Are you planning a milestone birthday this year and looking for budget-friendly decorations to make your celebration really POP?! I’m so excited to share my tutorial for DIY 3D floral numbers. Not only is this project easy for anyone to do, but it uses just a few materials, making it the perfect budget-friendly birthday party decoration that makes a statement!
In this tutorial, I’ll show you how I created a stunning #16 for my niece’s Sweet Sixteen birthday party. With just a little creativity and some simple supplies, you can create beautiful floral numbers (or letters!) for birthdays, weddings, showers, or any celebration!
And, before you go, be sure to checkout my DIY party checklist for the complete guide on planning the ultimate DIY celebration! Or, just grab the printable party checklist, by subscribing below!
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Supplies You’ll Need:
Here’s everything you need to bring your floral numbers to life for your party:
- 🌸 Variety of faux floral stems in complementary colors. I used three different varieties (1 bunch of each) to give it dimension
- ✂️ Wire cutters to trim stems
- 📦 Large piece of cardboard (or foam core poster board for an alternative).
- 🖍️ Marker to draw your design.
- 🖊️ Pen (used to pre-puncture holes in the cardboard).
- 🔪 Box cutter for cutting out the numbers
Optional: Hot glue gun and glue sticks for added security. Here’s my favorite cordless hot glue gun kit! If you’re a frequent DIYer, I highly recommend grabbing one of these becuase you’ll use it over, and over again!
DIY 3D Floral Number Tutorial
Follow the step-by-step instructions below, or watch my video tutorial here!
1. Draw Your Numbers
Start by using a thick marker to draw large numbers on a flat (already broken down) piece of cardboard. If you don’t have spare cardboard, foam core poster boards from Dollar Tree are a great alternative!
2. Cut the Numbers
Using a box cutter, carefully cut out your numbers. Take your time to ensure smooth edges, clean shapes (and no cutting mishaps!)
3. Prep Your Flowers
Trim your flower stems short, leaving just a few inches of stem. This will make it easier to secure them into the cardboard.
4. Poke Holes in the Cardboard
Using a pen, carefully poke a hole through the cardboard where you want your flowers to go. Do this one flower stem at a time, that way you can ensure you’re leaving enough room for the petals, as depending on the flowers you selected, some will take up more space than others on the cardboard.
Take your time with this step to avoid creating holes that are too large.
5. Insert Flowers
Grab one of your flowers and push its stem through the hole you created. Pull it tight until the flower base sits snugly against the cardboard.
6. Secure the Stem
Flip your number over so you can see the stem on the back. Wrap the stem in a spiral to secure the flower. For extra security, or if the hole is too large, add a small dab of hot glue underneath the flower petals to hold them in place.
7. Repeat and Alternate to Fill Your Number
Continue poking holes and attaching flowers, alternating varieties and colors for a full and dynamic look. Repeat until the entire number is filled with flowers.
8. Display Your DIY 3D Floral Number Masterpiece
You can display your finished 3D floral numbers in several ways:
- Lean it against a wall for a bold focal point
- Incorporate it into a tablescape for a sweet centerpiece
- Hang it using fishing line from a curtain rod, ceiling light, or DIY photo backdrop frame for a floating effect. Shop supplies for a hanging effect below!
Tips for DIY Flower Numbers Success:
- Pick the right flowers: Use artificial flowers with pliable stems for easier handling and durability.
- Match your party theme: Choose flowers and colors that complement your event’s theme.
- Plan your layout: Before securing the flowers, lay them out on the numbers to ensure the colors and textures are balanced.
- Professional finishing: For a more professional finish, consider painting the cardboard edges to match the flower colors.
- Matching Decorations: Create matching floral letters for initials or other creative designs!
Why DIY 3D Floral Numbers are Perfect for Any Occasion
These DIY 3D floral numbers are not only affordable but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re hosting a Sweet Sixteen, a graduation party, milestone 50th birthday, or even a wedding, these decorations make a stunning statement while keeping costs low.
So grab your supplies, unleash your creativity, and start crafting your very own 3D floral numbers today. Your guests will be amazed at how fabulous these look—and only you’ll know how easy and budget-friendly they were to make!
Be sure to share your finished designs with me, I’d love to see them! You can tag @savvyswarey on Instagram. Happy crafting!