How to Make a Giant Paper Tulip

I’m excited to share a tutorial on how to make a giant paper tulip with cardstock paper. This oversized flower is perfect for creating beautiful backdrops for weddings, birthdays, special events, spring decor, Easter displays, and more! Whether you’re using a Cricut, Silhouette, or cutting by hand, I’ve got tips to make the process easy and fun. Let’s get started!

Supplies Needed:

• Giant Tulip Template- https://www.handmadebysarakim.com/digital-templates/gianttulip

• Regular size tulip template- https://www.handmadebysarakim.com/digital-templates/tulip-template

• PVC Pipe 3/4 inch varying 6 ft tall - https://bit.ly/3VsRqLs

• 3/4 inch coupler- https://bit.ly/45Td0gu

• Concrete- https://bit.ly/45PSkWM

• Mod Podge- https://bit.ly/3SE6xz

• Cardstock Paper 8x11 or 12x12 use discount code “SARAKIM10”- https://www.12x12cardstock.shop/sarakim

• Thick Floral Wire for Leaves or bigger petals- https://bit.ly/3R20EwW

• Thin Floral Wire for petals- https://bit.ly/4jiHEGE

• Green Paper to Wrap Stem- https://bit.ly/4bks6ip

• Plastic Bowl- https://bit.ly/3LpJh6F

• Duck Tape- https://bit.ly/3fspOoM

• Masking Tape- https://bit.ly/3yi4by5

• Hot Glue- https://bit.ly/3EhHEVX

• Cricut- https://bit.ly/46wIVUf

• Silhouette Cameo- https://bit.ly/31IXUMf

Step 1: Cutting the Petals

For the giant tulip, you’ll need a total of 12 sheets of letter size paper—6 for the top layer and 6 for the bottom. If you’re using a cutting machine, cut one petal as a stencil and trace the others for efficiency. For medium-sized tulips, you’ll need only 6 sheets of paper.

Step 2: Shaping the Petals

To create realistic curves, lightly spray each petal with water and use a PVC pipe to roll the edges diagonally. Press the rolled areas to scrunch the petals slightly. This mimics the natural tulip shape. If making smaller tulips, you can use a ball tool for curling instead.

Step 3: Painting the Petals (Optional)

For added depth, apply a light coat of gouache paint to one side of each petal. Let them dry completely before assembling.

Step 4: Reinforcing the Petals

Glue a floral wire between two layers of cardstock for stability. Secure it with an extra strip of paper.

Step 5: Assembling the Flower

Attach the first three petals around the coupler using masking tape or hot glue. Then, add the next three petals in between, crisscrossing them to create a full bloom.

Step 6: Creating the STAND

Wrap green crepe paper around the PVC pipe and secure it with glue. Attach the tulip to the stem, and your giant paper flower is complete!

You could find the full tutorial on how to create the stand and base to make your giant flowers stand on it’s own here- https://www.handmadebysarakim.com/blog/2025/1/7/diy-giant-flower-stand-and-stem

Final Thoughts

You could find the full video tutorial above. These giant paper tulips are a showstopper for any event! Whether for a wedding, window display, or photo backdrop, they add a whimsical touch to any space. They also pair well with other giant flower templates.

-Sara Kim