How To Make A Spider Lily Out Of Paper

You can make a spider lily out of paper by layering six slender, curving petals around a central stamen cluster, and the process is easier than you might think.

Making a paper spider lily is a wonderful craft project that gives you a stunning, delicate flower you can enjoy year-round.

Whether you’re creating a bouquet for a special occasion or just adding a touch of nature to your desk, a handmade spider lily brings a unique elegance that artificial store-bought flowers often lack.

In this post, I’ll walk you through a simple method to make a spider lily out of paper, covering materials, step-by-step instructions, and some handy tips to get that realistic, spindly look.

Let’s dive into making a spider lily out of paper.

Why You Should Make a Spider Lily Out of Paper

Creating a paper spider lily is a rewarding project because the flower’s natural structure translates so beautifully into paper.

The real spider lily is famous for its long, curled petals and prominent stamens that shoot out like spider legs, and you can replicate all of that with just a few folds and cuts.

When you make a spider lily out of paper, you have complete control over color, size, and even the curl of each petal.

Plus, a paper spider lily won’t wilt, need water, or trigger allergies, making it a perfect gift or home decoration.

This project is also fantastic for beginners because it uses basic supplies and doesn’t require any special tools.

Let’s gather what you need to make a spider lily out of paper.

What You Need to Make a Spider Lily Out of Paper

Before starting to make a spider lily out of paper, gather these simple materials:

• Crepe paper or cardstock: Crepe paper gives the most realistic stretch and curve, but cardstock works well for a sturdier flower.
• Floral wire or thin craft wire: This forms the stem and also the delicate stamens that make the spider lily so distinctive.
• Green floral tape: Use this to wrap the stems and attach petals seamlessly.
• Scissors: Sharp scissors are essential for clean, precise cuts on the petals and stamens.
• White glue or a glue gun: A glue gun is faster, but white glue gives you more working time for positioning.
• A pencil and a template (optional): You can draw petal shapes freehand, but a simple paper template helps you make consistent petals when you’re making a whole batch.

With these supplies ready, you’ll be set to learn how to make a spider lily out of paper.

Step-by-Step Guide to Make a Spider Lily Out of Paper

Now let’s get to the fun part: the actual construction of your paper spider lily.

Follow these steps to get professional-looking results every time.

1. Create the Stamen Cluster

The stamen cluster is the heart of a spider lily, and it’s what gives the flower its spidery appearance.

Cut about six to eight pieces of thin floral wire, each about three to four inches long.

In real spider lilies, the stamens are longer than the petals, so don’t be shy with the length.

Dip the tip of each wire into a little white glue, then into a small pile of yellow or orange craft dust (or simply use a tiny bead of paint).

Let these dry for a few minutes while you prepare the petals, as this will help when you assemble your paper spider lily.

2. Cut and Shape the Petals

To make a spider lily out of paper that looks authentic, you need six long, narrow petals.

For each petal, cut a strip of crepe paper about an inch wide and five to six inches long.

Fold the strip in half lengthwise, then cut a gentle curve at the tip to create a pointy petal shape.

Unfold it, and you’ll have two identical petals; repeat this to get six total.

Now, stretch the middle of each petal slightly to give it a bit of a cupped shape, then curl the tips back using a pencil or your finger.

This curling motion is what makes a paper spider lily look so lifelike.

3. Attach the Petals to the Stem

Take your stamen cluster and wrap them together with a piece of floral tape to create a single thick group.

Then, start attaching the petals one by one around the base of the stamens.

Use floral tape to wrap each petal’s base tightly around the stem, slightly overlapping the previous petal.

Work your way around until all six petals are evenly spaced, creating a full, circular bloom.

This step is where you really see your spider lily out of paper come together.

4. Form the Stem and Add the Calyx

Once all the petals are on, wrap the entire base and the stem with green floral tape, stretching the tape as you go so it adheres well.

For an extra realistic touch, add a small green paper calyx at the very base of the flower head.

To make the calyx, cut a small zigzag strip of green paper and wrap it around the base before taping.

This hides any messy glue and makes your paper spider lily look even more professional.

5. Gently Arrange the Petals

The final step is arranging everything to look natural.

Gently pull and bend each petal outward and upward, giving each one a slightly different angle.

Remember, a real spider lily has petals that reflex backward dramatically, so don’t be afraid to give them a strong curl.

Take the stamen wires and curl them outward as well, creating that lovely, spindly silhouette.

Your beautiful paper spider lily is now ready to display or add to a bouquet.

Essential Tips for a Perfect Paper Spider Lily

Making a good spider lily out of paper is about the small details, so keep these tips in mind:

• Crepe paper is your best friend: It stretches and holds a curl much better than regular printer paper.
• Overlap the petals slightly: This prevents gaps and makes the flower look denser and more realistic.
• Use a template for consistency: When you need to make a spider lily out of paper for a large arrangement, a cardboard template saves you tons of time and keeps all your petals the same size.
• Don’t skip the stamen detail: The long, curling stamens are the signature of the spider lily, so making them prominent is key to a believable flower.
• Work with dry hands: Crepe paper can lose its texture if it gets damp, so keep your hands clean and dry.

So, Can You Make a Spider Lily Out of Paper?

You can absolutely make a spider lily out of paper, and with the steps we’ve covered, you’re well on your way to crafting a stunning one.

Making a paper spider lily is a simple, affordable craft that yields incredibly graceful results.

Whether you’re an experienced crafter or just looking for a fun weekend project, making a paper spider lily lets you bring the delicate beauty of this exotic flower into your home without any fuss.

So grab your scissors, some crepe paper, and a bit of wire, and give it a try.

You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can make a spider lily out of paper that looks good enough to fool a passing bee.