Marigold Garland with Butterflies

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This paper marigold garland with butterflies is a bright, handmade decoration inspired by the vivid colors often used for Día de Muertos altars. It combines fluffy crepe-paper flowers with layered cardstock butterflies, then strings them together for a festive display. The project is suitable for beginners who enjoy paper crafts, and it’s a lovely activity for decorating an altar, doorway, or window with a personal touch.

Why You’ll Love This Project

The materials are simple, and the main flower-making technique is easy to learn: fold crepe paper into an accordion, tie the center, and carefully separate the layers. Once you understand how gently to lift the paper, you can repeat the process to make a set of coordinating flowers.

This is a satisfying seasonal craft because the finished garland makes a colorful display without requiring special equipment. The orange-and-yellow flowers stand out against the butterflies, while the white paint adds small details that help the wings look finished. You can also work on the flowers and butterflies separately, making it easy to pause and continue later.

It is a good project for a family craft session, classroom activity, or handmade altar decoration. Adults should handle hot glue and supervise children around scissors, paint, and small craft supplies.

“The flowers were simple to make once I started lifting the paper layers slowly. Alternating the colors gave the garland a full, cheerful look, and the raised butterfly wings made it feel extra special.”

How This Garland Comes Together

You’ll make 20 crepe-paper flowers—10 orange and 10 yellow—then create 10 layered butterflies from orange and black paper or cardstock. The flowers are formed by accordion-folding paper strips, securing their centers, rounding the ends, and gently fluffing the layers. The butterflies are assembled from cut paper shapes, decorated with white dots, and finished with slightly raised wings.

The final step is to arrange the flowers and butterflies along a length of craft cord or garland rope. Because this project uses paper rather than yarn, it is a paper craft, not a crochet pattern; no crochet hook, yarn, gauge, or crochet stitches are needed. The most important skills are making consistent folds, cutting clean shapes, and handling crepe paper carefully so it does not tear.

Set aside enough time to cut and prepare all the pieces, make the flowers and butterflies, and arrange the garland. The total time depends on how quickly you cut and assemble, so plan to work at a relaxed pace rather than rushing the delicate paper layers.

Materials You’ll Need

• 2 sheets of orange crepe paper
• 2 sheets of yellow crepe paper
• 4 sheets or pieces of orange paper or cardstock
• 4 sheets or pieces of black paper or cardstock
• Craft cord, thin rope, or garland string
• Orange ribbon or orange thread for tying the flower centers
• White paint
• A paintbrush
• Scissors
• A ruler or measuring tape
• Pencil for tracing butterfly shapes
• Hot glue or another suitable craft adhesive
• A protected work surface

The cord or craft rope will support the finished decoration, so choose one sturdy enough for the weight of the flowers and butterflies. Crepe paper is flexible and gives the flowers a soft, ruffled appearance. Cardstock makes the butterfly pieces more stable than thin paper, though ordinary colored paper can work if handled gently. If you use a different paper thickness, the butterflies may feel lighter or more flexible.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cut the crepe-paper strips.
   Cut the orange and yellow crepe paper into strips about 12 cm wide and approximately 1 meter long. Try to keep the strips a consistent width so the flowers have a similar overall size. If the paper has a visible grain or stretch direction, handle it gently and avoid pulling hard while cutting.

2. Fold each strip into an accordion.
   Fold a strip back and forth into pleats about 1 cm wide. Keep the folds as even as you can. They do not need to be perfectly exact, but very uneven pleats can make one side of the flower look fuller than the other.

3. Tie the center and shape the ends.
   Find the center of the folded accordion and tie it securely with a small strip of orange ribbon or orange thread. Keep the tie snug enough to hold the folds, but do not pull so tightly that the paper tears. Round both ends of the folded accordion with scissors to create a softer petal shape. This small cut helps give the finished flower a rounded outline.

4. Open and fluff the flower.
   Spread the two sides of the accordion open so they form a fan or circle. Starting near the outer edge, lift the crepe-paper layers one at a time toward the center. Use a light touch; crepe paper can tear if you tug sharply. Separate the layers around the flower rather than pulling all the paper in one direction. Continue until the flower looks rounded, full, and evenly fluffed.

5. Make all 20 flowers.
   Repeat the folding, tying, trimming, and fluffing process until you have 10 orange flowers and 10 yellow flowers. Aim for flowers about 12 cm in diameter. Compare them as you work. If one looks noticeably flatter, gently separate a few more layers to bring it closer to the size and fullness of the others.

6. Draw and cut the butterfly shapes.
   On orange paper or cardstock, draw 10 complete butterfly silhouettes. These will form the colorful base layer. On black paper or cardstock, prepare the butterfly outlines and wing shapes, along with a center body shape that includes the antennae. Cut the shapes carefully, keeping the parts for each butterfly together so they are easy to assemble.

7. Layer and decorate the butterflies.
   Place the black shapes over the orange butterfly silhouettes. Check that the orange base remains visible around the black pieces. Attach the black pieces with a suitable craft adhesive, such as hot glue. If using hot glue, take care to keep it away from your fingers and the delicate paper edges. Add small white dots with a paintbrush. Once the paint has dried, gently lift the wings to give each butterfly a subtle three-dimensional effect. Avoid bending sharply at the center, as this can crease or split the paper.

8. Lay out the garland before attaching anything.
   Extend the craft cord or garland rope across a large, clean surface. Arrange the flowers along it, alternating orange and yellow. Add the butterflies between the flowers and adjust the spacing until the decoration looks balanced. Laying everything out first makes it easier to spot gaps or clusters before you secure the pieces.

9. Attach the flowers and butterflies.
   Secure the flowers and butterflies to the cord, distributing them so the whole garland looks abundant and harmonious. Use the same adhesive method consistently and give glued areas time to set before lifting or hanging the garland. If a flower shifts while you work, reposition it before the adhesive fully hardens.

10. Display the finished decoration.
    Hang the garland on an altar, window, or door. Use a support that can hold the combined weight of the cord, paper flowers, and butterflies. Keep the decoration away from flames, heat sources, and damp areas. Paper decorations are not flame-resistant, so do not place them close to candles or open flames.

Ways to Use Your Finished Garland

The most natural use for this garland is as a seasonal Día de Muertos decoration. Drape it along the front or edge of an altar, keeping it clear of candles, incense, and anything that produces heat. It can also frame a doorway, decorate a window, or add color to a party or family gathering.

For a fuller display, pair the garland with other paper flowers or decorations in complementary colors. You can hang it across a wall or shelf, or use shorter lengths to decorate several areas of a room. The garland is also a cheerful handmade gift for someone preparing a seasonal celebration. If you make it for another person, transport it in a box or place it loosely in a bag so the crepe-paper petals and raised butterfly wings are not crushed.

Cleaning and Storage

Crepe paper and cardstock are delicate, so this garland should not be washed. Water can wrinkle, weaken, or stain the paper, and paint or glue may soften if they become damp. If the decoration gathers dust, use a clean, dry, very soft brush and sweep lightly. Avoid wiping the flowers with a cloth, since rubbing can flatten the layers or tear the crepe paper.

Store the garland in a dry place away from direct sunlight, which may fade the orange, yellow, and black colors. If possible, place it in a roomy box so the flowers are not compressed. Avoid folding the garland tightly or setting heavy items on top of it. Keep it away from moisture, heat, and open flames during both display and storage.

Helpful Tips for a Neater Result

• Measure the strips before cutting. A ruler helps you keep the flower strips close to 12 cm wide, which makes it easier to produce consistent blooms.
• Keep the pleats similar. Folds of about 1 cm give the flower a dense, ruffled look. If some pleats are much wider than others, that section may look sparse.
• Tie the center securely. The center holds the accordion together while you open the layers. A loose tie can allow the folds to slip apart; an overly tight tie can damage the paper.
• Fluff gradually. Separate one layer at a time and alternate sides. This is gentler than trying to open several layers at once and helps the flower keep a rounded shape.
• Use the first flower as a guide. Once you have one bloom you like, compare the remaining flowers with it. This makes the finished garland look more consistent.
• Keep butterfly pieces organized. Group the orange bases, black overlays, and body pieces for each butterfly before gluing. It prevents missing pieces and makes assembly smoother.
• Test the adhesive on a scrap. Different glues can leave marks or warp thin paper. Check a small offcut first, and use only enough adhesive to hold each piece.
• Let paint dry before arranging. White dots can smudge if you handle the butterflies too soon. Put them aside until the paint is completely dry.
• Plan the layout before attaching. Alternating the orange and yellow flowers is easier when everything is arranged on a flat surface first. Move butterflies around until the spacing looks even.
• Work on a clean, dry surface. Crepe paper can pick up dirt or moisture easily, and a clear workspace helps protect the finished colors.

Creative Variations

Keep the classic orange-and-yellow flower palette for a bright, traditional look, or change the arrangement to suit your celebration. You could alternate several orange flowers with one yellow flower, or group colors in sections rather than switching after every bloom. Changing the color order will not alter the flower-making process, but it will change the overall appearance and balance of the garland.

The butterfly colors can also be adjusted. A different color for the base or wing details creates a new look, while a lighter or darker cardstock may make the butterflies stand out more or less against the flowers. If you use thinner paper instead of cardstock, the wings may bend more easily and may need gentler handling.

For a denser garland, arrange the pieces closer together. This will use more of the cord’s length and make the decoration look fuller in each section. For a lighter, more open look, leave more space between the flowers and butterflies. Adding extra flowers or butterflies will increase the amount of paper, adhesive, and time needed. If you change the flower-strip length or width, the finished blooms may also become larger, smaller, or less full, so make one test flower before preparing the rest.

You can also vary the butterfly details by changing the placement or number of white dots. Keep the paint light and let it dry fully before handling. Avoid adding heavy embellishments: extra weight may cause the paper shapes to sag or pull away from the cord.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a crochet pattern?

No. Although it may be listed alongside crochet projects, this specific garland is made from crepe paper, colored paper or cardstock, cord, ribbon or thread, paint, and adhesive. It does not use yarn, a crochet hook, or crochet stitches.

Is this paper garland beginner-friendly?

Yes. The steps are straightforward, and no advanced craft skills are required. The parts that need the most patience are making even accordion folds, separating the crepe-paper layers without tearing them, and cutting the butterfly pieces neatly.

How many flowers and butterflies will I make?

The instructions call for 10 orange flowers, 10 yellow flowers, and 10 butterflies. Each flower should be about 12 cm in diameter when finished. The final garland length depends on how far apart you space the pieces along the cord.

Can I use regular colored paper instead of cardstock?

Yes, but the butterflies may be less firm. Cardstock holds the wing and body shapes more securely, while thin paper is lighter and more flexible. If you use regular paper, handle the butterflies gently and use a small amount of adhesive to avoid warping.

How do I stop the crepe-paper flowers from tearing?

Use a light touch when separating the layers. Start at the outer edge and lift one layer at a time toward the center. Make sure the center tie holds the folds, but do not pull it so tightly that it cuts into the paper.

How can I make the flowers larger or smaller?

The instructions use strips about 12 cm wide and 1 meter long and call for flowers around 12 cm across. Changing the strip dimensions can change the flower’s size and fullness. Make one sample flower first, then adjust your strip size before cutting the rest.

How long does the project take?

The time varies depending on your cutting speed, the detail of the butterfly shapes, and how carefully you fluff the flowers. Since the project includes 20 flowers and 10 butterflies, it is best to allow time for several stages rather than expecting to finish it in one quick sitting.

How should I clean and store the garland?

Do not wash it. Brush dust away gently with a clean, dry, soft brush, and store the garland in a dry box with enough room to protect the flowers. Keep it out of direct sun, moisture, and heat.

Can I sell a finished garland made from these instructions?

The instructions do not state whether selling finished items is permitted. Check the original designer’s usage terms before selling a garland made from the pattern.

Is the garland safe to hang near candles?

No. Crepe paper, cardstock, and craft cord can catch fire. Keep the garland well away from candles, open flames, and other sources of heat.

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