How To Make A Paper Tiger Lily

You can make a paper tiger lily that looks surprisingly real with just a few basic supplies and a little patience.
 
This paper flower is a favorite for crafters because the tiger lily has such bold, recognizable petals and those signature dark spots.
 
Learning how to make a paper tiger lily is easier than you might think, even if you’re a complete beginner to paper flower crafting.
 
In this post, we’ll walk you through the full process of how to make a paper tiger lily, from gathering your tools to shaping the final petals and stamens.
 
Let’s get started and bring this beautiful bloom to life.
 

What You Need To Make A Paper Tiger Lily

Before we dive into the steps, it helps to know exactly what supplies will make your paper tiger lily look its best.
 
You don’t need a ton of fancy equipment, just some basic craft items you probably already have around the house.
 
Here’s your shopping list for this project.
 

1. The Right Paper For Your Tiger Lily

The best paper for a paper tiger lily is crepe paper, specifically Italian crepe paper with about 100% stretch.
 
Crepe paper gives you that natural, slightly crinkled texture that mimics real flower petals beautifully.
 
You’ll want orange crepe paper for the main petals, plus a little green for the leaves and stem.
 
If you can’t find crepe paper, you can also use tissue paper or even cardstock for a sturdier version.
 
Just keep in mind that crepe paper will give you the most realistic results when you make a paper tiger lily.
 

2. Wire For Stems And Stamens

Floral wire is essential because it gives your paper tiger lily a bendable, realistic stem.
 
You’ll want 18-gauge wire for the main stem and thinner 24-gauge wire for the stamens and leaves.
 
Floral tape in green or brown will help you cover the wire and attach everything cleanly.
 

3. Basic Tools And Adhesives

You’ll also need sharp scissors, a hot glue gun, and some craft glue for this paper tiger lily project.
 
A pencil and a small paintbrush will come in handy for drawing and applying tiny details like the spots.
 
And don’t forget a ruler to measure your petals so they’re all the same size.
 

Step-by-Step Guide On How To Make A Paper Tiger Lily

Now that you have your supplies, let’s walk through the actual process of making a paper tiger lily from start to finish.
 
This step-by-step guide breaks down how to make a paper tiger lily into simple, manageable stages.
 
Follow along and you’ll have a gorgeous flower in no time.
 

1. Cut Out Your Petals First

Start by cutting a strip of orange crepe paper that’s about 3 inches wide and 6 inches long for each petal.
 
To make a paper tiger lily, you’ll need six petals total, and they should all be roughly the same size.
 
Fold the strip in half and cut out a long, teardrop shape that’s narrow at the base and wide in the middle.
 
Unfold the paper and you’ll have one complete petal ready to shape.
 
Repeat this until you have six beautiful orange petals for your paper tiger lily.
 

2. Shape The Petals For A Natural Look

Real tiger lily petals curve backward slightly, and you can recreate that when you make a paper tiger lily.
 
Gently stretch the middle of each petal with your fingers to create a slight cup shape.
 
Then, use a pencil or a dowel to curl the edges of each petal outward.
 
This curling gives the petals that dramatic, reflexed appearance that tiger lilies are known for.
 
Set the shaped petals aside for a moment while you prepare the center of the flower.
 

3. Create The Signature Spots On Your Tiger Lily

The dark spots are what make a paper tiger lily instantly recognizable, so don’t skip this step.
 
Use a small paintbrush and dark brown or black acrylic paint to add tiny dots all over the inner half of each petal.
 
You can also use a fine-tipped marker if you prefer a cleaner, quicker method.
 
Make the spots denser near the base of the petal and sparser toward the tips.
 
Let the paint dry completely before you assemble the flower.
 

4. Build The Stamens For The Center

Tiger lilies have six prominent stamens that stick out from the center, and you’ll need these to make a paper tiger lily look authentic.
 
Cut six pieces of thin floral wire, each about 4 inches long.
 
Dip one end of each wire into a small amount of glue and then roll it in some yellow or orange pollen-like dust, or simply paint the tip with acrylic paint.
 
Alternatively, you can glue tiny cotton balls to the ends and paint them brown for a more textured look.
 
Bundle the six stamens together and wrap the bottom with floral tape to hold them as one unit.
 

5. Assemble Your Paper Tiger Lily Flower

Now it’s time to put everything together and complete your paper tiger lily.
 
Take your main 18-gauge floral wire as the stem and attach the stamen bundle to the top using floral tape.
 
Then, start attaching your six petals one at a time around the stamens.
 
Place three petals in an inner ring, and then three more in an outer ring slightly offset from the first set.
 
Use floral tape or hot glue to secure each petal firmly to the stem as you go.
 
Make sure the petals face outward and show their spotted sides for a realistic look.
 

Tips To Make Your Paper Tiger Lily Look Real

Once you’ve mastered the basic steps, a few extra tips can really elevate your paper tiger lily game.
 
These little tricks are what separate a simple craft project from a stunning, lifelike bloom.
 
Keep them in mind the next time you want to make a paper tiger lily that wows.
 

1. Use Two Shades Of Orange For Depth

Instead of using just one solid color, cut some petals from a lighter orange and others from a deeper shade.
 
This subtle variation adds depth and makes your paper tiger lily look much more natural.
 
You can also lightly dust the base of the petals with a bit of yellow chalk or pastel.
 

2. Don’t Forget The Leaves

A tiger lily isn’t complete without its long, slender green leaves.
 
Cut leaf shapes from green crepe paper and attach them to the stem at various heights.
 
You can also wire a few leaves onto separate small stems and add them to the main stem for a fuller look.
 
This extra step makes your paper tiger lily look like it’s growing naturally.
 

So, Can You Make A Paper Tiger Lily?

You can absolutely make a paper tiger lily, and it’s a fun, rewarding project for crafters of all skill levels.
 
We’ve covered everything you need to know about how to make a paper tiger lily, including the best paper to use, the shaping techniques, and the all-important spots.
 
With a bit of practice, you’ll be creating gorgeous paper tiger lilies that look almost like the real thing.
 
So grab your crepe paper and glue, and give this project a try today.
 
Happy crafting.