Gardenia flowers are very fragrant and are often used in perfume making, but the petals are brittle and cause this flower to turn color quickly. With this DIY paper gardenia you can have the elegance of the gardenia in a lasting form.
Download and print the gardenia petals PDF on white or cream paper and then print the leaf template on green paper. Cut the flower petals. Use the edge of your scissors to crimp each petal on flowers #1 and #2, vertically and horizontally (two crimps per petal).
Double the petals of the n. 1 in a cone shape and pass them in the same direction to form a pinwheel. Roll the cone in your fingers several times to tighten the shape.
Rotate the cone and with the edge of your fingernail, flatten the bottom five corners of the cone to create a round shape.
Glue the cone in the center of flower #2.
Twist the petals of flower #2 around the inner cone, repeating the direction of the petals and the shape.
Turn over and over and flatten the bottom corners with the edge of your nail to create a more circular shape.
Use the edge of the scissors to curl petals 3 through 6.
Curl each edge of the petal or angle it back in a different direction. Gardenia petals tend to be organic and uneven. Each petal can be different and will look more natural with variety.
Glue petals #3 and #4 together by arranging the petals so they line up with each other. Do the same with petals #5 and #6.
Glue matched pieces #3 and #4 into positions #5 and #6, again turning so you can see all 12 petal tips.
Center and glue the petal cone onto the stack of petals.
Gently open cone n. 2 and fold the stacked petals into the nesting cone.
Fold the sheet in half and use the edge of the scissors to fold both edges of the sheet.
Turn the gardenia over and glue the leaf to the back with the fold facing you.
For a single gardenia, glue a hair clip, mini clothespin, flower magnet, or ribbon to the back.
For the stemmed gardenia, cut a round green circle and make a slit from one side to the center.
Make a coil for the end of a floral wire and slide the wire through the slot in the paper circle.
Stick the paper disc to the back of the gardenia.
Starting at the base of the flower, wrap the floral tape around the wire, gently stretching to activate the sticky texture.
Use paper gardenias to decorate your party or your home.
The metallic sculpted petals will last a long time and make a perfect keepsake for a special gift.
