How to Make a Paper Pincushion Cactus with Cardstock

If you're looking for a fun and surprisingly easy paper craft to add to your DIY garden, this pincushion cactus made entirely out of cardstock is a must-try! In this tutorial, I’ll walk you through the process—from cutting out 90+ spikes to painting delicate flower details and assembling a custom box for gifting.

Supplies You’ll Need:

• Cactus Template- https://www.handmadebysarakim.com/digital-templates/pincushion-cactus

• Green/White/Purple Cardstock Paper (use discount code “SARAKIM10”)- https://www.12x12cardstock.shop/?p=BkRvWGQ5n

• Wire Cutter + Poking Tool- https://bit.ly/3uv7QEI

• White glue- https://bit.ly/3PAi42t

• Watercolor- https://bit.ly/3NHKcOu

• Watercolor Brush- https://bit.ly/3wUSFHn

• Markers- https://bit.ly/3JFTQBA

• Cricut Maker- https://bit.ly/3M24JhI

• Silhouette Cameo- https://bit.ly/42M6Ooz

Steps Overview:

1. Cut the cactus shape on green cardstock and 90+ small spikes on white (plus extras in yellow for the flower centers).

2. Use a creasing tool along the scalloped edges, then fold and glue the tabs to form a dome shape.

3. For the flowers, either cut them from pink cardstock or use white and add watercolor washes in fuchsia tones. Each flower is made of 3 petal layers and a yellow center.

4. Assemble the cactus spikes in a symmetrical, circular pattern. Attach with glue, using pliers to hold as it sets.

5. Once dried, glue your flower(s) to the top.

6. Optional Gift Box: I printed a cactus pattern from Playground.com onto kraft cardstock and folded it into a cute little paper bag-style box for gifting.

Whether you're making one as a gift (like I did for my son’s teacher) or building your own indoor paper garden, this project is such a fun and relaxing way to craft something beautiful.

🌵✨ The template is available in my shop and works with Cricut, Silhouette, and other cutting machines. Check out the full video tutorial above!

-SaraKim