[Mother’s Day] Carnation craft ideas to make with children
One of the events in May is Mother’s Day! Recently, there have been more events that express gratitude not only to mothers but to caregivers as well.
I’m sure children look forward to making carnations, but finding ideas can be tough.
So here, we’ll introduce ways to make carnations suited to different materials and age groups.
From simple projects to ones that require a bit of creativity, there are lots of fun options.
With gratitude in your heart, try making lovely carnations with the children.
- [Childcare] Craft ideas to make for Mother's Day
- [May] A collection of craft ideas to try with 5-year-olds
- [May] Have Fun with 3-Year-Olds! Craft Ideas Perfect for May
- May: Craft Ideas That Excite 4-Year-Olds!
- [Graduation Ceremony] A collection of handmade corsage ideas you can make with your child
- [For 2-Year-Olds] A Collection of Fun Craft Ideas to Make in May
- For 5-Year-Olds: Let’s Make It! A Collection of Craft Ideas to Feel the Spring
- Handmade Grandparents' Day gifts at preschool! A collection of ideas using various materials
- Craft activity ideas that parents and children can enjoy together during a preschool observation day
- [Childcare] Feel May! A special feature of fun craft ideas to make
- [Childcare] Let's make and display in May! Wall Decoration Craft Ideas
- [Childcare] Things to try in May! A collection of easy origami ideas
- [5-Year-Olds] Creative Project Ideas to Try in June! Let's Broaden Their Range of Expression
[Mother's Day] Carnation craft ideas to try with children (11–20)
[Hanshi] Dyed-paper Carnations
![[Hanshi] Dyed-paper Carnations](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/MPLaYH-vpms/sddefault.jpg)
We’ll use hanshi (calligraphy paper) to make carnations.
When you write on hanshi with a pen, the ink bleeds.
By taking advantage of this bleeding effect, you can create lovely carnations.
Cut the hanshi into eight equal pieces, stack four sheets together, and color the tips by drawing lines with a pen.
Accordion-fold the stack, secure the center with a rubber band, and fan it out like a ribbon.
Open each sheet one by one and shape it into a carnation.
You can add a stem made from construction paper and even make a bouquet.
By experimenting—such as painting the hanshi with watercolors—you can create carnations that showcase each child’s individuality, making this a fun project.
[Origami] Carnation
![[Origami] Carnation](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/pJPiRHX1RlM/hqdefault.jpg)
When it comes to flowers for Flower Day, carnations come to mind, right? Here’s how to make a carnation out of origami.
Carnation petals are thin and delicate, and you can express this by cutting the origami with scissors.
Fold the paper, then cut the part that will become the petal tips into a curved shape and make small slits so they look jagged.
When you open the paper, it will create the fluttery look of carnation petals.
You can also use scissors that cut a zigzag edge.
Add stems and leaves to make a bouquet, or use them as decorations for other projects—there are plenty of ways to enjoy this depending on your ideas.
[Paper Cup] Carnations You Can Give as a Gift
![[Paper Cup] Carnations You Can Give as a Gift](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Ox_2ZhBp2ZM/sddefault.jpg)
Let’s make a carnation out of a paper cup.
Starting from the rim toward the bottom, cut slits into the cup.
The width of each slit will determine the size of the petals, so adjust it as you like.
After making the slits, slightly stagger the strips inward, fold them, and secure with tape.
You can attach a message or photo to the outside bottom to express your appreciation.
You can also make the stem and leaves with a straw or origami for decoration, and adding a ribbon to give it a medal-like look is lovely too.
Since the steps are simple, it’s recommended as a craft for younger children.
[Paper Plate] 3D Carnation
![[Paper Plate] 3D Carnation](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/VjWV65_J6yE/sddefault.jpg)
Carnation petals are thin, fluttery, and delicately made, aren’t they? By cleverly using the scalloped edge of a paper plate, you can recreate the carnation’s distinctive look.
Color the bumpy rim of the paper plate with a pen in shades that evoke carnations.
It’s also a great idea to use paper plates that already have color or patterns.
Cut slits into the colored rim, then cut out the center to make a donut shape.
Apply double-sided tape to the middle of the colored section and wrap it around a chopstick to form the stem.
Once you finish wrapping, fluff open the flower, and you’re done.
Making several and arranging them into a bouquet is a lovely way to express your gratitude.
Carnation message card

Here’s a recommended craft for children who have learned their letters: an origami carnation message card.
Fold the origami paper and cut the tips that will become the petals into a zigzag shape.
It’s convenient to use zigzag-edge scissors sold at 100-yen shops.
Open the carnation and write your message.
Children can write whatever messages they like, or draw pictures—it will look lovely either way.
Then fold it back into the carnation shape and insert it into the stem made from origami.
The hidden message in an unexpected spot is sure to delight even more.
Handprint Carnation (0-year-old)
This craft is perfect for making carnations with infants, using their handprints.
Take the baby’s handprint in air-dry clay, decorate it with beads or other items if you like, and let it dry.
Once it’s completely dry, paint it in a carnation-inspired color such as red.
After the painted clay has dried, attach a stem made from a wooden skewer or chopstick.
On the back, you can add a photo or a message.
The baby’s tiny hand will look like a carnation, and the piece will also let you feel their growth.
[Mother's Day] Carnation craft ideas (21–30) to make with kids
Carnation Coaster
https://www.tiktok.com/@kazuyo_u/video/7364535210421062913Cute to display and fun to use! Let me share an idea for carnation coasters.
This idea uses simple steps to create charming carnation coasters! What you’ll need: origami paper, decorative materials like rhinestone stickers, and a plastic container lid.
Cut out a carnation design from the origami paper, then sandwich it between the plastic container lid pieces.
Decorate the edge of the coaster with rhinestone stickers, and you’re done.



