Aleene's Favorites: Crepe Paper Flowers with Tacky Glue
Did you know that Aleene Jackson, the woman behind Tacky Glue, got her start in the floral industry? When fresh flowers were scarce, Aleene got creative and made her own floral arrangements out of easily accessible materials! Celebrate 75 years of Tacky Glue with this retro-inspired craft and learn how to make beautiful crepe paper flowers with Aleene's Original Tacky Glue.
Supplies Needed:
Aleene’s Clear Gel Tacky Glue (optional)
Glass vase (optional)
Cardstock stencils
Crepe paper
Floral wire
Wire flower stems
Floral tape
Scissors
Lighter
Straight pin
Binder clip
Step 1: Use stencils to cut crepe paper flower parts
Create stencils for your crepe paper flowers from cardstock. You’ll need a stencil for the petal shape, the half leaf shape, and stamen shape. Place the stencil on top of your crepe paper, secure with a binder clip, and carefully trim the crepe paper along your stencil. Repeat this to create as many petals, leaves, and stamens needed for your crepe paper flower arrangement.
Step 2: Create an opening for Tacky Glue
For an extra precision application on your bottle of Tacky Glue, carefully heat the tip of a straight pin with a lighter and insert the pin into the top of the nozzle.
Step 3: Assemble crepe paper flowers petals
Fold your crepe paper flower petals in half vertically, then unfold and apply a thin line of Tacky Glue along the middle. Place floral wire on top of the glue with the pointed edge of the petal facing downward, then fold the petal closed. Repeat to create as many flower petals as needed. For this hibiscus-inspired crepe paper flower, we’re making 5 petals per flower.
Step 4: Assemble crepe paper flower leaves
Apply a thin line of Tacky Glue to the flat edge of your crepe paper leaves. Place floral wire along the glue, then press the two glued halves together to create a full crepe paper flower leaf. Repeat to create as many leaves as desired. This project uses two halves, or one full leaf, per flower.
Step 5: Assemble crepe paper flower stamens
To create a frilly stamen, fold the crepe paper in half and cut fine lines across the paper, leaving the fold intact. Apply Tacky Glue to the uncut bottom edge of your stamen and place a wire flower stem on top. Carefully roll the crepe paper and wire flower stem, overlapping slightly as you roll.
Step 6: Assemble flowers and wrap with floral tape
It’s time to assemble your crepe paper flowers! Gather your flower petals around the stamen and wrap the wire with floral tape. Add the leaf a few inches below the petals and continue wrapping with floral tape.
Step 7: Adjust the flower petals
Once the Tacky Glue has dried, carefully adjust the flower petals to make your crepe paper flowers bloom.
Step 8 (Optional): Display with Clear Gel Tacky Glue
Want to make your crepe paper flowers look like genuine fresh flower bouquet? Pour some Clear Gel Tacky Glue into a vase, arrange your flowers, and let dry completely. Clear Gel Tacky Glue dries as clear as water, giving a realistic touch to your crepe paper flower arrangement!
Aleene's Original Tacky Glue is perfect for making crepe paper flowers! Show us your handmade faux flower displays and tag us on social media @aleenesDIY!
Check out these links and get ready to celebrate 75 years of creativity with Aleene's!
