DIY Giant Paper Cherry Blossom Backdrop Tutorial

I have been wanting to make some cherry blossoms for Lunar New Year decorations but decided to go big and make it into a backdrop. I’ll guide you through the process of making a stunning giant paper cherry blossom. This project is also perfect for weddings, birthdays, retail displays, or any event needing an elegant touch of spring! Let’s get started.

Before You Begin

Step 1: Cutting the Center Pieces

  1. Cut the center fringe pattern using a cutting machine or by hand. You’ll need two pieces for each cherry blossom.

  2. Apply pink watercolor to the bottom straight edge and stroke the color onto the right and left sides of the paper. Add yellow to the circles in the pattern and sprinkle pink dots on some of the circles. Allow the pieces to dry.

  3. Separate the fringe and keep the side strips from the leftover paper and set them aside. Flip the pieces over and repeat the coloring process on the backside.

Step 2: Cutting the Petals

  1. Use the templates to cut:

    • Five large petals (2 versions of the pattern to create variation) per cherry blossom.

    • Five smaller petals for the small blossom.

  2. Add pink watercolor to the bottom stem area of each petal, blending slightly into the petal.

  3. For hand-cutting, print the pattern or cut one petal, and use it as a stencil to cut the remaining petals.

Step 3: Cutting the Leaves

  1. We need a total of 7 for our 7 cherry blossoms, 1 per blossom.

Step 4: Assembling the Center

  1. Stack the leftover strips and cut them in half to create four strips. Then cut the center pattern down the middle for four total pieces.

  2. Attach a thin wire (22 or 24 gauge) to the end of the center fringe by bending a loop and gluing it in place.

  3. Roll the fringe tightly around the wire, gluing every few turns to secure.

  4. Add additional leftover strips in between each layer for center fringe, gluing as you go to prevent unraveling. Shape the fringe by curling it slightly outward.

Step 5: Shaping the Petals

  1. Shape the petals by gently curling the edges side to side and top to bottom. Use a PVC pipe, stick, or pencil for shaping.

  2. Add a floral wire to the back of each leaf using glue to provide structure.

  3. Attach the petals to the leaves by gluing the tapered ends of the petals onto the floral wire.

Step 6: Creating the Branch

  1. Use thick floral wire (16 gauge) for the branch structure.

  2. Wrap foil around the wire to add thickness and proportion.

  3. Create removable pockets for flower stems using shipping tape and masking tape. This allows for easy transportation and storage.

  4. Wrap the entire branch, including the pockets, with brown crepe paper and glue it in place.

Step 7: Attaching the Flowers

  1. Insert the floral wire stems of the flowers into the pockets on the branch.

  2. Arrange the flowers, mixing large and small blossoms.

Step 8: Setting Up the Stand

  1. Here’s a detailed post on how to make the stand and stem https://www.handmadebysarakim.com/blog/2025/1/7/diy-giant-flower-stand-and-stem

  2. I also have a stand + stem kit I sell- https://www.handmadebysarakim.com/shop/stand

  3. Shape the PVC pipe into a sturdy stand and attach the branches using masking tape.

  4. Wrap the PVC pipe with brown crepe paper, leaving the pocket areas open for flower attachment.

  5. Arrange the branches and flowers to create a full, elegant display.

Your giant paper cherry blossom backdrop is now ready! You could also find the full video tutorial here- https://youtu.be/negWUBxLFUc These beautiful flowers are perfect for any event, and their removable design makes them easy to transport and store. For an even fuller display, consider creating additional blossoms.

Thank you for crafting with me! Please like this post, subscribe to my Youtube channel, and share your creations. Happy crafting!

-Sara Kim

Sara KimDIY, paperflowersComment