DIY Crepe Paper Poppy Flower Holiday Table Decoration: A Quick & Easy Tutorial

Updated at: 12/05/2025

Transform your holiday table into a vibrant and festive scene with these stunning crepe paper poppy flowers! This simple yet elegant DIY project is perfect for adding a touch of handmade charm to your celebrations, whether it's Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a birthday gathering. Forget expensive store-bought decorations; with just a few readily available supplies and a little bit of time, you can craft a beautiful arrangement that will impress your guests and add a personal touch to your special occasion. The vibrant red and black of the poppies lend themselves perfectly to a bold autumnal or winter theme.

These cheerful flowers are surprisingly easy to make, even for beginners! Ready to add a pop of color to your holiday table setting? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions below and create these delightful crepe paper poppies together.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Crepe paper
  • Craft wire
  • Beads
  • Hot glue gun
  • Scissors
  • Acrylic paint
  • Twig wreath base
  • Big plate
Safety Guidelines
  • Crepe paper can be flammable. Keep away from open flames and heat sources while crafting and displaying your poppies.
  • Use caution with sharp crafting tools like scissors or wire cutters. Adult supervision is recommended, especially when children are involved.
  • Small parts may pose a choking hazard. Keep finished poppies away from young children and pets.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare Crepe Paper Petals

    • Prepare small pieces of crepe paper and cut out petal shapes. Stretch and press the paper to form petals.
    Prepare small pieces of crepe paper and cut out petal shapes. Stretch and press the paper to form petals.
    Prepare Crepe Paper Petals

  2. Prepare the Flower Center

    • Thread a central bead with craft wire and twist, leaving about 6 inches of wire. Cut off the excess.
    Thread a central bead with craft wire and twist, leaving about 6 inches of wire. Cut off the excess.
    Prepare the Flower Center

  3. Assemble the Poppy Flower

    • Add hot glue to the bead and wrap it with a petal, then add more glue and another petal. You can also attach petals with thread.
    • Continue forming the flower by overlapping 5-6 petals. Fan up the flower and add an extra detail to the center if desired.
    Continue forming the flower by overlapping 5-6 petals. Fan up the flower and add an extra detail to the center if desired.Continue forming the flower by overlapping 5-6 petals. Fan up the flower and add an extra detail to the center if desired.
    Assemble the Poppy Flower

  4. Create the Stem

    • Prepare paper strips, hot glue the edge to the base of the flower, and wrap around the wire, twisting the stem. Glue the strip and cut off the excess.
    Prepare paper strips, hot glue the edge to the base of the flower, and wrap around the wire, twisting the stem. Glue the strip and cut off the excess.
    Create the Stem

  5. Prepare the Wreath Base

    • Prepare a twig wreath base. Paint the buds on the twigs with a contrasting color (e.g., light blue acrylic paint) to add volume.
    Prepare a twig wreath base. Paint the buds on the twigs with a contrasting color (e.g., light blue acrylic paint) to add volume.
    Prepare the Wreath Base

  6. Attach Flowers to Wreath

    • Once dry, add the flowers to the wreath base, attaching them with hot glue or by twisting the wire stems around the wreath.
    Once dry, add the flowers to the wreath base, attaching them with hot glue or by twisting the wire stems around the wreath.
    Attach Flowers to Wreath

Read more: Easy Origami Paper Box Tutorial: Step-by-Step Guide

Tips

  • Make several of the same petal details to ensure you have enough for each flower.
  • You can use thread to attach petals as an alternative to hot glue.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Crepe Paper Ripping

Reason: Pulling the crepe paper too tightly or quickly when creating petals can cause it to tear.
Solution: Gently stretch and shape the crepe paper, avoiding sudden pulls.

2. Uneven Petals

Reason: Inconsistent cutting or shaping of the crepe paper petals leads to an uneven and less realistic final flower.
Solution: Use a template and carefully cut each petal to ensure uniformity.

3. Weak Flower Structure

Reason: Insufficient layering of petals or using too little glue results in a flimsy poppy that easily falls apart.
Solution: Layer the petals properly and use adequate glue to create a strong and stable structure.

FAQs

What type of crepe paper is best for making these poppy flowers?
A lightweight crepe paper works best. Avoid heavier crepe paper as it can be difficult to manipulate into the delicate petals. Look for crepe paper specifically labeled as 'lightweight' or 'floral crepe paper' for the best results.