Paper Peony Gift Tag

Shape graduated paper petals into a small layered peony, then attach it to a tag without covering the writing area or weakening the ribbon hole.

Size: Tag: about 2 × 4 in (5 × 10 cm); adjust for the gift.

Materials

Cardstock for the tag — Choose a weight that folds cleanly.
Colored paper — Use two or three shades for layered petals.
Thin ribbon or cord — For attaching the tag.
Paper scrap — For testing petal shapes and adhesive.

Tools

Scissors or cutting machine — Use the method suited to the template.
Pencil and ruler — For the tag outline and fold.
Paper adhesive — Apply sparingly between petals.
Scoring tool — For a clean tag fold.

Steps

Plan the tag

Draw a 2 × 4 in (5 × 10 cm) tag or adjust the outline to the gift. Mark the writing area, flower position and ribbon hole. Keep the flower far enough from the edge that it will not catch, and leave a wide margin around the hole.
Shape the petals

Cut a small group of petals in three sizes from paper scraps first. Lay the pieces in rings, with each petal overlapping the gap in the ring below. If the flower overwhelms the tag or hides the note area, reduce the petal width before cutting the final paper.
Add dimension

Curl the outer edge of each petal gently around a pencil, bone folder or shaping tool. Press only near the base to make a shallow cup; a hard crease can split or flatten the curve. Keep several petals flatter for the lower ring so the flower has a stable back.
Layer the flower

Start with the smallest ring and attach petals at their bases, shifting each new petal over the gap below it. Add the next size around the outside. Use enough adhesive to hold the overlap, but keep glue away from the visible petal edges.
Finish the tag

Let the flower adhesive set, then attach the flower to the marked area with a flat backing layer if needed. Punch the ribbon hole through the tag base, not through the flower. Thread ribbon and confirm the tag still lies against the package.

Make a small paper peony for a tag about 2 × 4 in (5 × 10 cm). The flower should sit within one end of the tag so the name or note stays readable. Use a paper scrap to test the flower’s width and height before cutting the colored sheets.

Cut petals in a few graduated sizes and arrange each ring with the petals offset from the gaps below. Curl the edges gently around a pencil or shaping tool; sharp folds can crease thin paper instead of giving it a rounded shape.

Use a small amount of adhesive at the petal bases. Let it set before adding ribbon, then check that the tag lies flat enough for the package and that the punched hole has paper around it.

Step images are illustrations. They show one possible sequence; fit and tool settings depend on your materials and equipment.