Paper Quilling Cactus
This fun and eco-friendly paper quilling project allows you to create a colorful cactus that brightens up any space and makes for a thoughtful gift.
Ingredients
Materials Needed
- 1 pack Colorful quilling paper strips (various greens, browns, and other colors) Choose a mix of colors as per your design preference.
- 1 tool Quilling tool (slotted tool or needle tool) This will help you to roll the paper strips.
- 1 pair Scissors For cutting your paper strips.
- 1 optional Tweezers Helpful for handling small pieces.
- 1 piece Corkboard or foam base for assembly To secure the cactus during assembly.
- 1 bottle Craft glue For sticking the paper strips together.
- 1 piece Ruler To measure your paper strips accurately.
- 1 pencil Pencil For marking measurements.
Instructions
Preparation
- Cut your quilling paper into strips: 1/4 inch by 11 inches for the cactus leaves and shorter strips for flowers.
- Choose your color palette—different shades of green for the cactus and bright colors for flowers.
Create Cactus Leaves
- Grab a paper strip and use the quilling tool to tightly roll the strip, forming a tight coil.
- Gently release the coil to create a loose spiral and pinch one end to form a teardrop shape. This will be the cactus leaf.
- Repeat with several strips until you have a cluster of leaves.
Assemble Your Cactus
- Arrange the leaves in a cluster shape on your base.
- Use craft glue to secure them in place.
- Allow to dry completely.
Add Flowers
- Create small, tight coils using shorter strips of vibrant colors to form flowers.
- Shape them into fun forms like cones or flat circles.
- Glue these flowers onto your cactus as embellishments.
Finishing Touches
- Optionally, you can create a pot using rolled or folded paper strips.
- Arrange the cactus in the pot and secure with glue.
- Allow everything to dry thoroughly.
Notes
Customize your colors or add glitter for a unique look. Consider creating a whole desert scene using multiple techniques!