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How to Make a Paper Dahlia

11/21/2016

Dahlias are lovely looking flowers, and can serve as a beautiful centerpiece. But you can also make them out of paper as a creative and festive decoration for your walls or table. Best of all? You probably already have all the required materials!

EditSteps

EditWall Decoration

  1. Gather your supplies. The list is located at the bottom of the article.
    Make a Paper Dahlia step1.jpg
  2. Cut the card stock papers into 4 inch squares. You will need around 50 to 60 squares to make one dahlia. Use a paper trimmer to make this job easier. If you don't have one, a simple ruler and scissors will do the job.
    Make a Paper Dahlia step2.jpg
  3. Pour a small amount of paint into a palette and dip your sponge in it. Dab the sponge around two corners of each squares as shown.
    Make a Paper Dahlia step3.jpg
    • This is done to create a two color dahlia. Dabbing gives a natural look compared to just painting the corners. If you don't have a sponge, use dry brush to create that effect.
  4. Allow them to dry. Wait for it to dry overnight, then come back to it in the morning. Lightly dab your finger in a small area of the paint. If no paint comes off on your finger, it is sufficiently dry.
    Make a Paper Dahlia step4.jpg
  5. Apply a line of glue to top right corner of the square as shown.
    Make a Paper Dahlia step5.jpg
  6. Fold the left side of the square to the center and wrap the right side of the square over it to make a cone shape.
    Make a Paper Dahlia step6.jpg
  7. Repeat the same to all the squares. Make around 50 cones to start making the dahlia. You can always make extra if you want.
    Make a Paper Dahlia step7.jpg
  8. Use the plastic plate as the base. The plate used in the images above was 9 inches (22.86 cm) in diameter. If you don't have a plate, you can also cut a piece of cardboard to use as a base. Apply a line of glue on the back side of the cone.
    Make a Paper Dahlia step8.jpg
    • A plate is preferred to use than cardboard. The reason is that while hanging the flowers on the wall, the plate gives a three dimensional effect as if the flower is popping out from the wall instead just pasted on the wall. But it is your choice to decide which one to use.
  9. Paste the cone on the back side of the plate leaving a one inch gap between each cone you paste.
    Make a Paper Dahlia step9.jpg
  10. Dab the glue in a V shape to the back of each cone.
    Make a Paper Dahlia step10.jpg
  11. Glue it in between two cones of the first layer so that it sticks nicely.
    Make a Paper Dahlia step11.jpg
  12. Once the second layer is formed, repeat the same process for the next layers until the flower is formed.This will happen in 5 to 6 layers depending upon the size of the plate.
    Make a Paper Dahlia step12.jpg
  13. Once you reach the point as shown in the picture above, it is time to make the center of the flower. For this, take the left over pieces (3" X 8") of the cardstock paper and make fringes for the center by cutting only 3/4 of the paper (lengthwise) in 3 to 4 mm width and leaving the remaining part to fold.
    Make a Paper Dahlia step13.jpg
  14. Roll the fringe paper and dab a small amount of glue when you reach the end of the paper and attach another paper to the roll.
    Make a Paper Dahlia step14.jpg
  15. Do this until the center piece is formed to a desired size.
    Make a Paper Dahlia step15.jpg
  16. Apply hot glue at the base of the center piece and glue it to the flower.
    Make a Paper Dahlia step16.jpg
  17. Be amazed at your beautiful creation. Your dahlia is now ready to hang on the wall.
    Make a Paper Dahlia step17.jpg
    • Refer to this image for a closer look of what the dahlia should ideally look like.
      Make a Paper Dahlia step17b1.jpg
  18. Glue a thread on the back of the plate and hang it on the wall using a command hook or thumb tack.
    Make a Paper Dahlia step18.jpg
    • If the plate has holes, just insert a rubber band into the holes and hang it on to a command hook.

EditCone as the Center Piece

Make a Paper Dahlia step22.jpg
This is an another version of dahlia where you can insert a cone itself in the center instead a fringe center. If you don't want the fringe center piece, use a cone as the center piece.
  1. While pasting the second, third and fourth layer of the cones, maintain the center circle. Paste the cones in such a way the edges of the cones in the first layer should align with cones in the second layer and the next layers, so that you will end up with a hole in the center when the flower cones reaches the center in which you can insert a cone to complete the flower.
    Make a Paper Dahlia step19.jpg
  2. Avoid the gap and align the second layer and the next layers straight above the first layer to get dome shaped dahlia.
    Make a Paper Dahlia step20.jpg
    • This is done with technique mentioned above but with the fringe center.
      Make a Paper Dahlia step21.jpg
  3. Make as many of these as you'd like. These colorful dahlias make a beautiful wall décor.
    Make a Paper Dahlia step23.jpg



EditThings You'll Need

  • Cardboard for base or any plastic paper plate
  • Cardstock paper for your color choice (approximately 15 8.5"X 11" papers)
  • Paper trimmer
  • Acrylic paint in contrasting color of card stock paper
  • Paint brush or small sponge
  • Hot glue or double sided tape
  • Newspaper or drop cloth to cover the work surface
  • Ruler (optional)
  • Pencil (optional)
  • Scissors (optional)

EditSources and Citations


Source: http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Paper-Dahlia