A few days ago, we shared our first paper zig-zag plant with you and promised to post the tutorial for another new plant we pictured. So, here it is! Our paper rattlesnake plant.

We have our designer Krista to thank for this new plant. And today we’re going to show you how she made it so you can craft it on your own. While the plant itself is easy to make, we consider this an intermediate project because of the coloring involved. But never fear! If you want to make this paper rattlesnake plant, our photo tutorial will show you exactly how to color in these leaf markings with art markers.

It’s all in the details

The key to recreating any plant you find in nature is noting its characteristics. The rattlesnake plant is part of the calathea family, which has ornate markings on the top of the leaf. Underneath the leaf, the color changes to a beautiful shade of burgundy or reddish purple. To see another example of this plant, here’s a crepe paper calathea plant we designed last year.

If you love to decorate your space with plants, this paper rattlesnake is a great one to make. Both the colors and markings of this plant are stunning, just like a piece of art. And because you created it yourself, it truly will be one of a kind!

When you’re ready to make your paper rattlesnake plant, just download our leaf pattern below. If you have a cutting machine, you can use our SVG file. Or, you can cut the pattern by hand with our PDF template. Then just follow our step-by-step tutorial!

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Tools

• Cricut Maker or Silhouette Cameo 4 (recommended)
• Craft Knife, Cutting Mat (if cutting by hand)
• Paintbrush
• Needle-Nose Pliers/Wire Cutters

Materials

• Text Weight Paper — PaperPapers Poptone Gumdrop Green
• Lia Griffith Cardstock — Red Pack: Wine
• Art Markers — Blick Studio Brush Markers in Dark Green (049), Cool Gray (029), and Blender (0)
• Floral Wire – 18-Gauge Paper Covered Green
• Brown Floral Tape
• Mod Podge – Matte
• Small Plant Pot and Foam (to fit)
• Decorative Stones or Moss

How to Make a Paper Rattlesnake Plant

1. Gather your craft tools and materials. Download the plant pattern below.
2. Cut out your paper pieces according to the pattern, using a craft knife or cutting machine (recommended). Our plant has nine leaves total, three in each size.
3. Color the outer edges of a leaf, blending inward, using a green art marker and blender.
4. Draw two thin parallel lines down the middle of the leaf.

Full tutorial available for members. Join here!

Join Us!

If you have any questions while crafting your paper rattlesnake plant, let us know. When you’re done, post your masterpiece on Instagram or Facebook with the hashtag #MadeWithLia so we can spot it! You can also share it on our Facebook page for members.

For daily DIY ideas, join us on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram. Or browse our YouTube channel for videos on how to make paper flowers, plants, and more.