DIY Flower Garden Fairy

I created this DIY Flower Garden Fairy at the same time as my Woodland Forest Fairy so if you’ve already made my Woodland Fairy you’ll see the steps are similar. The main wings on this fairy are large magnolia flowers and they are adorned with small magnolia buds and tall Salvia stems. Salvia is a type of flower that grows in long thin stems, which contrast nicely with the dense magnolia buds.

I’m so happy to finally be able to share this fairy design. She’s a cinch to make once you get the hang of it, and especially if you’ve already made the Woodland Fairy. Post your images in comments below or send them to my email at chaivdesign@gmail.com. I love seeing photos!

Here is a link to purchase the Flower Garden Fairy DIY bundle. The bundle includes the fairy, a hanging notch, two Magnolia bud branches and three Salvia stems. My Woodland Fairy has been very popular since I released it last year so THANK YOU to those of you who have been supporting my work!

❊❊❊ UPDATE APRIL 2021 ❊❊❊

A video tutorial of this Flower Garden Fairy is now posted on my YouTube channel. Click below to watch:

✻✻✻ Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I’m trying to avoid having ads on my site so if it’s a product you were planning on purchasing anyway, please consider purchasing through my links. I really appreciate your support ! ✻✻✻ 

Here is a step-by-step photo tutorial:

Materials:

Flower Garden Fairy Design SVG
Cutting Machine
Cardstock Paper
Double-Sided Tape With Lining
White Glue
Small Paintbrush
X-Acto Knife or any sharp point
Clear String
Scissors
Wax Paper (optional)

Here are the instructions on how to create your flower fairy…

Step 1: Cut fairies and branches/stems

With your cutting machine, cut out two fairies, a hanging notch, 4 bud branches and 3 Salvia stems (see below). For the bud branches, notice there are two different designs—one with 3 buds and one with 4 buds (by “buds” I mean small flowers). In your cut file, you’ll see 4 branches because I’ve already duplicated them.

The dotted line that is cut along the base of the fairy wings will become your fold lines but you can also go over it with a bone folder to enhance the fold line. You can also just fold the wing back and forth to enhance the fold. Reinforcing this fold line will help you in the next step.

Step 2: Attach double-sided tape along fold line

To start out, make sure your fairy head is to your left. Cut a piece of double-sided tape that’s about the same length as the wing fold line (about 1.75 inches long), and about a half inch wide. It’s important to use strong double-sided tape and not the removable type for this step. I like to use tape with liner on it and you’ll see why in the next steps. Place your tape along the fold line and remove the liner to expose the sticky tape.

Step 3: Mark spot for hanging notch

Place a ruler on your fairy like in the image below. Line up the 5/8 inch mark (1.5 cm) with the right end of your fairy wing. The zero mark on your ruler is where the hanging notch will be. You can mark this spot with a pencil or just leave your ruler in place as you work on the next steps.

Step 4: Apply first set of branches and stems to tape

Before we do this step, have a look at the image below to see what the tape will look like when all your branches and stems have been placed. Notice you will have four branches/stems on the left side of your hanging notch, and three on the right. Keep this in mind for spacing when you place each branch/stem.

Also when placing the branches/stems make sure they don’t overlap the fairy’s head or body because you’ll be gluing those areas together in later steps.

With the previous image in mind, place your first set of bud branches on your tape, like in the image below. Notice that I’ve placed each one on the two outer ends of the tape. Also notice the branch with 3 buds goes on the left and the branch with 4 buds on the right.

Next place two Salvia stems on your tape. The arrows in the image below show you which direction each stem should face, since they each have slight curves. Make sure you place one to the left of the hanging notch spot and one to the right. And as I mentioned earlier, keep in mind the spacing you will need for other branches/stems. Especially on the right side of the hanging notch since this space is tight.

Next place your hanging notch. Line up the zero mark on your ruler (or your pencil mark) to the approximate center of your hanging notch.

Step 5: Apply second set of branches and stems

Place your third Salvia stem on your tape, making sure it sits to the left of the hanging notch.

Then place your last two bud branches.

Step 6: Place a second piece of double-sided tape

Cut a second piece of tape that’s approximately the same size as the first piece. Place it directly over the branches/stems on the first piece of tape. You want it to completely cover the first tape piece. Also, like the first tape, make sure the top edge is aligned with the fold line of the fairy wing. Press down along the tape to secure it in place but leave the liner in place. **With my kids being home during lock-down, I’m lucky my son was willing to be my hand model for this tutorial😄

Step 7: Align Second Fairy On Top

Align your second fairy on top of the first fairy.

Step 8: Remove tape liner to attach fairies together

Once you have the two fairies aligned, with fingers and toes matching, hold down the head area tightly with one hand and then lift the skirt area of the top fairy to expose the tape underneath. Make sure to hold down the top fairy tightly so you don’t lose your alignment. Using an X-acto knife or any sharp point, reach in and peel off the tape liner.

Once you’ve removed the tape liner, press the top fairy firmly down.

Step 9: Glue Fairies Together

In this step you’ll be applying glue to the bottom fairy, then pressing the two fairies together. Do this in parts so the glue doesn’t dry up on you.

I find the easiest place to start is at her skirt. Lift the top skirt up and reach in to apply glue to the whole skirt. Press the two skirts together.

With the skirt area glued together, you can glue the legs next. Lift up the top legs and apply glue to the bottom set of legs. Press the legs together. While the glue is still wet, you should be able to move the legs a bit if they aren’t perfectly aligned.

Flip your fairy over to glue her head and arms next. Apply glue to her neck and head and press together.

And finally, apply glue to each arm and press together. Once you have all the parts glued together you can place the fairy between some books to make sure she dries flat. You can also put some wax paper between her and your books so any glue that escapes doesn’t end up on your books. This drying step is not crucial though if you’ve used cardstock—your fairy should dry pretty flat.

Step 10: Peel open wing layers

Open wing layers one branch and stem at a time. The branches and stems you placed before placing the hanging notch will open to one side of the notch, and the branches and stems you placed after the hanging notch will open to the other side.

Step 11: Tie string for hanging

After you’ve opened each layer of wings/branches, locate the notch and tie your string to the notch. I use clear monofilament (fishing line) to hang my fairies and I tie a knot three times. If you find that your fairy is hanging lopsided, there are two things you can do to fix it.

First give your string a firm tug to make sure it’s straight. Hold the knot between your fingers when you’re tugging, to make sure you don’t rip into the notch. If you’re using monofilament like me, sometimes the knot will cause the string to lean to one side and a tug should fix this.

Second, adjust the wings and branches on each side until the fairy hangs straight. You may have to either open or close the wings/branches on each side. Also for a fuller look, pull the branches and stems up away from the main wing and towards the center so they’re not laying flat against the main wing.

And that was the last step! I know there were a lot of steps in this one but it’s so worth it when you see the final fairy you’ve created.

I hope you enjoy this one and please share your images. Tag us on instagram at @chaivdesign so we can see your beautiful work!