Party Decor: Cardboard Cactus Tutorial

Who loves the cactus trend?  Me! pick me!

Cacti have such lovely organic shapes and they come in more colors than you would think.  And not all cacti have to be green. They can be blue, purple, or even pink! And for craft purposes, they can be any color you want.  So go ahead and dream of coral or teal cactus- your options are limitless.

If you're in the mood for a Western or Mexican-themed party or just want something to liven up your wall space, try out this cardboard cactus tutorial.  You won't be sad you tried it!

Materials:

cardboard

scissors

acrylic craft paints

paint brushes

tissue paper flowers or silk flowers

masking tape

Instructions:

1. Draw cactus shapes on cardboard and cut them out. Don't be too picky about the shapes. Cactus are very round and oval-ish.  Improvise or look at some cactus to get an idea of their shapes.  You can draw a variety or saguaro or barrel cactus.  Even prickly pears are easy to create. You can draw them on cereal boxes, shoe boxes, any cardboard you have lying around.                                                                                                                                              
2. Using acrylic craft paints, paint each cactus shape completely on one side.  You may want to pick an analogous color scheme like my blues and greens, it's up to you! Let the paint dry completely.                                                                                                                                                   
3. Using a contrasting color, paint lines for the spikes of the cactus.  You can paint long lines to give contour and shape to the saguaro cactus or short little lines for spikes on the other cactus. Let the paint dry completely again.

    4. Make mini tissue paper flowers or use small fake silk flowers.  Get creative with the color             and have fun with this part.  Attach the flowers to the tops of the cactus with tape or glue.  

        See my Tissue Paper Flowers Tutorial to make your own flowers!

Step 5: Place masking tape or wall dots on the backs of the cactus and stick them to the wall. I grouped my cacti all together.  I think they look happier that way!

 Enjoy some seriously bright and festive party decor!  I'm saving mine for next year's Cinco de Mayo  party.