In fact, we first designed our Crepe Paper Buckeye Belle Peony for the 2025 Craft Summit, held here in Portland, Oregon, and online for our virtual attendees. It shared the craft table with two other summit projects, our Crepe Paper Salmon La Belle Ranunculus and our Pink Berry Branch.

In this workshop, we'll recreate the deep red flower petal by petal. First, we'll cut large, rounded guard petals from Double-Sided Crepe Paper. Then we'll cup each one so it holds its shape around the center.

The center is where this flower gets interesting. Unlike a fully double peony, Buckeye Belle is semi-double. Its inner petals are narrower and a little unruly, with golden stamens peeking out between them. So instead of packing the center tight, we'll leave room for those flecks of gold to show through.

Because this is an advanced project, plan to take your time with the shaping. A gentle, steady stretch gives smoother curves than one quick pull, and that's especially true with darker papers, where every crease shows.

The Buckeye Belle peony has a story worth knowing. Walter Mains introduced it in Ohio, the Buckeye State, in 1956. Decades later, it earned the American Peony Society's Gold Medal. Peonies have long been associated with honor and good fortune, which makes this one a meaningful gift.

In a vase, one Buckeye Belle peony holds its own. It also sits beautifully beside the ranunculus from the same summit collection. Alternatively, add it to our Ginger Spice October Arrangement, where its burgundy petals anchor the warmer golds and pinks.

When your Buckeye Belle peony is finished, share it in our crafters' community and on social using #MadeWithLia.

FAQs

What makes the Buckeye Belle peony different from other peonies?
Its color and its shape. The petals are a deep mahogany red, and the semi-double center shows off golden stamens instead of hiding them.

Is this peony a good project for beginners?
It's an advanced project, so we recommend starting with Crepe Paper Foundations Series if you're brand new to crepe paper.

Why use double-sided crepe paper for the petals?
Double-sided crepe paper gives each petal two shades. As a result, the burgundy shifts in tone as the petals curve.

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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