How to Make a Paper Carnation

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Carnation-style paper flowers are quick and easy to craft using a variety of methods and materials. The finished product can make a lovely arrangement or festive decorations.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Accordion-Fold Method

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Paper Carnation
    Use at least 5 sheets, but more can be used to create fuller flowers. Sheets can be all the same color or a variety of colors depending on how you want your flowers to look.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Paper Carnation
    You will be working with a square or rectangular shape.
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Paper Carnation
    Each fold should be about an inch to an inch and a half wide (2.5 to 3.8 cm).
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Paper Carnation
    If needed, place a thin towel over the folded tissue paper and firmly press with a hot iron to help set the folds.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Paper Carnation
    Twist the pipe cleaner underneath the crease to connect the layers. It can also serve as the stem of the flower.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Paper Carnation
    Use scissors to cut a point or rounded edge onto the folded paper.
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Paper Carnation
    Separate sheets by gently pulling each individual sheet of paper toward the center of the flower. Repeat until all sheets are pulled to the center.
  8. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Paper Carnation
    Gently pull individual sheets of paper upwards and towards the center of the flower. This will make it 3-dimensional.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Circular-Cut Method

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Paper Carnation
    Sheets can be folded until layers are 48 pieces thick to save time.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Paper Carnation
    For smaller flowers, you can make smaller circles, and likewise larger circles for larger circles. Cut out the circles through all the sheets. You will be left with stacks of 48 paper circles. (Note: Less paper can be used to make fewer flowers).
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Paper Carnation
    Secure the pieces with a paper clip and puncture two holes in the center with a sharp point, such as a large sewing needle.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Paper Carnation
    After pushing it through one hole, curve it and push it back out the other hole to form a loop that secures the paper. The pipe cleaner will also serve as the stem.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Paper Carnation
    Gently pull each sheet toward the center of the flower and firmly crinkle the base of each piece to hold the flower shape.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Toilet Paper Method

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Paper Carnation
    Detach from the roll but do not detach the individual squares.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Paper Carnation
    Make each fold about an inch wide (2.5 cm).
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Paper Carnation
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Paper Carnation
    Holding the center, gently twist each side toward the center of the flower to fluff the edges.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Paper Carnation
    Glue it to the back of the flower to make leaves.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    I do not get number 4 in Method 3. Can you help me?
    T. Chinsen
    Top Answerer
    Step 4 begins with "Fan the folded edges". Like opening up a folded fan, the folds made in previous steps are being flattened out. As the folds are opened up, pull them up to the center as much as possible to create the fullness of the flower.
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    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 5
  • Question
    I did not get how to do the folding of the petals, can you help me?
    Serious Black Canary
    Community Answer
    Just pull the individual layers upwards and towards the center to make them look like petals.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 5 Helpful 5
  • Question
    What size of tissue paper do I start with?
    T. Chinsen
    Top Answerer
    The article uses a square of paper to make the flower. For a fuller carnation, start with a rectangle of 1" x 1.5" size, 6 layers thick. The maximum rectangle is 1" x 2" in size. The folds start on the narrow side. Use of pinking shears and finger-width slits along the long edge can make a more realistic carnation.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      Warnings

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      Things You'll Need

      Tissue Paper Method

      • Tissue paper
      • Scissors
      • Pipe cleaner
      • Iron

      Circular Method

      • Tissue Paper
      • Pencil
      • 3-inch (7.5 cm) round for tracing
      • Scissors
      • Large sewing needle
      • Felt Marker
      • Pipe Cleaner

      Toilet Paper Method

      • 15 to 25 squares of toilet paper
      • 1 small piece of green crepe or construction paper
      • Glue
      • String or thread
      • Scissors

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      References

      1. http://www.foldingtrees.com/2008/08/flower-week-tissue-paper-carnations/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To make a paper carnation using the accordion method, layer 5 or more sheets of tissue paper. Fold the papers like an accordion or fan, making each fold 1 to 1.5 inches wide. Press down firmly to set the creases and fold the paper in half around a pipe cleaner. Then, cut the edges into pointed or rounded shapes to resemble the petals. Finally, pull each sheet of paper upwards and towards the center to create a 3-dimensional shape. For detailed instructions on making a paper carnation, including how to make carnations using the circular-cut and toilet roll method, keep reading.

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