Three-dimensional carnations made with origami: a collection of simple, cute ideas
How about giving an origami carnation for Mother’s Day? Three-dimensional carnations made from origami can capture the soft, lifelike look of real flowers, and the best part is they’ll keep their color and can be enjoyed for a long time.
In this article, we’ll introduce ideas for making origami carnations that are easy to create yet full and glamorous.
There are plenty of variations, including types where you cut slits with scissors to form petals and types that are completed simply by folding.
They’re perfect for enjoying with your children, so be sure to check them out!
3D carnations made with origami: a collection of simple and cute ideas (1–10)
A single carnation combined with patterned origamiNEW!
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CrniYyMOtkj/Fold a 15 cm sheet of origami paper in half into a square twice, then fold the bottom edge up to meet the left edge.
Fold the same way once more, cut off the top, and trim the edges into a zigzag.
Open the paper, make a single slit, then accordion-fold along the creases.
Overlap and glue the slit section, attach it to a backing so it forms steps, and you’ll have carnation petals.
Add a stem and leaves, wrap it with backing paper, and bundle them into a bouquet to finish! Mixing in patterned origami for the petals will give a more vibrant result.
Carnations that work for a single stem or a bouquetNEW!
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6viBiQpPnN/This is a carnation you can make using only origami paper.
Use 15 cm paper for the petals, 7.5 cm for the calyx, and a 15 cm × 7 cm sheet for the stem.
For the petals, fold into a square twice, then squash the pocketed section into a triangle.
From there, crease the resulting triangle in sequence, squash it into a house shape, and then transform it into a square.
Ultimately, you’ll shape the petals into a hemispherical form.
There are some tricky steps like inside-reverse folds, so proceed carefully.
The calyx is easy enough for children, and the stem is just rolling a strip of origami paper into a thin tube.
If you have time, try making several and arranging them into a bouquet.
Three-dimensional carnations that are rolled and combinedNEW!
This is a three-dimensional carnation made with paper quilling.
Cut origami paper into long, thin strips and use a tool to curl them tightly from the edge.
After gluing to make a loose circle, press in part of it firmly while flattening to form a heart shape.
Make seven of the same piece, divide them into four and three, glue them side by side, then stack the rows to create the carnation petals.
Make the same pieces in green to form the stem, too! Imagine a bouquet and attach the finished pieces to a frame to complete it.
Carnation you can make with two sheets of origami paper
Here’s an idea for making a carnation using two sheets of origami paper.
The flower, leaves, and stem are all folded, so it’s perfect for those who want to enjoy origami.
For the flower, use sheets cut to one quarter of a full square.
Fold all four corners of the paper inward, flip it over, then fold it in half along the horizontal center line.
Fold the left and right corners up to meet the top corner, and repeat the same folding two more times.
Make four pieces in the same way, shape them by pressing them against something like a pen cap to add dimension, then stack them to complete the flower.
Use the remaining full sheet to make the stem, leaves, and flower stalk.
You’ll need three 5 cm × 5 cm pieces of origami paper for the leaves and flower stalk, so use the leftover portion for the stem.
Carnation bouquet
Let’s make a carnation bouquet you can gift as is! Take 7.5 cm × 7.5 cm origami paper and fold it in a cushion (zabuton) fold, then fold all four corners inward.
Flip the paper over, fold it in half along the horizontal center line, then accordion-fold both sides toward the center three times.
Unfold back to the state where the corners are folded in, and crease the remaining sections in the same pattern.
Make three identical pieces, stack and glue them together, then attach them to a stem made by rolling paper of the same size—the carnation is complete.
Wrap it with origami paper as wrapping to finish the bouquet!
Carnations that can be made into a bouquet
Let me show you how to make carnations that give a soft, gentle impression.
For this idea, you’ll need one sheet each of origami paper sized 15 cm × 7 cm and 15 cm × 15 cm to make a single carnation.
Use the smaller sheet to roll and form the stem.
Use the larger sheet for the flower: first cut it in half, then fold each half lengthwise to make a long strip.
Along the folded (looped) edge, make evenly spaced cuts from end to end.
Then curl the strip around the stem and secure it with tape, and you’re done.
Try wrapping it with gift wrap, tying a ribbon, and arranging it like a bouquet for a lovely present.
Carnation made only with origami
Here’s how to make a three-dimensional carnation using a single sheet of origami paper.
This method doesn’t require scissors or cutting—just one sheet is all you need, so it’s easy to try.
Instead of making cuts, you’ll shape the petals through delicate folds and careful pressure, which may feel a bit challenging if you’re not used to origami.
However, since the process mainly repeats the same steps, you’ll get the hang of it as you fold and be able to proceed more smoothly.
Be sure to follow the steps carefully and give it a try!
Carnations you can attach to a message card
Here’s an idea for carnations you can make by layering origami—perfect for sticking onto a message card.
For this idea, you’ll use eight 7.5 cm × 7.5 cm sheets of origami paper.
Cut each sheet into a circle, fold it in half, then fold it in half two more times the same way.
Round off the edge opposite the pointed tip, then cut the edge into a serrated (zigzag) shape.
Next, trim about 1 mm off the right edge, fold the paper in half, and open it up.
That completes one piece—make the remaining seven pieces the same way.
Stack and glue all eight pieces together, and your carnation is complete!
Pop-up carnation card
Would you like to make a pop-up card that opens to reveal carnations? All you need is the card base and two sheets of origami paper.
First, cut the pink and green origami sheets into four equal parts.
You’ll use four pink pieces and one green piece.
Save the remaining pieces to make the stem and leaves.
Fold the origami diagonally into a triangle three times, then fold the top-right edge down to align with the bottom edge.
Using pinking shears, round off the side opposite the pointed tip.
Open the paper, make small cuts, and accordion-fold along the creases.
Make the remaining four pieces the same way, then attach them at the center of the card base to form the carnation.
Finally, add the stem and leaves, write your message, and you’re done!
mini carnation
https://www.tiktok.com/@ori_2560/video/7347864875747659010How about giving a mini carnation, charming in its petite size? It requires some detailed work, but the steps are very simple, so it’s easy to make even if you’re not confident with crafts.
First, prepare four sheets of origami paper cut into circles of the same size, fold them, and make slits.
Keeping the jagged edges of carnation petals in mind, carefully snip with scissors.
The finer the cuts, the more delicate and elegant the result will be.
Be sure to make a slit so there’s a hole in the center as well.
Once you’ve made four identical pieces, stack them.
Finally, thread through a stem and calyx made from origami and secure with glue to finish.
Adding leaves or a ribbon will make it even cuter.