These eye-catching faux lotus flowers will never wilt. Mix and match shapes and colours to create a divine display for your day.
Y O U W I L L N E E D :
Self-healing cutting matt
Craft knife/scissors
Glue gun or craft glue
200gsm A4 coloured paper
Flower templates
S T E P O N E :
Make sure you have an uncluttered, solid working surface with plenty of light. Download the ‘Lotus & Rose’ template here. To make one lotus flower, print two copies of the template on A4 coloured paper and cut out. Note, that the template consists of petals of different sizes.
S T E P T W O :
Hold the paper firmly in position with one hand and cut out the petal templates with a craft knife.
S T E P T H R E E :
Cut out enough petals to make several flowers. Sort them into bundles, as this makes it easier to work with when you start the assembly.
S T E P F O U R :
Start shaping the petals by rolling the broad end inwards with the handle of the craft knife. For a larger, soft curled edge try using your fingers to roll the edges.
S T E P F I V E :
There are eight petals to each layer. Construction is made from the outer layer inwards. Begin by gluing four large petals, evenly spaced onto the round base with hot glue. Use the end of the craft knife to hold the petals in place while the glue dries.
S T E P S I X :
Glue the next four petals on top of the first four so that they fill the gaps between the original four petals. This will give you a complete layer.
S T E P S E V E N :
The next layer of petals are one size smaller. Repeat the placement of the petals and the gluing in the same manner as for the first layer.
S T E P E I G H T :
With the next size smaller petals repeat the process as for the previous layers.
S T E P N I N E :
To make the stamen centre, cut a fringe along one side of a strip of paper 15mm x 100mm long.
S T E P T E N :
Roll the fringed strip into a tight circle and glue into the centre of the flower.
N O T E :
As a variation construct the lotus with the petals turning outwards and with only a single layer.
E T V O I L A !
Arrange lotus flowers to make table runners, place holders, framed gifts and more!
Styling and Instructions: Gail MacDiarmid / Papercraft: Kate Robinson, KR Creative / Photography: Jane Allen