Welcome paper botanists in the making! This workshop will give you the knowledge to make your own pin-stripe Calathea plant out of paper. Calathea plants are native to South and Central America, Africa and the Caribbean. These plants are known for their colorful foliage with contrasting patterns.
In this workshop, you will find a list of the required materials, the steps to follow, as well as an appendix with leaf templates to cut out.
Get your scissors, it’s now your turn!
Material Needed
You will need the following materials:
- Green and purple colored paper
- Leaves (see appendix)
- Small paintbrush
- Green pencil
- Light pink pencil
- Scissors
- Wires
- Cutting pliers
- Pot
- Decorative stones
- Moss
- Glue
This list is for reference only. It is also possible to replace some of the items with what you have on hand.
Leaves
Cut out the leaves templates. Using the templates as a guide, draw about 10 leaves on green paper.
Cut more leaves if you want a bigger plant.
Draw a line in the middle of each leaf with a green pencil leaving a little bit of space at the top. Using a pink pencil, draw the patterns on the leaves.
Branches
Using pliers, cut some wires in different lengths.
Cut out each leaf. Using a paintbrush, cover the back with glue, place a stem in the centre and glue onto a purple paper. Press on the leaves to make sure that both sides are well glued together.
Wait a few minutes for the glue to dry and cut around the leaves, making sure not to cut the wire.
Assembling
Put the moss in a pot. Cover with decorative stones.
Prick the branches into the moss by bending some of them slightly. Vary the length of the branches and the angles of the leaves to give them a more natural look.
Voilà! Your plant is ready. Welcome to the paper botanists club!
Download the complete PDF Guide
