How to Make Roses Using Paper Napkins

Looking to add some colorful flowers to your home that don’t need any water? Did you know you can make a pretty rose out of a simple paper napkin? With a few simple steps, you can transform a plain napkin into an impressive floral decoration. Make one or dozens to fill a low vase or large teacup.

Recently I was craving color in the way of fresh flowers to add to my living room, but since it is too early for any of the flowers to be blooming in my yard to cut and I couldn’t go to the grocery store to buy some, I decided not to be without… so I made my own.

How to Make Napkin Roses

Get ready to impress your friends and family with your newfound paper rose making skill! Watch the video below to learn everything you need to know to make your own.

Pink paper napkins made into a dozen roses and placed in a teacup.

How to Make Roses With Paper Napkins

Making the roses using paper napkins is so easy, no skills needed… anyone of any age can make them in no time.

Pink paper roses in a blue and white teacup vase.

After making enough to fill the large teacup, I ripped off a section from a napkin and scrunched it up to place in the bottom of the teacup to act as filler so the paper roses didn’t fall into the cup.

To fill the large teacup I made 18 roses.

Instead of taking still photos of the how-to process, I made a very short video (below) to show you how I made the roses.

A pile of pink paper napkins and a blue and white china teacup.

supplies needed:

Any size paper napkin. These are the napkins I used: Pink 13″ x 13″ size.
Scissors
Clear Tape
Teacup – I used this: Large Blue and White Spode Cup and Saucer

Blogger of DIY Decorating blog Diane Henkler of Oducu

Helpful Tips:

Your first attempt at making the paper roses may not look quite right, but don’t be afraid to primp the rose until you like what you see. Each rose will be different, just like real roses are so don’t look for perfection.

I used one napkin to make two roses with short stems. If you want to create longer stems, then simply make one rose per napkin and don’t cut the stem section as I show in the video.

When you begin to roll the napkin, the first few rolls, should be tighter, then as you continue to roll the napkin, roll loosely to the end.

I found that after twisting the stem, if you grab the bottom of the rose with one hand and the inside piece with your other hand and gently pull up, the motion creates a better looking rose.