Learn How To Make Paper Flowers with Recycled Old Book Pages

Have you ever made paper flowers from old book pages? Let me show you how to make paper roses with easy paper-folding techniques. Plus, see options for using other paper to create stunning wreaths and more.

I started making paper roses to use as place cards for an upcoming book-themed tablescape. Since the theme was books, I used old book pages to make them. In this easy tutorial, I’ll show you how to make paper flowers.

This unique DIY paper flower idea looks so cute in each place setting. I’ll be sharing the full table setting with you soon; however, in the meantime, check out this easy craft project.

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What Can You Do With Paper Flowers?

Although my inspiration for making paper roses is to use them on a tablescape, there are several reasons to make flowers with paper folding.

One of the most common uses is for weddings. Paper flowers work great for corsages, bridal bouquets, and hair accessories.

In addition, they are popular for table accessories such as centerpiece arrangements and table garlands, such as this coffee filter garland.

Add them to wreaths, garlands, and swags. You can also use easy paper flowers to fill a bowl or display them individually.

Today’s DIY project uses vintage book pages, but imagine all the possibilities with floral paper, colorful craft paper, and customized handpainted paper.

How Do You Make Paper Flowers Easy?

There is no limit to the paper choices you can make for these cute DIY paper roses. However, I chose to use vintage book pages.

The paper flowers can be large or small. I wanted a larger rose design to serve as a place card at each place setting.

You will need 4 pieces for each paper flower.

Easy Flowers With Old Book Page Paper Folding

First, you will want to cut the four pages into squares.

To speed up the process, I cut all the pieces at once.

Next, fold each square individually three times.

Ensure all the folds align on the same edge of the triangle.

How To Make Paper Rose Petals

Draw a half circle to make the rose petals, as shown below.

Next, cut away the exposed edges of the triangle. Ensure the folded edges are still intact.

Use your first triangle as a template to cut the other three petals.

Finally, cut the tip of the triangle, leaving a small hole in the center of each petal.

Next, remove one petal from one of the paper flower pieces, two from the next one, and three from the third piece. Finally, cut the last piece in half. Save all pieces to form the rose petals.

Begin to Form Petals for Paper Flowers

You need a small paintbrush and craft glue for this next step.

Begin with the largest pieces and apply glue with a small brush to overlap the two edges.

For the larger pieces, overlap the two end petals entirely and hold until the glue adheres.

Continue until all eight cones are completed.

Next, roll each petal’s top edges outward using a small round cylinder. You can use a small paintbrush handle, pencil, etc. In addition, use a toothpick for smaller roses.

Continue until the tops of all but the two smaller petals are rolled outward.

How To Assemble Flowers With Paper Folding

Now, you can begin assembling the folded paper flowers. I recommend holding the flower in a glass or jar as you make it.

You can begin with the two largest petals and add glue to the tip of the smaller of the two. Place the smaller one inside the large one and allow them to adhere.

Repeat this method, working from the largest to the smallest petals. Allow the glue to dry.

Don’t you love how the paper roses look?

How To Add PaperLeaves (optional)

Because I plan to use the paper roses individually as place cards, I decided to add leaves.

Cut two leaf shapes and fold them in half using scrap paper left over from the original book pages.

I also crinkle folded for a more authentic leaf look.

Add glue to the end of the paper leaf.

Once dry, you can add it to your table, make a garland, add it to a wreath, etc.

How To Decorate with Vintage Paper Roses

If you like, you can add your guests’ names to the flowers to use as place cards at each place setting.

Check out the book club-themed Supper Club table that inspired these roses.

I hope you enjoyed today’s tutorial, and let me know what projects you plan to make with paper flowers.

I used jute twine to string the paper roses together and created a simple sway on a vintage shutter.

If you enjoy unique tablescape ideas, please look at these Kraft Paper Tablecloth ideas, these burlap napkin rings, and this coffee filter garland.

This DIY Book Page and Napkin Decoupage Easter Egg Tutorial works great with these paper roses.

Display paper roses under a glass cloche for added impact. See Inspiring Ways To Decorate with Glass Cloche Domes.

Add them to a wreath for Valentine’s Day or any occasion. See 5 Valentine’s Wreaths with Dollar Tree Frame and Paper Roses.

White paper roses look stunning, decorated with vintage red, white, and blue buttons for unique patriotic decorations.

Regardless of how you display them, they are a great addition to your farmhouse decor.

Related Old Book Page Articles

• Easy Vintage Inspired Christmas Bells With Old Book Pages: Dollar Tree Craft
• Upcycled Magical Christmas Village
• Big Christmas Ornaments with Old Book Pages

Resources

See all my favorite craft supplies on my Amazon Storefront. Click below.

Wrap the glued end around the bottom of the paper rose and hold it in place until it adheres. The glue doesn’t need to dry completely. You can place it back in the glass to allow drying time.

Thanks for stopping by. I look forward to sharing my next adventures with you.

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