Make Crepe Paper French Marigolds from Simple Paper Flowers

As more and more crafters are drawn in by the beauty and satisfaction of making crepe paper flowers, new books on the topic come along quite often. The latest one is lovely: Simple Paper Flowers from GMC Publications. It will be released on Thursday, October 17 in the UK and will arrive on this side of the pond on February 4, 2025.

The 168 page paperback contains detailed instructions with step-by-step photos for making a variety of popular flowers.

Foliage tutorials are included too, so you'll have no trouble creating pretty arrangements to grace your table or desk.

Marigolds are so appealing... not only do they have a long growing season, but their vivid color is just right in autumn bouquets. The publisher has provided the French Marigold as a sample project directly from the book, so we'll have a taste of what to expect from Paula's additional twenty four paper flower tutorials.

hand holding stem of vivid orange crepe paper marigold flowers

FRENCH MARIGOLD

Tagetes patula

There are many varieties of marigolds in a myriad of vibrant oranges, reds and yellows – with all those sunny petals, it is such a cheerful flower! This project may seem complex due to the number of petals to cut, but the assembly is simple and the flowers can be made relatively quickly.

Materials

• Orange floristry crepe paper (for the petals)

• Green floristry crepe paper (for the sepals)

• Paper-covered floristry wire, roughly 16 gauge

• Dark green floristry crepe tape

• Hot glue

Tools

• Paper scissors

• Wire cutters

• Glue gun

• Ruler (optional)

• Pencil (optional)

1.
Start making the petals from the orange floristry crepe paper by cutting 70 rectangles 1½in (40mm) long and 1⅛in (30mm) wide. Keep the grain running up the height of the rectangles.

2.
Now shape the petals. Starting at the narrow base of the petal, cut upwards diagonally before cutting across the top with a wiggly varied edge. Go back down diagonally on the other side back to the base. You can cut two petals at a time if you like!

3.
Begin to attach the petals to the stem wire. First make pleats in one of the petals to create a small ruffle. Place it with roughly ⅜in (10mm) of the base of the petal on the end of the wire, then use the green floristry crepe tape to secure it.

4.
Continue to attach petals in this way, pleating and attaching, working your way around the stem until you have added 20 petals.

5.
Now switch to using hot glue to attach petals. Continue to work your way around the the centre, but now attaching petals unpleated and flat. Tease the petals outwards slightly from the top to create a blooming effect.

6.
Keep attaching petals, moving your way around the flower until all 70 petals are secured.

7.
Cut a rectangle from the green floristry crepe paper 1⅛in (30mm) tall and 2⅜in (60mm) wide, with the grain of the paper running up the height of the rectangle.

8.
Stretch the crepe paper and glue it around the base of the marigold to conceal the ends of the petals, twisting it down onto your stem wire.

9.
Secure the sepal in place on the stem with the green floristry tape, and continue to wrap the tape down the stem to entirely cover it.

TIP

To make a slightly bigger French marigold, simply continue to add more petals. Or, start with slightly larger petals. If you are making a bunch of marigolds, it would be good to vary the size slightly to add to the natural effect.

MEET THE AUTHOR

"Hello! My name is Paula Milner – a multi-crafter, designer, illustrator and busy mum of two young boys. I started working on paper flower making around the time I began The Crafty Lass. I was looking for achievable crafts, with quick results and practical, beautiful makes. I just love how you can turn flat paper relatively quickly with a few simple techniques – into 3 dimensional flowers! They can be used for special occasions, evoke special meanings for people, and ideally – be treasured forever!"

"I discovered ‘floristry crepe’ and how incredibly stretchy, versatile it can be – moulding petals, and creating realistic blooms – and so quickly! I went on to create bespoke decorations for people’s weddings, to celebrate special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries and even business launches. I also started to teach Paper Flower Making at some of the biggest craft festivals across the UK. When the opportunity arose to write a book on paper flowers, I absolutely jumped at the chance!"

"My primary aim in The Crafty Lass is to allow adults to get creative in their spare time – to offer calming, supportive crafts that are realistic and achievable – and I really hope that Simple Paper Flowers, offers this. There are 25 projects to make from small delicate buttercups, to huge blowsy peonies, festive holly and sunny sunflowers. I can’t wait to see what you make!"