Simple paper flowers from layered shapes

Begin with three related shapes

Draw a flower with five or six broad petals on scrap paper. Cut it out and use it as a starting point for two smaller versions. The petals need not be perfectly identical, but keep a connected central area wide enough to survive cutting. A flower about 3 inches, or 8 centimeters, across is comfortable for a first attempt.

Light craft paper is easy to shape. Heavy cardstock tends to remain flat and does not need to be forced into a curl. Avoid cutting the spaces between petals all the way to the middle, where you need room for the joins. Stack the three shapes without glue to judge their sizes and colors first.

Offset the layers

For a slight curve, draw a petal gently over a round pencil. Do not pinch it against a sharp edge with your fingernail. The aim is to round the paper, not score or scrape it. Try the movement on an extra petal to discover how readily that particular paper bends.

Place the largest shape at the bottom and rotate the next one so its petals partly fill the gaps below. Glue only the central area. The outer portions stay free to hold their shape. Add the smallest layer in the same way. A small paper disk covers the join without needing a heavy bead or a large drop of adhesive.

Choose a suitable destination

A flatter flower can decorate a greeting card; a more rounded version can sit on a parcel. Before decorating a card, check the envelope. A flower that looks good on the table may be crushed as soon as it slides inside. For a mailed card, keep the layers flat and avoid hard embellishments.

To make the decoration removable, attach the flower to a separate paper band rather than directly to the gift. Let every layer dry before handling it. This construction does not need a wire stem and is not intended to stand in water. Save a few plain templates rather than a large supply of finished flowers. The same outlines can become different combinations when new scraps are available.