In case I haven’t mentioned this before, I’m a summer girl through and through. And just to be clear, nothing says summer like a spectacular sunflower does.
Growing tall, then reaching even higher, their happy heads always looking toward the sun, until they grow so heavy they can’t lift them any longer.
The petals are velvety soft. Yellow like the sun. Red like fire.
Every year I plant sunflowers in my flower and vegetable gardens. I love watching them grow, soaring higher and higher as the summer progresses. They are marvelous.
Eventually, though, as with all flowers, my sunflowers fade and fall, seed heads pillaged by the birds.
But guess what? I have found a way to enjoy sunflowers all year long!
Giant Paper Sunflowers
A year or two ago (I lose track of time so easily sometimes!) I found a blog post by Jennifer Maker on how to make a giant paper sunflower. Intrigued, I quickly set out to make her sunflower. And I loved it!
I know that she often uses real flowers when creating her patterns. I just had to try my hand at a pattern, too.
Since I have lots of sunflowers right outside my back door, I used them to create my petals and seed head designs. (You can find them in my Maker Library.)
For example, I traced four different petals for my Giant Paper Sunflower project. Then I used the seed head from a backyard sunflower to create a stamped image. Afterward, I used that image as the base for my seed head.
It took a while to create the patterns since I am learning graphic design. All things considered, I think the patterns turned out pretty well. I am sure that I will hone the designs later, but for now, I am happy with them!
Watch my Giant Paper Sunflower tutorial here:
Paper Sunflower Decor
While sunflowers shout summertime, we also see sunflowers used quite a bit in autumn decor. For instance, many fall wreaths include some of the darker yellow and red sunflowers. And further, many outside entryway displays use sunflowers, including the stalks.
Yes! This means I can indulge my sunflower obsession a bit longer.
For your convenience, I included affiliate links which means I may make a commission, but it won’t cost you any more. Read my entire disclosure here.
Materials list
- Patterns or SVG files from Maker Library
- Cardstock, yellow or red
- Cardstock, green
- Cardstock, black
- Cardstock, brown or tan
- Scoring tool or bone folder
- Hot glue gun
- Glue Sticks
- Craft Glue
- Cricut Maker
- Cutting Mats
- Cricut Tools (scraper, etc.)
- Scissors (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Giant Paper Sunflowers
Ready to get started?
In the video tutorial, I show you two sunflowers. One has the traditional yellow petals, and the other has reddish petals. Each sunflower has a green base, green sepals, and a seed head that uses both black and brown cardstock.
As with most DIY paper flower projects, solid core cardstock makes much prettier flowers than white core cardstock. Obviously, the solid core cardstock will result in better edges on your paper sunflower.
Step 1. Cut The Petals and Seed Head For Paper Sunflower
Firstly, download the SVGs from my Maker Library and then upload them to Cricut Design Space or other cutting software. For your convenience, all the patterns are grouped together, so if you want to adjust the size (e.g., make a smaller flower), it will be easier to scale BEFORE you ungroup.
Next, cut each petal (24 total), seed head layers (2 layers), and the base following the prompts in Design Space. There is also an optional sepal pattern if you want to add a back to your sunflower.
Step 2. Score and Curl The Petals
The next step is to use a scoring tool or bone folder to make score lines in each petal. I add one score line down the center of the petal, then two shorter score lines on either side of the center score line. On some petals, I only add two score lines.
After adding score lines, I use my scraper to curl the petals and sides toward the back.
(Meanwhile, plug in your hot glue gun, so that it is ready for Step 4).
Step 3. Build The Seed Head
The seed head is composed of two layers. The bottom layer is solid, and I use black cardstock for it. The top layer has holes to show where the sunflower seeds were. To mimic the look of a real sunflower, I make it out of brown or tan cardstock. Using craft glue, glue the top ‘holey’ layer to the solid, black layer. Put aside.
Step 4. Glue The Petals For The Paper Sunflower
Now, you should have 24 petals for the sunflower which is a typical number for a sunflower. Most sunflowers have two layers of petals, so you will have 12 petals for each layer.
The green circle is the base. Using a hot glue gun, add glue to the back of a petal at the bottom. Place the petal on the green base about 1.25 inches from the edge.
NOTE: I believe the sunflower looks better if you begin the petals layer 1.25 inches in from the outside edge of the circle. This allows the seed head to overlap the petals, lending a more natural look to the flower.
Continue to hot glue the other 11 petals on the outer layer. I place petals at 12 o’clock, then 6, 9, 3. From there, I fill in the gaps until I have placed all 12 petals.
The next step is to build the top layer of petals. To do this, begin the top layer approximately 1.25 inches from the petals on the bottom layer. Using the same method as described above, glue and position the remaining 12 petals. The interior of the base will be mostly covered by petal edges when finished.
NOTE: Since two petal patterns are a bit shorter than the other two, I save them for the end and add them wherever I see gaps.
Step 5. Add Sepals (optional) and Seed Head
If you are creating the giant sunflower with the sepals, add the sepal layer to the BACK of the petals.
Finally, on the flip side of the giant flower, glue the seed head. If desired, you can use large foam dots or squares to adhere the seed head to the petals. This will also build depth to the seed head.
Now comes the best part! Add your giant paper sunflower to your wall decor or place it in a vase!
Recap of Giant Paper Sunflower Project
Sunflowers are delightful and super versatile! And if you make paper sunflowers, you can enjoy them all year long.
So if you love sunflowers as much as I do, and you want to use some in your fall decor, make these giant paper sunflowers. Please share your makes here or on my Facebook page!
Additional Reading:
How To Make Amazing Rolled Paper Roses
Create A Quick And Easy Giant Paper Flower
How To Make Beautiful Layered Paper Flowers…
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