5 Easy Steps To Make Gorgeous Paper Peonies!

In my mind, no other flower can compete with the perfection and the fragrance of the Peony. 

The silky petals, delicate shape, romantic shades and graceful foliage make this flower my all time favorite and I’m not alone. Brides plan their wedding dates around peony season. Flower enthusiasts plant them all through their gardens. Florists go crazy over all the different shades available from white, to coral, yellow to reds and every imaginable pink!  Sadly, this bloom can only be enjoyed in nature for a very short time each year. That’s the reason their paper counterparts have become such a hit! Over the years, I’ve perfected my paper peony design and this technique below is tried and true. I’m so excited to share it with you and just know you’ll love including this fabulous flower in your home decor, bouquets and beyond!

To make the Peony you’ll need:

- 65lb cardstock (I use the Recollection Paper Packs from Michaels Stores)

- A good pair of scissors

- Template P-27 x 5

- Template P-28 x 2

- Template L-03 x 2

- Template C-01

Templates from my book "Bold & Beautiful Paper Flowers". 

To access the digital files: CLICK HERE
Or to purchase DIY Kits of pre-cut Petals< CLICK HERE

Peony pre-cut petals DIY Kit

- Glue gun and glue sticks

- Molding Mat (or your mouse pad)

- Dimensional tool (round tip of a paint brush is perfect!)

- Curling tool (sushi stick or knitting needle can do!)

- Rounded Shaped Measuring Spoons (Table Spoon and 1/2 Tea Spoon sizes)

- Crepe paper  or cardstock for your leaves

• I made a little video (on YouTube - about 7 minutes) for you as a visual reference. Please don't mind my little finger - I had an accident years ago washing dishes and I cut the ligament so it doesn't communicate with my brain - thus it stays up ALL THE TIME!!! ...lol...

The first step is all about transforming the petals. Starting with the largest petals (P-27), use the tablespoon size of your measuring spoon set and gently press each individual petal into the rounded shape of the spoon with your thumb. Repeat this technique with each of these five (P-27) pieces. Once that’s done, use the molding mat as your work surface and apply pressure to the middle of each petal layer except one with your dimensional tool. This motion should make your petals curl up. 

For the 5th petal layer, apply a pressure to the middle this time with the curled petals facing down. Put aside.

Once all the petals are shaped, dab a bit of glue at the heart of each of the 4 petal layers and start stacking the layer by staggering them to create a full bloom. 

It’s time to prepare the smaller petals (P-28) that will form the heart of the bloom. Using the the Tea spoon size of your measuring spoon set, gently press each individual petal into the rounded shape of the spoon with your thumb. Repeat this technique with one or two of the (P-28). Once that’s done, use the molding mat as your work surface and apply pressure to the middle of each petal layer except one with your dimensional tool. This motion should make your petals curl up.

Now dab a bit of glue in the middle of one of these petals and nest the other inside it. Don’t be afraid to use your fingers to arrange petals to make them look loose and natural. 

Finally, add the double-petal (P-28) to the center of the stack created above using a bit more glue to secure it. 

Since the released of my book, I added a couple steps to make them look fuller!

Use Template (P-23) x 2.

Cut each of the petal in half by going deep enough into the center. 

Curl the petals then add them one inside the other to make the heart of the Peony look nice and full.

As for the 5th (P-27) petal layer, dab a bit of glue to the center with the curl facing up and adhere it to the bottom of the peony. Because you curled it upside down, the petal layer look more open.

View the video tutorial on YouTube to see all the steps!

Click here to treat yourself with my signature Paper Peony - handmade with love by moi!!

Oh! I can't wait to see all your beautiful paper peonies!

Don't forget to tag me  @paperandpeony on Instagram or @Paper & Peony on Facebook 

and use hashtag #boldandbeautifulpaperflowers for a chance to be feature!

Happy "Forever Bloom Making!"

Paper Peony by artist Chantal Larocque