There is so much that you can create with a few sheets of paper and your imagination. Paper crafts are enjoyable for people of all ages due to the variety. From a toddler painting a paper plate to a retiree spending hours on origami, there are limitless possibilities to what you can create with coloured craft paper.
We’ve taken a look at some of the nation’s favourite paper crafts to help give you inspiration for your next project. There are ideas ranging from decorative pieces to interactive games that you can make and play with children.
Without further ado, let’s dive in and see which crafting ideas take your fancy. You can even combine the crafts – a paper flower garland is sure to go down well!
Top five paper craft ideas
Below is a list we have compiled of some of the best paper craft ideas that you can try at home. These fun paper crafts only require a few basic materials, including paper, scissors and glue.
There are no set rules about what type of paper you have to use in your projects. Any scrap paper that you have lying around the house should be suitable for these crafts. However, if you want a strong structure, then thicker materials such as construction paper is usually a better option.
You can also use other materials of your choice. PVA glue is child-friendly, but washi tape is a good alternative if you want something brightly coloured to tape up your projects.
Paper flowers
One of the most popular forms of paper crafts is flowers. You can use printable templates for the flower pattern or even create your own if you are feeling adventurous. Design Bundles is a valuable creative resource that you can use for inspiration for your flower designs.
Paper flowers are a perfect way to showcase spring blooms all year round. They can be made using inexpensive tissue paper and will last a lot longer than the real thing. You can group the flowers together into a bouquet for a vase or even turn them into a garland.
Most paper flowers are made by cutting a group of identical petals and glueing them together in a circle around the central bud. The petals can either be cut by hand or using a machine such as a Cricut Maker. Although cutting by hand makes the flowers more unique, a machine will make the flowers appear more professional and uniform.
Paper lanterns
Lanterns brighten up any festive gathering thanks to their iconic shape and brightly coloured paper. Many people choose to make a paper lantern around the Chinese New Year in honour of the ancient tradition of using lanterns in the celebrations.
Paper lanterns are made by folding the paper in a certain way and making careful cuts for the light to come through. After making the cuts, the paper can then be glued or taped. The cuts and folds create a lantern shape that can stand up or be hung from a ribbon or paper handle.
For a more striking design, you can make two lanterns of different sizes and place one inside of the other. You will be able to see the contrasting colour inside, which can give the impression that the lantern has a glowing light inside.
Paper garland
Garlands are so customisable and easy to make that you could end up making one for every party you host. Whether you want to make a simple flower garland or want to experiment with geode shapes, there are so many possibilities.
You could use whatever type of paper that you want for the garland. Construction paper (sometimes called sugar paper) is better if you want a sturdy garland, but tissue and wrapping paper is a suitable alternative.
All you need to make a paper garland is a long piece of string and paper. You can also use scissors and glue, depending on how intricate your design is. It’s up to you whether you want to use patterned paper or decorate the garland yourself. You could even alternate with different designs to liven up the garland.
Marble run
Paper marble runs are one of the best paper crafts for kids to do. It can be so much fun to watch the marble roll down and through a maze of tubes that they have made themselves.
Marble runs are also a good way to recycle paper plates and cardboard tubes from toilet roll. Statistics have shown that the average Briton goes through 127 toilet rolls a year, so it’s a good idea to reuse the interior cardboard roll where you can.
Kids can decorate the cardboard and paper tubes with coloured pens or paint. The top half of the tube is then cut away so that the marbles can enter the tube and roll down. This paper project can be constructed in any way that you wish. It can be lots of fun to try and work out the best way for the marbles to get from A to B. You could even time the marbles to see which marble run is the quickest!
Geometric Paper bowls
If you prefer reading step by step instructions when you are crafting, then geometric paper bowls are an ideal choice for you. You can get a printable template online for whichever shape bowl you would like. This can then be referred to for measurements, as well as the places that you need to make the cuts and folds.
Geometric shapes aren’t always considered one of the easy paper crafts, but they are simple enough once you get the hang of paper folding.
You can use whatever coloured paper you like for the bowls. Scrapbook paper is a good option because your bowls will be sturdy, with the added bonus of a funky pattern.
Your paper bowls are bound to attract attention wherever you place them. As well as acting as colourful art, they can also be used for functional purposes such as storing your keys or jewellery. They can even be used to store and organise your crafting supplies.
