I’ve been hard at work on some new paper flower designs for my best friends wedding. Today I will be sharing some trade secrets on how to make paper flowers using the Tim Holtz Tattered Florals Sizzix Die.
Tim’s Tattered Florals die has taken my paper flower making to new heights. I originally bought my Sizzix machine just so I could use the Tattered Florals die. If you don’t have it yet you are definitely going to want it once I show you what you can do with it!
If you aren’t sure about taking the plunge into die cutting you can get your feet wet by using paper punches. You can still use many of the techniques in this tutorial, just watch out for hand cramps! Check out my Paper Daisy Tutorial using punches and you’ll be on your way to making beautiful paper flower arrangements in no time!
How to Make Watercolor Paper Flowers
Just a heads up…this post is going to be photo heavy. We don’t want to leave out any of the glorious details now do we? Let’s get started and leave no petals uncurled!
Die Cutting Paper Flowers
I’ve cut all kinds of materials with the Tattered Florals Die. Everything from cardstock, grunge board, plastic, metal and more! Like I said, I LOVE this die. For today’s tutorial we will be using Watercolor Paper (I use Strathmore Cold Press)
*TIP* One of the best tips I can give you as you embark on your flower making journey is to create a template for your dies. I create my templates on scrap card stock and label them. This way you only have to measure once but can cut a bazillion times!
Not only does this save time, it also saves paper! I always find I need more of one size flower than another so I have created templates for each flower within the Tattered Florals Sizzix die. This allows me to cut exactly what I need and still get the most out of my paper.
I find myself always needing more of the large flowers. With the template I can cut as many big guys as I need…with no wasted paper! *Depending on the thickness of your Watercolor paper you should be able to cut 5 layers at a time.
Coloring Paper Flowers
To color my flowers I used some of my favorite products from Ranger Ink…Distress Ink and Distress Stains.
I layered the Distress Stains to acheive Dark and light tones. Some Flowers were sprayed with water first…resulting in an even lighter color.
*TIP* I like to work on a piece of wax paper when using Distress Stain. This way I can set the wax paper aside and if I need to make more flowers I can rejuvenate the leftover ink with a quick spritz of water…waste not want not…ya know what I’m sayin’?
You can dry your flowers with a heat tool or let them dry on their own. Edge your petals with a darker color of Distress Ink to add depth. *I used Dusty Concord Distress Ink.
Curling Petals
First things first, you will need to cut a slit between each petal. Don’t be shy…this is essential for the curling.
*TIP* Here’s another great Tip for ya! I recently discovered that the end of Tim’s Alterations Die Pick from Sizzix works wonders for cupping your flowers. Simply place the flowers on a foam mat or mouse pad and press down in the center with the die pick.
The Tim Holtz Alterations Die Pick also pokes the perfect sized hole through the center of your flowers (You will thank me later when you begin wiring). *I didn’t discover this magic until after this photo was taken…needless to say this rotten old pick is being put out to pasture! Good riddance!
Large Rose Curling
You can use whatever instrument you feel comfortable with to curl your petals. I use a chopstick. A paintbrush, stylus, bead reamer, skewer etc. will work too. Keep in mind the thinner the instrument the tighter the curl.
Start by curling each petal up and over towards the center. Roll the paper between your thumb and forefinger to set. Cup the petals together and curl the ends down slightly over your chopstick. Squeeze the freshly curled petals together and repeat!
Small Rose Curling
*Repeat steps for Large Rose to curl small rose petals
*TIP* For really full roses you will need 4 layers of the large flower and 2 layers of the small flower. For small roses combine 3 layers of the small flower.
Wiring Paper Flowers
To wire your paper flowers break out those beads and buttons from your stash. I like to combine beads with regular buttons to give them a little something extra. I always mix in some vintage buttons from my collection into paper flower arrangements…those I let stand on their own…no beading required!
You will need: 32 Gauge Wrapped Floral Wire and 26 Gauge Paddle Wire for this step.
*TIP* Place your flowers together before wiring to ensure a proper color blend. When you are satisfied with the look of your flower layers separate them to form an assembly line.
If you plan on making a full-sized flower arrangement (in a vase or large container) you will need 18 in of each type of wire. Consider the container or surface you will be “planting” your flowers on or in to determine the length of wire you will need.
*TIP* Use Tonic Scissors instead of Wire cutters for cutting wrapped floral wire to prevent unnecessary fraying. If your wrapped wire becomes frayed and difficult to thread through beads and buttons add a drop of clear nail polish to the frayed end.
When combining buttons and beads make sure you thread your bead on first!
Once you have your button threaded through the wire hold it between thumb and forefinger twisting all the way down.
Add a drop of Glossy accents to the back of the button.
Thread the first petal on and squeeze at the top to secure and mold around button.
*TIP* For troublesome flowers that don’t seem to want to grip flip your flower upside down and slide your fingers up to the base and press for 30 seconds.
Repeat these steps for each layer.
Here’s a little vintage sparkler I found in my button collection…I think this little lavender rose is my favorite!
Although this dark one with the vintage pearl button is a close second!
I really like the mix of tones in this one too…what do you think?
To view my tutorial on how I made the Hydrangea filler with the Tattered Floral Sizzix die Click Here. This little Watercolor paper flower arrangement is far from done! I’m working on cranking out more of these little beauties and turning them into a show stopping Wedding Day centerpiece. You won’t want to miss it…who knows I may add some new flower designs into the mix
Here are some links to the products used for this project…
*UPDATE*
The Centerpiece is complete! Check out the link list below for easy access to all of my Watercolor Paper Flower Tutorials!
I hope you enjoyed our Watercolor Paper Flower making adventure today! If you can’t get enough of Tim’s Tattered Florals check out some of my other arrangements using this versatile Sizzix die. Feeling flowery? Stop by Tim’s Blog and learn from the man behind this fabulous flower creating craft product …he’s having a Tattered Florals challenge sure to ignite your flower making mojo!
Need some more inspiration for your handmade flowers? Check out my Flower Fodder Pinterest board to find all kinds of handmade flower inspiration.
Have a flowery day!
Amy*
{ 37 comments… read them below or add one }
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I absolutely loved your tutorials.i use the sizzix dies all the ttime,but I don’t understand how to make the template . I am baffled and if u have detailed that on another post, would u direct me to it. You are a fabulously creative woman , so glad I found ur link thru pinter estate.
Thx a million,Marylou
I used your tutorial and made flowers for the throw-away bouquet and the cake, as well as some for decorations. Thank you sooooo much. Turned out beautifully. photo can be seen on my pinterest page under “my craft” Lori Houldsworth. Would love you to see it but can’t paste pic here
ps I should add..the photos of the cake are now there and I didn’t have the stain and couldn’t buy locally so did them by watercolour.Sprayed with a sealant so that they wouldn’t soak up any moisture from cake..note: don’t use sharpies to line around edges if you want to seal them, cos they run
Beautiful colors. Thank you for the great tutorial. The tattered floral die is amazing. Can’t wait to make some steamed flowers.
Take a peek at my Tattered Floral entries:
Rose Box – http://eridoodle.blogspot.com/2013/03/tattered-florals-vintage-rose-box.html
and
Lunch Bag rose – http://eridoodle.blogspot.com/2013/02/tim-holtz-tattered-florals-die-challenge.html
Best of luck in the Tim Holtz Tattered Florals challenge.
-Pam
Pam recently posted..Lunch bag rose Tim Holtz Tattered Florals die challenge
What a beautiful bouquet. Your step by step instructions are fabulous! Good luck.
Amy, those look so real I think I can smell the fragrance through the screen. GORGEOUS!
Marjie Kemper recently posted..Canvas with Dylusions ~ My First Video
Marjie…you are always giving me ideas! I may just have a mind to spray those flowers with some lavender spray so they really DO smell like flowers
Amy*
Beautiful! Thank you for this fabulous tutorial.
Cheryl (Shestamps) recently posted..Great Impressions Stamps Spring Bunny Hop
Very pretty
Thank you for sharing. Joanna
Beautiful flowers and a great tutorial . I had to smile at your inky fingers too!
Thanks Keren! Inky fingers *he-he*…I never leave home without them! I’m hoping that trend will catch on someday soon! Why paint just your finger nails when you can paint your whole hand!
Amy*
Beautiful flowers!! A friend has this die, so I’m thinking time for some flower making at our next crafty meeting. Thanks for sharing.
Flower making with a friend…it doesn’t get any better than that! Have tons of flowery fun Judy
Amy*
Oh my, Amy. These are simply lovely! I wish I had a tenth of your creativity. But then, I’d need an additional day each week!
I simply have to try these inks! I’m in love with these flowers

ColleenwithMurals&More recently posted..Wedding Tips From Ex-Florist
Colleen you will LOVE Distress Stains! They are so versatile and easy to use…I’ve used them to dye everything from ribbon to wood and they make watercolor painting a breeze! I can’t wait to see what kinds of magic you could create with these given your amazing painting skills
Thanks so much for the kind words.
Amy*
So glad I checked the Moxie Fab blog today since your tutorial is listed. You’ve created really beautiful flowers and a great tutorial. Thanks so much for sharing.
Awesome flowers!! Great tutorial, thanks for sharing!
Cindy C. recently posted..CIC #199
Awesome!! You make gorgeous paper bouquet! Thanks for sharing!
Fantastic tutorial Amy and I love the bouquet you’ve created from these flowers. Absolutely beautiful. Hugs, Jenny x
Buttons recently posted..Best Foot Forward
These flowers are incredible, and your tutorial – as your DIYs always are – is so clearly outlined. I love the large images too, so we can see up close what you did and see how beautiful the flowers are! Saw your project uploaded to Tim’s floral challenge linky!

Laura / The Shed / Pet Scribbles / Socks for Sandy recently posted..How to Stencil a Canvas Tote Bag
WOW! I am just floored!!!! Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous and a tutorial too! You can bet I’ll be making some of these TODAY! Thanks for showing us how you did them!
just saw this linked on the Moxie Fab World. Its fabulous!
Your flowers are wonderful, and your tutorial is fabulous. I’ve pinned it!
ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(Found you through Moxie Fab!) 
Great tutorials, Amy!
You did a great job, both on your flowers and the tutorial. You deserve to win! Good luck and thanks for the tip (especially handy) on making the size templates. I made some flowers with fabric scraps and this was such a help!
Emily you are so sweet! I would be over the moon excited if I won
I’m so glad you found the tutorial helpful…I’ve wasted so much paper in the past and the template is a life saver! Can’t wait to check out your fabric flowers!
Amy*
Stunning-one of the best projects in Tim’s linky!
Margie Visnick recently posted..Paper Smooches: February DT Blog Hop
Thank you Marjie! I’m totally flattered…and might be blushing a little
Amy*
Hello Amy, this is a fabulous tutorial, so clear to follow! I love my Tattered Florals die too and as D2 is getting married this year you have given me real inspiration to help her with her floral arrangement – thank you. Your completed project is stunning! Hugs, Anne x
Anne recently posted..My Flower Garden
Thank you so much Anne! I’m so glad you liked the tutorial. I have another one coming out today on how to make the Hydrangea’s and will be showing how to create a centerpiece with the flowers coming on March 6.
Thanks again for the kind words…made my day!
Amy*
WOWZER!!! Amy, these are smokin hot tutorials! :). I can’t never have enough of them :). The watercolor flowers are beautiful and close to my heart :). THANKS!!
oh by the way it was me earlier, I forgot to leave my email :P.
Shahrul Niza recently posted..more of my Life Art Journal pages
Lovely! Thank you for the explanations!
Holy crap those are gorgeous. Great tutorial too. Drool.
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