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Making a lily out of paper is a wonderful and rewarding craft that anyone can master with a bit of patience.
You can create a stunning paper lily that looks almost real, and the best part is you don’t need any fancy equipment to get started.
When you learn how to make a lily out of paper, you’re tapping into a simple origami and papercraft tradition that has brought beauty to homes for centuries.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the entire process of how to make a paper lily, from gathering your supplies to the final delicate fold.
We’ll also share some creative variations so you can make a lily out of paper that fits any occasion or color scheme.
Let’s get into the craft and bring these beautiful blooms to life.
How to Make a Lily Out of Paper: The Core Method
The most classic way to make a lily out of paper is using the traditional origami lily, which requires just one square sheet of paper and no glue.
This method is perfect for beginners because it relies on a few basic folds that you’ll repeat on all four sides.
Once you understand the foundation, you’ll be able to make a paper lily in under ten minutes.
Let’s break down each step so you can confidently craft your first flower.
1. Start With the Perfect Square Base
To begin making a lily out of paper, you need a perfectly square piece of paper.
If you’re using standard printer paper, fold one corner diagonally to the opposite edge and trim off the excess rectangle.
The size of your square will determine the final size of your lily, so start with a 6-inch square for a medium bloom.
For a more delicate flower, use a 4-inch square, and for a dramatic statement piece, go with an 8-inch square.
Once your square is ready, place it flat on your work surface with the colored side facing up.
This orientation ensures that the final petals will show the color you want on the outside.
2. Fold the Preliminary Base
The first step to make a paper lily is creating the preliminary base, which is the foundation for many origami flowers.
Fold your square in half diagonally both ways, then unfold it so you have an X-shaped crease.
Next, fold the square in half horizontally and vertically, creating a plus-shaped crease, then unfold again.
Now, bring the top, bottom, left, and right edges together while pushing the corners inward.
You should end up with a smaller square that has two open flaps on the bottom.
This is your preliminary base, and it’s the starting point for learning how to make a lily out of paper.
3. Create the Diamond Shape
With your preliminary base in place, position it so the open end points downward.
The closed point at the top will become the center of your lily’s petals.
Fold the bottom right edge of the top layer into the center crease, and do the same with the bottom left edge.
You’ll notice the paper forms a kite-like diamond shape on the top layer.
Flip the paper over and repeat these same folds on the other side.
This step is crucial because it creates the structural lines that allow your paper lily petals to open properly.
4. Unfold and Lift the Petals
Now you’re ready to shape the actual lily.
Open the last folds you made, and then lift the bottom corner of the top layer upward.
As you lift, flatten the sides inward so they meet in the center, creating a long narrow diamond.
Repeat this lift-and-flatten process on all four sides of the paper.
This action thins out the flower’s neck, which is essential for the classic lily silhouette.
When you finish, the paper should look like a narrow four-pointed star with a closed tip.
5. Fold the Petals Down and Curl Them
To give your paper lily its iconic shape, fold each of the four long points downward.
Take one point and fold it so the tip touches the base of the flower, then repeat for the other three.
After all four are folded, it’s time to add life to the petals.
Use a pencil or a dowel to curl each petal outward and backward, giving your lily a gentle, natural curve.
This is the step where your paper lily really transforms from a folded shape into a blooming flower.
Creative Ways to Make a Lily Out of Paper
Once you’ve mastered the classic origami version, you can explore other ways to make a paper lily that use scissors and glue.
These methods allow for more intricate petals and layered designs that look even more realistic.
You can also mix and match textures, like using crepe paper for softness or cardstock for structure.
Let’s look at a few popular variations.
1. Crepe Paper Lily with Wired Stems
If you want to make a lily out of paper that you can arrange in a vase, crepe paper is your best friend.
Cut six petals (three large and three small) from crepe paper, stretching them gently to create a ruffled edge.
Attach the petals to a floral wire stem using hot glue, wrapping the base with green floral tape.
Add a center stamen made from a small piece of yellow paper and a tiny bit of glue.
This method makes a paper lily that closely mimics the real flower’s texture and movement.
2. Layered Cardstock Lily for Décor
For a sturdier paper lily that holds its shape perfectly, use cardstock and a cutting machine or scissors.
Cut three or four layers of petals, each slightly smaller than the last.
Stack them and glue them together at the center, rotating each layer so the petals stagger.
Then curl the tips of each petal upward with a wooden skewer.
This technique is great for wall art, wreaths, or party decorations because it’s durable.
3. Tissue Paper Lily for Kids
Making a lily out of paper with kids is easiest using tissue paper because it’s forgiving and soft.
Stack five to six sheets of tissue paper and fold them accordion-style.
Tie the folded stack in the middle with a twist tie, then fan out the layers.
Gently pull and fluff each layer upward to form the lily’s petals.
While this isn’t the traditional shape, it’s a fun and quick craft that helps children learn how to make a paper lily.
Tips for Making Your Paper Lily Look Realistic
To truly master how to make a lily out of paper, pay attention to the small details that separate a good flower from a great one.
Here are a few pro tips to elevate your craft.
1. Choose the Right Paper Weight
Lightweight paper like origami paper is perfect for crisp folds, while medium-weight cardstock works better for cut-and-glue methods.
Avoid heavy scrapbook paper for folding because it cracks and resists sharp creases.
The right paper makes the process of learning how to make a paper lily much smoother.
2. Add Color Gradients
Real lilies often have darker centers that fade to lighter petal tips.
You can mimic this by shading your paper with a soft pastel or watercolor before folding.
For the origami version, color the tips of the square before you start folding.
This subtle touch adds depth and makes your paper lily stand out.
3. Use a Bone Folder for Clean Creases
A bone folder is a simple tool that gives you sharp, crisp folds without damaging your paper.
Run the bone folder along each crease after you fold to make the paper lily hold its shape better.
This is especially helpful when you make a lily out of paper with thicker materials.
Common Mistakes When You Make a Paper Lily
Even experienced crafters run into issues when learning how to make a lily out of paper.
Here’s what to watch out for and how to fix it.
1. Petals Tear at the Base
This usually happens when you pull too hard while curling the petals.
Instead of yanking, use a rounded tool to gently coax the curl.
If a petal does tear, you can glue a small strip of paper on the back to reinforce it.
2. The Flower Won’t Stay Open
If your paper lily keeps closing, the creases might not be deep enough.
Refold the petals and press firmly along the base of each petal.
You can also use a tiny dot of glue at the very center to hold the petals apart.
3. Folds Are Misaligned
Misalignment throws off the entire flower shape, so take your time to match edges perfectly.
If you notice a mistake early, unfold and start again—it’s quicker than fighting a bad fold.
Patience is key when you make a lily out of paper.
So, How to Make a Lily Out of Paper?
To make a lily out of paper, you start with a square base, fold a preliminary base, and then shape the petals through a series of precise folds.
The classic origami method takes about ten minutes, and it’s the simplest way to see immediate results.
If you prefer a softer, more realistic look, you can make a paper lily using crepe paper, cardstock, or tissue paper instead.
Each method offers a unique version of this elegant flower, so choose based on your skill level and purpose.
We hope this guide has helped you understand how to make a paper lily and given you the confidence to try it yourself.
Grab a square of paper, follow these steps, and enjoy creating a beautiful bloom that never wilts.