Gather air-dry clay or polymer clay, rolling pin, craft knife, flower cutters, toothpick, wire, glue, and acrylic paint if desired
Knead the clay until soft and smooth
Roll the clay into a thin sheet
Cut petal shapes using cutters or a knife
Thin and shape the petal edges with your fingers or a ball tool
Texture the petals with a toothpick or texture tool if desired
Form a small clay ball for the flower center
Attach the petals around the center one layer at a time
Press the petals gently to secure them
Add a wire stem or leave the flower without a stem
Shape leaves from green clay and attach them if desired
Let air-dry clay dry completely or bake polymer clay according to package instructions
Paint the flower after drying or baking if desired
Seal with varnish if desired