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Roses are one of the most beautiful flowers and a favorite of kids and adults alike. As a teacher and parent, I'm always on the lookout for fun, engaging crafts and activities to do with children, especially projects that help foster an appreciation for nature.
In this post, I'd like to share how you can craft a lovely paper rose that looks just like the real thing using simple supplies you likely already have at home. Along with step-by-step instructions for making this rose, I'll also include ideas for other rose-themed crafts your kids are sure to love like seed packet roses, rose potpourri sachets, and more.
With minimal materials and a little imagination, your kids can experience the joy of roses through hands-on making – and you'll give them skills and appreciation for beauty that can last a lifetime.
Rose Crafts for Kids
I am busy working away putting together a bunch of Valentine-themed activities for my kids. Some activities are Montessori so that is no big thing.
On the other hand, I am venturing down that crafty road again, and, well, my brain hurts. That is why this paper rose craft is the perfect distraction!
I am not sure why I was never into crafts because I am certainly driven to them now. I have a few new Valentine-themed crafts to share with you in the coming weeks.
How to Make a Paper Rose
Making a paper rose can be a fun and creative craft project. Below is a simple method to make a paper rose.
Materials you'll need:
- Colored paper or cardstock
- Scissors
- Pencil or pen
- Glue or adhesive (optional)
Step-by-step instructions:
- Start by cutting a circle out of the colored paper. The size of the circle will determine the size of your rose, so you can adjust it based on your preference. For a standard-sized rose, a circle with a diameter of around 3-4 inches (7-10 cm) works well.
- Starting from the edge of the circle, cut a spiral shape inward towards the center, maintaining a continuous spiral until you reach the middle. The width of the spiral can be around 1/2 inch (1 cm) or slightly more, but you can adjust it based on your desired petal thickness.
- Once you've cut the spiral, hold the outer end of the paper (the starting point of the spiral) and begin rolling it tightly toward the center. As you roll, the spiral shape will create the petals of the rose.
- Continue rolling until you reach the center of the spiral. This will form the base of the rose. You can use a pencil or pen to curl the outermost petal slightly outward, giving it a more natural appearance.
- If desired, you can secure the rose by applying a small amount of glue or adhesive at the base of the rolled paper. This will help hold the rose together.
- To add a stem, cut a strip of green paper or cardstock, approximately 1/2 inch (1 cm) wide and a few inches long. Apply some glue or adhesive to one end of the strip and attach it to the base of the rose.
- Optional: If you want to add leaves, cut leaf shapes from green paper and attach them to the stem using glue or adhesive.
- Allow the glue to dry if you used it, and your paper rose is complete!
Feel free to experiment with different paper colors, sizes, and petal shapes to create variations of paper roses. With practice, you can refine your technique and create more intricate and realistic-looking paper flowers.
More Rose Crafts & Activities
Check out the below round-up to learn how to make a paper flower rose & loads of other Rose Crafts & Activities for Kids.
How to Make a Paper Rose & Other Rose Crafts & Activities for Kids
Rose Crystals
Did you know that you could make a crystal rose with a real rose? This activity is creative, and artistic, and involves a ton of science learning. Learn the directions here.
Paper Rose Craft
Learn how to make a paper rose from Dreamy Posy. She gives step-by-step instructions and FREE templates! The craft involves a spiral. So, there is an immediate connection to math. Plus, cutting and rolling the paper is great fine motor work for children.
Giant Crepe Paper Rose
This Giant Crepe Paper Rose looks a bit daunting but would be a perfect crafts for older children. I took a look at the tutorial and besides garnering enough patience, the activity looks reasonable and gorgeous! How beautiful would these Giant Roses look around a classroom?
Egg Carton Roses
Using recycled materials is always a hit with children. Creating roses is a wonderful way to use up all those leftover egg cartons.
Paper Plate Roses
Paper plates don't get any more easy and inexpensive! This Paper Plate Rose activity from Kids Activities Blog is simple to set up and even easier to execute. Children love to be creative with displaying the roses.
Felt Rose Activity
What a beautiful Felt Rose activity and tutorial offered from Love of Family and Home. I enjoy experimenting with different materials. In this case, we have felt versus paper, card stock, or tissue paper. The author adds tips that really pay off. I like the idea of using felt but I always have difficultly cutting felt. Any tips?
Watercolor Rose on Canvas
This Watercolor Rose activity from Deborah at Learn with Play at Home caught my eye immediately. So simple and beautiful. This particular activity is not specifically for Valentine's Day but it can certainly be applied for the special people in your child's life.
Create Rainbow Roses
This science experiment is a joy to do with children. This post gives a decent overview of how to create Rainbow Roses. The post gives you a sense of where to go with it. Children will be mesmerized by the beautiful colors. Teachers will love all the science learning to be had from the Rainbow Rose experiment.
Magazine Roses
This activity is similar to a few listed here but totally knocked my socks off. The look of these Magazine Roses are vintage and would add a ton to any home or classroom decor. Easy approach and a wonderful finished product the kids and adults will adore!
Hershey Kiss Roses
Super easy to put together, these Hershey Kiss Roses are sure to be a hit with the kids! You have to scroll about halfway down the original post to get to this idea. I thought it was cute. Make a bouquet or simply one or two flowers with pipe cleaners and you have yourself a creative Valentine.
Duct Tape Roses
These Duct Tape Roses look super cool. I will say that the tutorial may be a bit above a preschoolers head but it will certainly grab the attention of an older child. This tutorial from Instructables.com is straightforward. I am going to give it a whirl this coming week!
Have fun and let me know how it goes! :-)
Marnie