Free Craft Ideas for Using Artificial Flowers

Artificial flowers are useful for silk flower arranging, but that isn't the only thing they are good for. Let's explore more ideas for using artificial flowers in various craft projects.

My favorite artificial flowers are the kind without stems; they're three-dimensional, but at the same time they lie almost flat on paper or other surfaces. This makes them ideal for paper crafts such as scrapbooking or card making. You can usually buy this type of flower in the scrapbooking aisle at your favorite craft store. There are many companies that make these; two of the most popular manufacturers are Prima and Petaloo, although many scrapbooking manufacturers have their own flower lines.

Materials vary; some artificial flowers, such as Petaloo's felt "Flora Doodle" flowers, are made of felt. I like the versatility of these, because you can use them in either fiber art projects or paper crafts projects.

Some artificial flowers are made of paper; these are most useful for paper crafts projects, although I have experimented with other uses for them as well. Obviously, they are not washable, so that somewhat limits their potential uses.

Home Décor Ideas

There are many ways you could embellish various home accents with pretty artificial flowers. Any surface that can be hot glued offers possibilities. Hot glue layered flowers onto a picture frame, or around the edges of a mirror. If you don't have a hot glue gun, Zip Dry paper glue will usually adhere well to most surfaces.

Layer several flowers together; fasten with a button or brad. Attach a magnet to the back; now you have a fridge magnet or locker magnet, which will pretty up your shopping list, homework assignments, etc.

Decorate Your Office Supplies

Dress up your clipboard by attaching a few clusters of Petaloo flowers to the clip; just be sure they are securely attached in a place that will not interfere with your papers.

Embellish a plain cup-style pencil holder by adding a ring of ribbon a few inches below the upper perimeter, with a pretty layered flower hiding the join in the ribbon.

Got a file box for storing recipes, phone numbers or flash cards? It could also benefit from an application of floral embellishments. The same idea

Wearable Art Ideas

What girl doesn't love wearing flowers in her hair? You could layer several flowers together and attach them to a headband, hair clip or barrette. These pretty hair accessories are fun for kids and teens to wear.

Attach your flowers to a pin and wear them as a lapel pin.

Decorate your favorite hat with flowers. It would be ideal to use a washable, or at least dry-cleanable, flower. If that is not possible, then attach the flower using an impermanent method (think snaps or buttons.)

Artificial flowers make beautiful accents for crocheted jewelry; see this crocheted flower necklace for possible inspiration and ideas.

More Flower Craft Ideas

Find free project instructions for all the following floral crafts:
Hand stamped paper flowers
How to make a three-dimensional floral greeting card
Crocheted hearts decorated with flowers
Free flower patterns
Personalized CD tin with artificial flower