How to Make a Paper Medallion

Extra large or sweet and petite, paper medallions (or rosettes, whichever you prefer) are a perfect embellishment and addition to a number of crafts and as party decor – like at the Project Life party Candice hosted last year. We love their versatility and charm – and how easy they are to make!

Candice made a huge batch for us to use on our mini and big crowns for the Lolli and Pops party. The crown above has a mini medallion (about 2.5 inches in diameter) made from book paper and trimmed with pinking sheers to give it an extra detail. There are three things to remember when making paper medallions: 1. The final diameter will be double the size of the length of the pieces you glue together. 2. Tight, even folds are really important to the final look. 3. It won’t look “finished” till it’s finished!

Sarah is a master folder, I am not so much. Sarah can make even folds just eyeballing. I need to score or mark my paper first. Do whatcha do. Start at one end and fold. This is an 8×8 sheet of scrapbook paper that will be cut into thirds. By folding and THEN cutting, we’re guaranteed the folds will be the same size.

Keep going…

and keep crimping. A bone folder works well for this – or a cute ruler – or a fingernail. Just keep those creases nice and sharp!

Measure and cut your paper into sections. The final width of the medallion will be double the length of the paper you cut.

Gluing wrong side to wrong side, attach the accordion folded sections to make one long accordion folded piece.

The more paper (ie the longer) the fuller the fanning effect will be. This piece was only cut in thirds. You could fold and cut another piece, make the width smaller, etc to make the end result full and lush.

Using a table to help, fan the edges out and bring the ends together to form a circle. Use your ninja skills to hold the rosette down while you glue the ends together.

Be sure to attaché wrong side to wrong side so that only the “pretty” side of the paper is showing.

Trim, or paper punch, a small circle that will thoroughly cover the “meeting spot” on the back of the rosette. Glue it down making sure the ends are touching in the middle.

Then you can add a decorative element to the front for extra pizzaz or sturdiness. Clear any extra glue strings (we use hot glue for these because it sets fast and holds tight!).