In the garden, a Rip City dahlia opens in layers of rich red that darken almost to black near the center. To capture that depth, we cut the petals from Extra-Fine Crepe Paper in Ruby and brush the base of each one with Violet Extra Dark PanPastel, so the shading pools toward the middle the way it does on the real flower. A tiny spun ball wrapped in Cardstock in Red Wine forms the tight, curled heart, and Double-Sided Crepe Paper in Green Tea/Cypress gives the leaves a lighter underside that catches the light. The stem gets wrapped in floral wire for a clean, natural finish.

Dahlias are native to Mexico, where they’re the national flower, and they’ve long stood for commitment and grace that lasts. That makes this bloom a thoughtful gift. Tuck a single stem into a bud vase for your Thanksgiving host, or tie one onto a holiday package in place of a bow. If you’d like a fuller arrangement, pair it with our Crepe Paper Peaches & Dreams Dahlia for a soft contrast against all that deep red. By the end of filming, our studio table was dusted with red pastel and curled petal scraps, which is always a good sign.

If you’re newer to crepe paper, our guide to choosing crepe paper for realistic flowers is a helpful place to start. The video workshop walks through every layer at a relaxed pace, and the printable template or SVG file handles the cutting for you. For an easy way into dahlias, our crepe paper flower kits include a Peaches & Dreams Dahlia kit with every paper and material packed in a pretty box, so all you need to add are your tools. When your Rip City dahlia is finished, we’d love to see it. Share a photo in our crafters’ community with #MadeWithLia.

FAQs

Can I make this dahlia without a cutting machine?
Yes. Print the template, trace it onto your crepe paper, and cut the petals by hand with craft scissors. If you do use a machine, our Cricut cutting chart lists the settings for each paper.

Is this project good for beginners?
Yes. The workshop shows each step up close, so you can pause and follow along at your own pace.

Can I make the dahlia in a different color?
Absolutely. Swap the Ruby for any Extra-Fine Crepe Paper shade and adjust the PanPastel to match. You can even make your own leaf colors with our tips for DIY double-sided crepe paper.

Will a crepe paper dahlia keep its shape?
Yes. Once the petals are cupped and glued, the bloom holds its form for years with a little dusting now and then.

 

Paper Flower Garden Master Class

Learn the techniques, shaping secrets, and artistry behind Lia’s most-loved flowers in this immersive master class experience. From delicate petals to lifelike movement, you’ll create stunning blooms step-by-step alongside Lia. Free for Annual and Craft Circle members.

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