Make a Paper Dahlia for Fall
It is time for another paper flower! Dahlia’s are one of my all-time favorites, partly because my name is included in the letters of this luscious bloom. Dahlias come in a variety of colors and shapes so I picked a rich plum with a irregular petal pattern as my inspiration.
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I will not lie, this is not the simplest flower I have made. With so many petals to cut and form, it takes some commitment, but is worth every minute when you see how gorgeous it looks complete. I will be using these finished plum blooms on my Thanksgiving table post later this week, so stay tuned on how you can make a bold statement that is sure to awe your guests. I have prepared a step-by-step tutorial for you to follow. Remember that this kind of flower does work better with a text weight rather than a card stock paper since the latter does not curl smoothly. For the flowers in these photos I have used a metallic plum text weight from paperpapers.com called Ruby. You can find all of the tools and materials needed listed on the right hand side at the top of this post – including links to our top-match paper picks from our shop for this project.
Just follow my tutorial to make these flowers. You may even try small glue dots rather than hot glue to avoid glue strings. At the end of the post you will find the buttons for the downloads for members. Enjoy! ~ Lia
Tools
Materials
- Lia Griffith Frosted Craft Paper – Berry Pack Color: #2 and Stone Fruit Color: #4
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Leave a CommentThank you for the quick clarification – can’t wait t make it!
These are beautiful! When I download the svg file it only unzips to one page (page 2). Am I missing something in not finding page 1?
Hi! I just checked the SVG file and it looks correct to me. The one file has everything you need– the file name just has a 2 in it 🙂
I am interested in making this as a large/giant flower for wall decor. Any suggestions for sizing?
Fun! We created a large dahlia from felt but this technique could work with paper: https://liagriffith.com/giant-felt-dahlia-wall-art/
Hi Lia,
I wonder I’d like to create my own SVG cutting template, can you please show me a bit which tool or software I can use? I want to create the center for daisy but I don’t see it in your collection.
Thank you so much!
We actually have a paper daisy right here!
My husband has just bought me a Cricut Explore Air sadly it’s still in the box because I am having to clear out the dining room so we can redecorate and change the room into more multipurpose/craft based.
Until we finish I can’t try out my new machine and am still relying on hand drawing and cutting patterns. But it’s good practice I look forward to trying this dahlia it’s beautiful I love your paper choices.
I am currently in a lot of pain due to a back problem so find paper flower making takes my mind of the pain and gives me something to focus on. My husband treated me to membership for a year and I know you are going to inspire me! Thank you
Karen
What a wonderful husband to cheer you up! The machine is going to revolutionize your paper flower making. So much more fun to create than cut out the flowers:-) Hope you feel better soon!
Lia,
I did my first attempt and it turned out okay for a 1st try, but my hot glue is not staying! I am using the same paper you used, just in navy blue. Any suggestions?
Thanks!
Megan
The hot glue may need to be warmer. Some glue guns vary so its a little tricky to find the right one.
HI Lia
I’m just after a little advice – I have made this flower but as I’ve stuck each of the 4 petal layers on top of each other it’s all a bit of a tight squeeze and the 4 petal bits are ripping – am i maybe curling too close to the centre? Also i’m finding with my glue gun even set on low you have to be so quick sticking the extra petals in so hard to be accurate. Is it all just about practise? I’ve hand cut everything so trying not to get demoralised as I have to throw away damaged petals and start again.
Thanks for any advice from anyone 🙂
This flower is extra delicate because there are so many little pieces! It is definitely a tight squeeze with this flower, that’s the only way to make it look realistic unfortunately. The lower the temperature of your glue, the faster it will dry. If you want, you can try bumping up the heat setting a bit to see if that helps. Just be careful not to burn yourself! It’s not necessarily that you are curling too close to the center. I would suggest being gentle and holding the middle of the four pieces with your other hand, supporting where it normally rips (the smallest part). Best of luck!!
Thanks Lia, I will definitely try the hotter setting on the glue gun – i’m getting the hang of it still releasing glue even when i’m not pressing the trigger!
It’s a gorgeous flower and I did a big version first to try it out, so yes I guess the smaller I get the more delicate I need to be.
Thanks again 🙂
Hi, love you blog and will finally be able to get working on your amazing craft as I recently got engaged. Had one quick question. Can steams be attached to these flowers so they can be added to a bouquet and how would I go about doing that? My colours are purple and grey and this particular flower has been calling my name for over a year now. :). Thanks for sharing your amazing creativity with us, I’m hooked. 🙂
Wonderful to hear!! Yes, you can add stems. One technique I use is to add the wire to the back then cover it with paper. Here is an example of that: https://liagriffith.com/my-best-paper-flower-anemone/
Thank you. Is there a way to get this file for the Cricut? Got my Cricut on Monday and just realised this flowers cuts with the silhouette. Started making the roses and they just look lovely. Thanks in advance.
Hi Jules! Thank you for letting me know! Some of my original posts are from when I was still using a Silhouette, so I should go back a make sure all of those are updated. I will post the svg file for this on Monday 🙂
I can’t wait for the svg file for this! These are gorgeous!!
I am sorry for the delay, I just uploaded the SVG file! I hope you enjoy!!
I am a rooking with my Cricut. Is the file still in the Silhouette format? I can’t get it to open on the design space. I can’t wait to give these a try!
Thanks!
This file is still in Silhouette format! I will convert that asap 🙂
how do I print the instructions for the Dahlias without all comments>
Try Print Preview and only print the pages you need.
I love these paper dahlias! I was looking for the svg file to cut these with my Cricut Explore…am I missing it? Thanks for sharing your amazing work!! I have just ordered the paper from Paper-Papers to make the Hydrangea wreath and would love to make these as well.
Hi Karla, have fun with the hydrangea wreath. It is still one of my favorites!! There is a svg file, it just says Silhouette since I was using that machine back then. You should be able to use any svg file for the Cricut but give their Customer Service team a call if you have questions, they should be able to help. Enjoy!
Made this for the first time, turned out pretty well! Any tips for “hiding” the glue (from a glue gun)? I had strings and clumps all over.
Use a low temp which will let you control how much glue you use. Then, just take a few minutes to take off the strings. That is what I do. 😉
I hate glue strings! After making my flowers I just run a heat gun over the flower and the glue strings just disappear! Be careful not to get too close or hold in one spot too long! BTW Love all of the paper flowers Lia!
Thank you!
Merci pour toutes les belles choses que vous faites et que vous nous donnez. Je fabrique pleins de choses grâce à vous. Encore merci. Marie
Thank you so much Mary!!
Thank you so much for generousity in sharing your gift and your templates. I am home ill and origami has really helped me to concentrate on something other than the pain. I appreciate your post!
Hi Cheryl, thank you for reaching out. My goal is to inspire and teach so it makes me really happy to hear that it is taking your mind off other things. Sorry to hear that you aren’t feeling feel, I will be thinking of you!
These are some of the prettiest paper flowers I have seen anywhere. I jus love them. How clever you are and thank you for sharing these with us.
Thanks Rebecca 😉
Very beautiful.. love your flowers. Thank you for sharing.
You are so welcome!
Absolutely beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing this Lia! I am going to make my first one today and can’t wait!
That is great! Note that you are choosing the most difficult of my flowers to choose from. 😉 But the results are worth it.
Although it was a more difficult one to do it turned out amazing! I’m going to try the tulip next! Thank you so very much for sharing all these wonderful ideas! I am following you on all your social links and just love your creativity! Keep up the amazing work! xx
That is wonderful!! If you can make the dahlia. . . you can make any of my flowers. 😉
HI LISA,
I DO LOVE ALL THE BEAUTIFUL IDEMS YOU HAVE DONE, Q: I DO HAVE A CRICUT BUT IT IS NOT THE NEWER ONE CAN I DOWN THE TEMPLATE ON MY CRICUT THANK YOU MARIE
Hi Marie, sadly the older Cricuts do not let you upload designs, however, there may be a possibility that mine will be added into their store. I am currently working on a group of project with them right now that will be launched in the next few months.
Lia… Not sure if you already answered this question … I’m cutting out the Dahlia’s with my Silhouette using the Ruby Stardream Metallic paper what should my settings be on Silhouette?
I can’t stop making flowers … Thanks for all your help!!!!!
That is fantastic! I had it set on a 2 for most of the thinner paper and a 3 for card stock.
Lia,
Your Paper Dahlias are beautiful! Do you know if I can use my Cricut to upload the template?
Thanks for sharing!
Bridget
You will be able to use the new Cricut as it will allow you to upload your own files.
thank you for this tutorial
i try to make it on 1/12
amicalement
Good to know! Thanks Claude.
Lia I am so excited to have found you . I want to make everything .Have made some more dahlias and will have a go at putting them on wires . Am going to make one from vintage music paper ……
Have also made some feathers that look like real feathers . Can you tell me how you glittered yours ?
A huge thank you
Sue x
I am excited too! Here is the post where I glittered the feather tips. https://liagriffith.com/make-a-paper-feather-garland-with-glittering-tips/
Have just made my first Dahlia in pearlescent cream ( all I had and couldn’t wait to get started).I just love it .Did the cutting out by hand but will be getting my silhouette out to do some more .Must get some different coloured paper .
Lia thanks for your generosity in sharing . What would you recommend to put it in a wire
Big thank you Sue
Yay! So good to hear. I would wire them like I do the paper mums. You make a spiral at the top of the wire and glue it to the back, covering it with a disc.
Just discovered you and love all your creations but have been unable to download the templates . Have tried the lovely feather and Dahlia without success ,Internet just stops working . Is there another way to get the templates .
Regard Sue x
Are you downloading the PDF or the Silhouette files? The PDF opens another window but the Silhouette will open as a pop up. Your browser may have that blocked. Check that out and let me know. We will figure it out.
I love your dahlia’s but before I try can you tell me what text weight paper is please? The paper in England is in gsm.
I have only just discovered your blog so not only am I excited about making the Dahlias but also you other makes.
Thank you so much for sharing 🙂
I don’t know the gsm but you can use anything lighter than a card stock. The heavy paper does not curl as nicely.
bonjour, je viens de France et désire savoir ou trouver le papier métallique. J’aime beaucoup votre travail. Merci
I am not sure where to find it there. Maybe check a stationery store? Thanks for your sweet words.
This is beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
You are so welcome Kathy!
These are gorgeous! You almost can’t tell they’re made from paper! 🙂
http://cafecraftea.blogspot.com/
Thanks Vanessa!
Beautiful dahlia! I shall look forwad to making this
Enjoy! They are a bit time intense but worth it! 🙂
I’m a mixed media artist and construct botanical subjects which I then paint. So all my works are 3 dimensional or at least heavily textured. I’ve been studying many different methods to make paper flowers so that they look realistic and not like a ‘craft’. This is one of the best tutorials I’ve found yet and I will definitely be using this. My challenge will be to paint the flowers afterwards!
I guess you are right, that is how my flowers are different. Less crafty looking. I can’t wait to see what you do with them in your art. Do share.
Great, a quick questions though… for the first “cone” what part do you glue?
I am also struggling with gluing the first 3 and 2nd of the 3 4-way petals together, do you glue the middles?
Yes, I glue in the center of the cross to make a stack of petals.
I glue at the bottom where the petal crosses over.
ahh okay, I guess I am just not doing it right…when I glue the centers the petals angle to high.. :-/
You can squish them down a bit. It makes the tighter together which is good too.
Really cool, thanks for sharing 🙂
You are so welcome!
Dahlias are one of my favorite flowers. As a floral designer, I must say that these are gorgeous. Love the color you selected.
Thanks Mimi! I owned a flower shop a while back too. Love working with fresh flowers.
Totally going to try and make these but for a headband for my little girl’s holiday dress. Wish me luck!
It is a pretty large bloom. Maybe try this with a thin felt to keep it soft?
Your dahlias are gorgeous! I adore them and can’t wait to try them out. I also love the overall design and aesthetic of your blog. Beautiful!
Thanks Karen! I love your site and your business vision. 🙂
i love the dahlias – they are one of my favorites. i even had them as our wedding flower. i will try my hand at recreating this. 🙂
You go! Come on over and use my cutter if you like. Maybe we should get a group together and do a crafty gift wrap night at my house. . . just for fun. Idea.
These are beautiful! I love these and I am definitely going to try to make one. BTW, so fun meeting you at the PNWBlogger event. Hopefully we can connect again.
Good to meet you too. Love your blog! We will cross paths again, I can feel it. 😉
STUN.NING!!!! These kind of took my breath away. What a rich and fresh color for a Thanksgiving table with those metallics. LOVE! We’ll have to see if I have as much patience as you. 😉 (p.s. emailed you last night.)
Thanks Dana! I made them in front of the TV one night watching my favorite show. That helps. 😉
Okay, Ill try it. I think I’ll pull a little Psych up on Netflix and paper craft away! This will be my first TRUE handcraft with paper so we’ll see how it goes. Dahlias are my fave too! 😉
You go girl! I am wishing I could cut them for you on my Silhouette. 😉
Hee-hee I wish you could too, only cuz that would mean we were neighbors! 😉 But my mom actually has one! Lucky me! As soon as I feel up to it, we’re going to do them together. Plum is her favorite color and she ADORED these! I’ve been looking all week for good paper with no luck though. Probably will have to order from your place and do them later. I would much rather have instant gratification! 😉 thx, girl.
That would be fun. . . we could talk adrenal over a cup of tea 🙂
so grateful you made these for silhouette! This is my favorite flower to date!
Thanks Amy! I LOVE them too. 🙂
Guauuu….Una meravella, BEAUTIFUL flower
Thanks , i want to do that o …. make???hehehe, ( i don’t know what word is right),
Una abraçada.
Hi Anna! Glad you like them!
Thank you for the Silhouette template!
You are welcome! I will be sharing more of those too.
Gorgeous. Links still aren’t working.any way you can email me the pattern? I would really appreciate it. Thanks.
They are working. Double check your browser settings. I am thinking that is the issue.
Hermosas!!! absolutely beautiful!!! thanks for sharing!! a warn hug from the caribbean!!
🙂
Thanks Wanda! A warm hug is perfect for this nippy Portland fall weather. 😉
Love these!!! Let the Dahlia making begin!!!! Beautiful!!!!
Share photos when you are done!!
Forgot to ask, what paper are the leaves? I love it.
I used Gold Leaf from paper-papers. This pattern is coming tomorrow. I am using them for name cards on my Thanksgiving table.
They’re beautiful! I can’t wait to try to make them.
Glad you like them! They are totally worth the time it takes. 😉
Stunning as usual! Can’t wait to try them out. Highlight of my week!
Thanks Jennifer!
soooooo gorgeous!
Thanks Amy!
Beautiful again – the colours look stunning. I love your photography too!
Thanks Jackie! If I had to choose a new career, it would be a food photographer.
Fiori meravigliosi…bravissima
Thanks! I love getting messages in Italian. 🙂
I’m in love with these. I would love to use them for boutonnieres for my summer wedding. However, it won’t let me click on the printable template.
Thanks! Fixed the links. 🙂
I can’t download the PDF of the printable pattern. (tried both Safari and Firefox)
Thanks for letting me know Lisa. I fixed the links.
These are gorgeous…almost real… am so in love with your blog! 🙂
Following you all around ! 🙂
Thanks Nidhi! That just made my day. You are a dear!
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