When most people think of paper crafts they think origami or paper flowers, but there are so many more incredible ways to transform this common art supply into something beautiful. The best thing about it is you really don’t need much more than some blank sheets and your imagination. To show you just how amazing paper can be I’ve rounded up over 60 Paper Crafts featuring this humble and versatile material.
Of all the art supplies out there, paper is by far one of my favorite materials to work with. Most often paper is used as a blank canvas on which to draw, write, or paint but paper can be so.much.more. It can be cut, sculpted, folded, marbled, woven, twisted, made into books, made into jewelry, and even toys!
Paper Crafts Project Categories
This article covers the following paper crafts
(to jump ahead to a category click the links below):
Colorful Paper Art
Origami & 3D Paper Magic
Amusing Paper Toys
Pretty Printables
Creative Cutting
Paper Making Basics
Juicy Journals
Awesome Paper Mache
Sweet Paper Jewelry
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Paper Crafts Resources
Before we head to the paper crafts I wanted to highlight a few of our favorite resources. This quick overview includes paper types used in many of the projects below, our popular paper techniques board, and three paper craft books to get you inspired.
Types of Paper
- Copy Paper
- Cardstock
- Colorful Card Stock
- Watercolor Paper
- Corrugated Paper
- Tissue Paper
- Paper Straws (I’m obsessed with these jumbo sized straws for building!)
- Crepe Paper
- Paper Plates
- Newsprint
For more paper types, hole punches and cool paper craft supplies head to our supply list on Amazon!
Paper Building Techniques
Several years ago I created this simple paper crafts technique board and I use it often in our classes and camps. A visual resource like this is perfect for kids who need a little inspiration on the many ways to build with paper. I based mine off some images I saw on Pinterest.
Paper Craft Books
I am an avid collector of paper crafting books so instead of sharing ALL of them here with you I’ve selected three good ones to get you started:
Easy Paper Projects
Red Ted Art is a must-know resource if you love working with paper and creator Maggy Woodley has written a lovely book with easy crafts for kids to try!
Paper Inventions
If you have older kids who want to use paper to build and make machines with, this is a great resource.
Paper Toys Play Pack
Our ebook featuring 7 paper toys to make and play with. Download and print these today.
60+ Paper Crafts
Colorful Paper Art
Paper of course is the classic canvas for kids’ art projects. It’s inexpensive and readily available and absorbs color beautifully. If you want to try some offbeat ideas for paper art check these out:
Easy Toddler Made Garland
Tissue Paper Stained Glass
Crumpled Paper Art
Marbled Milk Paper
Fold & Dye Tissue Art
Suminagashi
Tie Dye Gift Wrap
Origami & More 3D Paper Magic
Most people think of paper as a 2 dimensional material that we write or draw on, but paper is a wonderful base for 3D art projects! It can be folded, twisted, cut, and shaped into marvelous 3D creations! Check out some ideas for turning this 2D material into 3D paper magic!
3D Geometric Paper Shapes
Doodle Cubes
Paper Fan Garland
Rolled Paper Sculptures
String Craft Stars
Calder Inspired Sculptures
Tissue Paper Hearts
Corner Bookmarks
Origami Paper Twirlers
Fortune Tellers
Paper Pinches
Paper Lanterns
Paper Pinwheels
Origami Star Boxes
Paper Looping Activity
Easy Paper Flowers
Amusing Paper Toys
Another wonderful paper crafts idea is to turn this humble material into toys! Yes, DIY toys that can be created out of sheets of paper…it’s true! Keep these handy when you need activities in a pinch!
From top and left to right:
Paper Houses
Flextangles
Paper Craft Superheros
Paper Plate Maracas
Paper Pinwheel Helicopters
Paper Helicopters
Paper Tops
Paper Bag Crowns
Paper Printable Pack
Paper Building Blocks
Paper Dolls House
Pretty Printables
It’s amazing what you can print on paper beyond worksheets…Here are some clever printables that challenge kids to think creatively.
From top and left to right:
Decotropes
Zentangle Patterns Starter Sheets
Fun Printable Grids
Printable Paint Palette
Printable Shapes
Camouflage Coloring Pages
Monster Drawing Prompts
Mondrian Lego Art
Color Wheels
Paper Crafts:
Creative Cutting
Not only is cutting a simple way to transform paper, it’s also a wonderful fine motor activity for kids of all ages. Adults, too love kirigami so get cutting!
From top and left to right:
Paper Tassles
Wrapping Paper Pom Poms
Easy Notan Paper Project
Kirigami Water Blossoms
Kirigami Flowers
Paper Strip Monogram Art
GIANT Kirigami Webs
Paper Making Basics
If you have ever wanted to try making your own paper here are three ways to do it! Making paper is an involved process BUT the results are always lovely and it’s the perfect way to teach kids about creative reuse of materials.
From top and left to right:
Handmade Paper Shapes
How to Make Paper on Babble Dabble Do
How to Make Paper on Tinkerlab
Juicy Journals
Journaling is a wonderful way to not only collect thoughts and ideas but to get creative! Make your own journals and then fill them with your daydreams and doodles!
From top and left to right:
Easiest Bookbinding Ever
DIY Art Journals with Drawing Prompts
My Important Book
Bubble Print Journals
Sketchbook Basics
Mini Art Books
Paper Bag Art Journal
Simple Handmade Books
Paper Crafts:
Awesome Paper Mache
When I was a kid there was nothing that fascinated me more than paper mache. The method of taking wet paper and glue and turning it into a hard sculpture blew my mind!
From top and left to right:
Tissue Paper Nest
Paper Mache Ice Cream
Paper Mache Bananas
Paper Mache & Chipboard Cuckoo Clocks
Paper Mache Treehouses
Paper Pulp Bowls
Tissue Paper Balloon Bowls
Paper Mache Puppets
Sculptamold Fruit Bowls
Sweet Paper Jewelry
Did you ever think of wearing paper? Yup, a paper craft worth trying is making colorful jewelry!
Paper Scrap Necklace
Crepe Paper Bracelets
Folded Paper Bracelets
Paper Circle Necklace
Paper Pulp Pendant
Fabric & Paper Straw Bracelets
Paper Ring
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Holy smokes!! This is such a beautiful round-up Ana, I can see that it is a labor of love. I am totally digging the way you organized it all, it will come in really handy for me when I teach art class. Thank you for including me!! xoxo Bar
Bar recently posted…Paper Mâché Mobile with Kids
Oh. My. Goodness. You went all nutty for paper! I love it so much, too, and this is such an amazing resource. Way to go with the great ideas!
Jeanette Nyberg recently posted…Stripes! Stripes! More Stripes!
I loved the collection.. And the way you have sorted it.. Awesome..:)
I’m so happy to hear it Smitha!
Just love, love love all these ideas. Will be great to use at the kids club I run.
Oh thank you Syliva!