled flower templates and easy paper roses in one place. Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter below for the password to my community SVG vault. I constantly update my paper flower patterns to bring you a little bit of spring all year long.
For giant paper flowers, I love visiting my friend Abbi over at Abbi Kirsten Collections.
Don't forget to check out the freebies page by Lia Griffith, a paper flower queen.
Final tips for choosing the perfect paper for paper flowers
Choosing the perfect paper for your paper flower projects is an important step towards creating beautiful and realistic blooms. Consider the type of flower you want to create, your skill level, and the overall look and feel you want to achieve. If using a cutting machine, keep in mind your blade and what the machine is capable of. For example, a Cricut Explore air might be create for quickly cutting sheets of cardstock but you cannot use a rotary blade which might be best for crepe paper cutting.
Experiment with different types of paper, different sizes, and techniques to find what works best for you. Don't be afraid to mix and match papers or combine different textures and colors to create unique and eye-catching paper flowers.
Remember, the best paper will not only enhance the appearance of your paper flowers but also make them more durable and long-lasting. So, take your time, do your research, and enjoy the process of selecting the perfect paper for your paper flower projects. And don't be
The best part about creating paper flowers is that you can make it your own and learn with each small flower, pop of color and petal shape. The type of paper flowers I create help me learn and grow, and that is one of my favorite things when it comes to crafting. I am so excited to see all the great ideas you come up with and see all the fresh flowers you make!
