This paper quilling cactus is such a fun and easy way to try your hand at quilled paper art! With just a few strips of quilling paper and some simple rolling techniques, you can create an adorable cactus in a pot — complete with a little flower on top.
Whether you’re new to quilling or have a few projects under your belt, this cheerful DIY is the perfect way to get a feel for shaping and assembling quilled designs. It also makes a cute handmade card embellishment or small framed decor piece!
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How to Make a Paper Quilling Cactus
Materials:
- Quilling paper (brown, green, and pink)
- Tacky glue
Watch the step-by-step video tutorial:
Instructions:
Step 1: Find what you need
- Gather your supplies and materials.
Step 2: Make the pot
- Add a thin line of tacky glue to one end of a piece of brown quilling paper.
- Place the end of another piece of brown quilling paper into the glue, connecting the 2 pieces.
- Repeat with a third piece, creating an extra long strip of paper. Allow the glue to dry well before handling.
- Place a toothpick or needle on top of one end of the paper. You can also buy special quilling tools.
- Roll the paper around the toothpick until you have a tight/secure roll that will hold the tension on its own. Then remove the toothpick.
- Continue rolling the paper around itself until you get to the end.
- Then release the tension on the roll carefully, until you have a larger loose circle.
- Hold the circle and add a line of glue to the end. Connect it to itself to stop the circle from unraveling any more.
- Use your fingers to push the roll into a square shape, pinching the corners to maintain the shape. This will be the plant pot.
Step 3: Make the cactus
- Connect 2 green strips of paper. Use the same technique to create a green roll.
- Release some of the tension on the roll and glue the end in place, creating a loose circle.
- Repeat, making 2 more green circles a bit larger than the first. (These will also be made from 2 pieces of quilling paper each.)
- Squish the smallest circle flat, pinching each end to make a pointed leaf shape (also called a “marquise”).
- Repeat for the larger circles, but bend one end of each so they form a curve.
- Add a thin layer of glue to one side of the smaller piece.
- Attach one of the larger pieces with the curve connecting to the smaller piece. Repeat on the other side. Pinch the pieces firmly so they stick together.
Step 4: Make the flower
- Cut a piece of pink quilling paper into 3 even pieces.
- Use the same technique to create 3 tiny rolls. Release some of the tension and glue the ends in place.
- Then pinch the pink circles into the same leaf/marquise shape.
- Glue the pieces together the same way as the cactus, so that the points meet on one end.
Step 5: Glue the pieces together
- To glue the cactus pieces together, begin by adding a thin layer of glue to one side of the plant pot.
- Then place the 3 points of the cactus into the glue, with the connected sides at the top.
- Finally, add glue to the bottom of the flower (the connected side) and place it where you’d like on the cactus.
- Your paper quilling cactus is complete!
- Use similar techniques to create a whole collection of paper quilling cacti!
Helpful Tips:
- A fine-tip glue bottle or a toothpick makes it easier to apply tiny amounts of glue without making a mess.
- Give each part of the cactus a minute or two to set before gluing everything together. It makes it easier to handle and keeps the pieces from shifting.
Do I need a special tool to make this DIY quilled cactus?
A dedicated quilling tool makes rolling the paper much easier for cactus quilling, especially for beginners! But a toothpick or embroidery needle will also work if you don’t want to commit to buying tools.
If you like paper quilling and decide to plan more projects, you can purchase a quilling tool set which will give you better control.
Where can I find coloured quilling paper for my quilled cactus?
We recommend using pre-cut quilling strips for this paper quilling cactus. You can find pre-cut quilling strips in almost every colour imaginable online or at most craft stores. Look for a quilling paper variety pack to have lots of options for future crafts!
What kind of glue should I use for quilling a paper cactus?
Tacky glue or craft glue with a fast-drying formula works best for this paper quill cactus. It holds quickly and dries clear. We recommend using a fine-tip glue bottle for more precise application.
Who knew paper strips could look this cute?! This paper quilling cactus is easy to customize with different colours and shapes, and it makes a perfect project for beginners or a relaxing craft for a quiet afternoon. Whether you’re gifting it or framing it, this mini cactus is totally prickle-proof and full of personality!
Here’s even more cactus craft ideas:
Now available
Low-Mess Crafts for Kids Book
72 cute and fun crafts that kids and parents alike can enjoy. All with as little mess as possible!
Where to buy:
You can purchase Low-Mess Crafts for Kids from Amazon, or wherever books are sold:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Books-A-Million | Indiebound | Amazon Canada
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