Making some DIY crafts with paper is a delightful way to express creativity, because it’s accessible, affordable, and fun for all ages. You can be a beginner or an experienced crafter, and still have a lot of fun.
In this article, we’ll explore sixteen easy paper crafts that you can make with paper, each project is designed to be straightforward and enjoyable, without any further ado let’s start.
Easy DIY Crafts with Paper
1. DIY Paper Banners
Materials Needed:
- Colored paper
- Scissors
- String or twine
- Glue or tape
Try making festive banners for celebrations, by cutting triangles or other shapes from colored paper and decorate them with markers or stickers.
Attach each piece to a string or twine using glue or tape, creating a colorful banner that can be hung up for parties, holidays, or special occasions.
2. Paper T-Shirt Designs
Materials Needed:
- Plain T-shirts (light-colored)
- Fabric markers or paint
Use a plain T-shirts as canvases for your creativity, cut shapes from colored paper to use as stencils, then place them on the shirt and trace around them with fabric markers or paint.
You can also freehand designs directly onto the shirt for a unique “DIY” look.
3. Paper Snow Globes
Materials Needed:
- Clear plastic cups with lids (or jars)
- Colored paper (for scenery)
- Glitter (optional)
Create magical snow globes using clear plastic cups, so cut out scenes from colored paper, trees, plants, etc, and place them inside the cup along with some glitter for sparkle.
Then fill with water, secure the lid tightly, and shake it up for a fun winter decoration!
4. Paper Towel Roll Binoculars
Materials Needed:
- Two empty paper towel rolls
- String
- Paint or markers
- Tape
Craft binoculars from empty paper towel rolls, decorate the rolls with paint or markers to personalize them.
Tape the two rolls together side by side and attach string to create a neck strap, now these binoculars are perfect for outdoor adventures and encourage kids to explore nature.
5. Paper Fortune Cookies
Materials Needed:
- Colored paper
- Scissors
- Markers (for writing fortunes)
Try creating a fun fortune cookies using colored paper, by cutting circles from the paper and write fortunes on small strips of paper.
Fold the circles in half, then pinch the edges together to form a cookie shape, place a fortune inside each cookie for a delightful surprise!
6. Paper Seed Bombs
Materials Needed:
- Seed paper (or regular paper)
- Flower seeds
- Water
- Blender (optional)
Make eco-friendly seed bombs using paper, so start by tearing up seed paper or regular paper into small pieces and soak them in water until mushy, blend for a smoother texture if desired.
Mix in flower seeds and form small balls, then allow them to dry, then plant them in your garden or give them as gifts. These seed bombs will bloom into beautiful flowers!
7. Paper Bookmarks with Quotes
Materials Needed:
- Cardstock or thick paper
- Scissors
- Markers or printed quotes
- Ribbon (optional)
Create personalized bookmarks featuring your favorite quotes! Cut cardstock into rectangular shapes, about 2 inches by 6 inches.
Write quotes using markers or print them out and glue them onto the bookmarks, and for an extra touch, punch a hole at the top and add a ribbon, these bookmarks make great gifts for book lovers.
8. Paper Chain Countdown Calendar
Materials Needed:
- Colored construction paper
- Scissors
- Markers
Make a countdown calendar for special events like birthdays or holidays, by cutting strips of colored construction paper and write numbers on each one leading up to the event date.
Link them together in a chain format and hang them up as a visual countdown that adds excitement as the day approaches.
9. DIY Paper Envelopes
Materials Needed:
- Decorative paper (wrapping paper works well)
- Scissors
- Glue or tape
So, instead of buying envelopes, why not make your own? Cut decorative paper into squares (about 8×8 inches works well).
Fold the sides inwards to create flaps, then glue or tape them down to form an envelope shape, these custom envelopes are perfect for letters, cards, or gifts.
10. Paper Stencils
Materials Needed:
- Sturdy paper (like cardstock)
- Craft knife or scissors
- Marker (for tracing)
Create your own stencils for art projects, so draw designs on sturdy paper and cut them out carefully using scissors or a craft knife.
You can use these stencils for painting, spray painting, or even tracing onto other surfaces, these are perfect for customizing walls, furniture, and more.
11. DIY Paper Lanterns
Materials Needed:
- Colored paper
- Scissors
- Glue or tape
- Battery-operated tea light (optional)
Paper lanterns are perfect for adding ambiance to any space, start with a rectangular piece of colored paper and cut slits along one side, leaving the top intact.
Roll the paper into a cylinder shape and secure it with glue or tape, then place a battery-operated tea light inside for a glowing effect.
12. Paper Mosaics
Materials Needed:
- Colored paper (old magazines work well)
- Scissors
- Glue
- Cardstock as a base
Create stunning mosaic art using small pieces of colored paper! Cut various colors from magazines or colored sheets into small squares or shapes.
Arrange them on a piece of cardstock to form a picture or pattern, then glue them down, this project motivates creativity while developing fine motor skills.
13. Paper Wreaths
Materials Needed:
- Colored paper (construction or scrapbook paper)
- Scissors
- Glue or tape
- A circular base (cardboard or a paper plate)
Paper wreaths are a lovely way to decorate your home for any season, so start by cutting the colored paper into strips or shapes like leaves and flowers.
Attach them to a circular base using glue or tape, and now you can customize the colors and designs for holidays or special occasions, making this craft versatile and festive.
14. DIY Paper Magnets
Materials Needed:
- Thick paper or cardstock
- Scissors
- Magnets (self-adhesive or regular)
- Markers or decorative items
Create fun magnets to decorate your fridge! Cut shapes from thick paper—like stars, hearts, or animals. Decorate them with markers, stickers, or washi tape.
Once decorated, attach a magnet to the back using glue, these personalized magnets add a vibe of whimsy to your kitchen.
15. Paper Fortune Tellers (Cootie Catchers)
Materials Needed:
- Colored paper
- Markers
Remember making fortune tellers as a kid? They’re still pretty fun. Start with a square piece of colored paper and fold it into quarters to create creases.
Unfold it back out, then write fortunes on each section before folding it back up again into its original shape, now this craft is perfect for parties or just for fun!
16. Paper Coasters
Materials Needed:
- Thick cardstock or cardboard
- Scissors
- Mod Podge (optional)
- Paint (optional)
Create custom coasters using thick cardstock, and then cut circles or squares from the cardstock to your desired size.
Decorate them with paint or markers, perhaps with patterns or quotes that resonate with you. For added durability, seal them with Mod Podge to protect against moisture.
Related: 17+ DIY Paper Cup Crafts You Should Try!
Conclusion
Crafting with paper opens up a universe of possibilities, each project allows you to express your creativity while having fun.
The best part? You don’t need expensive materials, just some basic supplies that you likely already have at home. So gather your materials, invite some friends or family members, and start crafting today now.
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