Easy DIY Pipe Cleaner Flower Craft: Lily Tutorial
Lilies symbolize purity, love, and new beginnings, making them a perfect cheerful desk decor for your friends and family in special occasions like Mother’s Day, birthdays, weddings, or just because. And the best part? These lilies never wilt!
Looking for a creative way to bring soft, lasting flowers into your home or gift someone a handmade surprise? In this easy tutorial, we’ll show you how to make a beautiful lily flower using nothing but pipe cleaners and your imagination!
✂️ What You’ll Need
To get started, gather the following materials:
- 10 petal color pipe cleaners (for 5 petals)
- 4 green pipe cleaners (for leaves)
- 1 yellow or orange pipe cleaner (for the stamen)
- Floral tape
- 1 stem
- Scissors
- Hot glue (optional, for extra hold)
Tip: We recommend using high-density chenille pipe cleaners for a fuller, fluffier look.
🧵 Step-by-Step Instructions
🌼 Step 1: Shape the Petals
1️⃣Fold two pipe cleaners in half to prepare your base for shaping the petal, Insert one folded pipe cleaner into the other, forming a cross shape.
2️⃣Twist the top pipe cleaner once, then pull it downward and position it centered within the lower pipe cleaner.
3️⃣Measure about 5 cm from the center point (roughly two finger joints) and twist the overlapping pipe cleaners together to form the petal’s spine.
4️⃣Cross the left and right strands diagonally, shaping them into soft curves.
5️⃣Take the right strand and thread it through the opposite loop, forming one side of the petal, repeat on the left side, weaving the strand into the opposite loop to complete the petal outline.
6️⃣Twist the two ends tightly together to lock the petal shape in place.
7️⃣Gently pull the twisted ends up so they lie evenly on both sides.
8️⃣Pinch the base of the petal where the wires meet, and secure it with a longer pipe cleaner by wrapping it tightly around the bottom.
9️⃣Bend the petal slightly outward to create a natural, organic curve.
🔟Repeat all steps to make five to six petals for one full lily bloom.
✨ Step 2: Stamen Instructions (Flower Center)
1️⃣Cut a pipe cleaner in half, then take one piece and form a small loop at one end.
2️⃣Wrap the remaining length around the base of the loop twice to build up the pistil shape.
3️⃣Twist the base tightly to secure, then gently pull the loop sections upward to form a three-dimensional stamen structure.
🟡 Tip: Use yellow or orange pipe cleaners for a more realistic look.
🌿 Step 3: Leaf Instructions (Pipe Cleaner Leaves)
1️⃣Take two green pipe cleaners and fold each one in half to create a pointed leaf shape.
2️⃣Take the top pipe cleaner, twist it once, then pull it downward and tuck it neatly between the lower wires.
3️⃣Flatten and smooth out the leaf shape, Measure 1 cm from the leaf base, and twist tightly to hold the leaf shape in place.
4️⃣Bend the entire leaf slightly to give it a soft, organic curve.
🌿 For extra realism, use different shades of green or lightly brush the edges outward.
🍃 Step 4: Assemble the Flower
1️⃣Secure the stamen to the stem using hot glue or floral tape.
⚠️ Caution: Use hot glue carefully – it can cause burns.
2️⃣Attach all five petals evenly around the flower center, pressing each one firmly at the base to secure it in place.
3️⃣Wrap the stem with floral tape, starting at the base of the flower and covering about one-third of the stem’s length for a clean finish.
4️⃣Add the two green leaves slightly lower on the stem, then continue wrapping with floral tape until you’ve covered approximately two-thirds of the stem.
5️⃣Gently bend each petal outward, shaping the bloom into a soft, natural curve to give it a lifelike and elegant appearance.
DIY Lily Bouquet idea💐
Want to make your lily more lush?
- You can also experiment with pink, lavender, or two-toned petals (check here for two petal tutorial) for a more artistic bouquet.
- Use pastel colors for a spring-inspired bouquet
- Combine several lilies into a full floral arrangement
- Add pearls or ribbons for a more elegant touch
- Insert your lily into a handmade greeting card for a 3D surprise!
- Use our color powder to create a more vivid shade
📹 Watch the Tutorial Video
Need a visual guide? We’ve got you! 🎥 Watch the full tutorial on YouTube or find us on YouTube @Miemie's Corner for even more pipe cleaner flower content!
🛍️ Get the Full Kit
Don’t want to gather supplies separately? We’ve got you covered.
Or explore our ready-made flower bouquets handmade with love by the Miemie team.
💡Looking for something more advanced? Try the full bucket! Include all you would need from a full set of color pipe cleaners and tools!
If you made one too, share your creation in the comments! 🐾✨
We hope you’ve enjoyed making your very own pipe cleaner lily! Whether you gift it to someone special or keep it for yourself, it's a beautiful way to share creativity and care.
Don’t forget to tag us @Miemie's Corner on YouTube, Instagram or TikTok when you post your lily – we’d love to see your creation bloom! 🌸