Introduction: DIY Paper Leaves (Pattern Trick!)
There's nothing special about making paper leaves. Well, that's what I thought as well until I learned this new trick! All you need to do is- fold a paper, draw a pattern (this is the tricky and exciting part!) and see how the leaf turns out when you complete the rest of the steps.
Follow this ible and find out how to make these fun paper leaves with the help of the same technique!
Step 1: Materials Needed
To make these leaves you will need:
- Craft paper,
- Pencil,
- Scissors,
- Craft glue.
Step 2: Templates
I came up with these 7 templates for now. I'm sure you can come up with more. But I'm pretty sure that you can come up with more awesome patterns with the help of this technique. Simply fold a paper into half and draw a pattern and then complete the following steps to create the leaf!
Step 3: Leaf Pattern - 1
Take a square size paper and cut it diagonally to create 2 triangles.
Make small and even accordion folds on any one of the triangle papers.
Hold the center of the folded paper and squeeze it gently to bring the center folds together.
Apply glue along any one side of the inner fold and join the inner sides to form the leaf.
Allow the glue to dry.
Step 4: Leaf Pattern - 2
Take a paper strip of 1 X 6 inches and fold it into half lengthwise.
Cut the folded paper diagonally from one corner to the other.
Unfold the paper and you will get a flat triangle. Make small and even accordion folds on the triangle.
Hold and squeeze the center of the folded triangle to bring the center folds together.
Apply glue along any one side of the inner fold and join the inner sides to form the leaf.
Allow the glue to dry.
Step 5: Leaf Pattern - 3
Take a square size paper and fold it into half.
Draw a half arch shape on the paper, keeping the curve of the arch on the open side of the folded paper.
Cut out the arch shape from the paper and unfold it.
Make small and even accordion folds on the paper.
Hold the center of the folded paper and squeeze it gently to bring the center folds together.
Apply glue along any one side of the inner fold and join the inner sides to complete the leaf.
Step 6: Leaf Pattern - 4
Take a square size paper and neatly fold it into half.
First draw a half arch shape like the previous one and then draw a scallop pattern along the border of the arch.
Cut out the paper along the traced pattern.
Unfold the cutout paper. Make small and even accordion folds on the paper.
Hold and squeeze the center of the folded paper gently to bring the center folds together.
Apply glue along any one side of the inner fold and join the inner sides to create the leaf. Done!
Step 7: Leaf Pattern - 5
Take a rectangular shaped craft paper and fold it into half width-wise.
Draw a pattern on the folded paper as shown in the picture of this step.
Cut out the paper along the traced pattern.
Open the fold. Make small and even accordion folds on the paper.
Hold and squeeze the center of the folded paper gently to bring the center folds together.
Apply glue along any one side of the inner fold and join the inner sides to create the maple leaf.
Step 8: Leaf Pattern - 6
Take a rectangular shaped craft paper and fold it into half width-wise.
Draw a half heart shape pattern on the folded paper as shown in the picture of this step. Cut out the paper along the traced pattern.
Open the half fold. Make small and even accordion folds on the cut out paper.
Hold and squeeze the center of the folded paper gently to bring the folds together. Apply glue along any one side of the inner fold and join the inner sides to create the heart shaped leaf.
Step 9: Leaf Pattern - 7
Take a rectangular shaped craft paper and fold it into half width-wise.
Draw a toothed pattern on the folded paper as shown in the picture of this step. The pattern should be along the open side of the folded paper.
Cut out the paper along the traced pattern.
Unfold the cutout paper. Make small and even accordion folds on it.
Hold and squeeze the center of the folded paper gently to bring the center folds together. Apply glue along any one side of the inner fold and join the inner sides to create the toothed leaf.

Runner Up in the
Papercraft Contest 2015
3 People Made This Project!
- sugarmadman made it!
- Amanda-Cilek made it!
- ray.laurie made it!
28 Comments
3 years ago
cannot wait to try this
4 years ago
Have been looking for a simple paper flower ..found this one ..thankyou for the detailed steps..will post mine after making them...
Question 4 years ago on Step 3
What is the best glue to us for something like these. I have tried so many in learning how to make paper flowers and have trouble getting them to hold fast.
5 years ago
I just found this idea on Pinterest but your tutorial makes sense in the step after the accordion fold. Thank you. I also appreciate the different style of leaves to make.
6 years ago
So pretty! I will definitely try it out
7 years ago
Gorgeous! So neat. Not sure mine would be!
7 years ago
This is a fabulous way of making leaves for quilling. Thank you!
7 years ago
Lovely! Done with white and silver paper would make great winter holidays decorations too!
7 years ago
you found very simple technique to teach, you are brilient
7 years ago
Absolutely Beautiful, your very talented, am trying to make some right now. Thank you for sharing
7 years ago
very simple, nice and beautiful. thanks for the fine presentation of work
7 years ago
Very Nice and Beautiful
7 years ago
Simple but wonderful. I'll try it.
7 years ago
wow these are beautiful!
7 years ago
Simple yet stunning! Good one
7 years ago
Surprisingly beautiful results from your cutting, folding, and gluing! Thanks for sharing the technique.
There's a paper crafting tool known as a crimper that will corregate cardstock. If the folds it produces could be made tight, that would save a lot of time making these. (I couldn't find my crimper to try it out).
7 years ago
It is so simple but simply awesome!!!!
7 years ago
A colourful collection of leaves for fall! Nicely done!
7 years ago
Oh muhaiminah !
This is such a great ible..you definitely have my vote. :D
P.S. I especially love the maple leaf ♡
7 years ago
These are beautiful. I'm going to make with metallic paper.