20 Paper Craft Ideas You’ll Love Trying This Weekend
20 Paper Craft Ideas You’ll Love Trying This Weekend
There’s something seriously satisfying about turning a plain old sheet of paper into something beautiful, useful, or just plain fun. Whether you’re looking to relax, entertain the kids, or just do something with your hands that doesn’t involve scrolling, these paper craft ideas are easy, inexpensive, and oh-so-enjoyable. All you need is paper, scissors, glue—and a little weekend time.
1. Origami Animals
What you need: Square paper (even cut-up printer paper works!)
Try folding a paper crane, fox, or even a hopping frog. It’s a peaceful, almost meditative craft—like yoga for your fingers.
2. Paper Flowers
What you need: Colored paper, scissors, glue
Create roses, daisies, or tulips that’ll never wilt. Perfect for a gift topper or DIY bouquet on your dining table.
3. Handmade Greeting Cards
What you need: Cardstock, markers, washi tape, stickers
Whether it’s for a birthday or a random “thinking of you,” nothing beats a handmade card. Personal, heartfelt, and 100% better than store-bought.
4. Paper Beads
What you need: Magazine pages or colorful paper, glue, toothpick
Roll strips of paper into beads, string them together for bracelets or necklaces. Great for kids and adults alike.
5. Paper Garland
What you need: Paper scraps, string, glue or stapler
Cut hearts, stars, circles—whatever shapes you like—and string them up for an instant room refresher. It’s like party décor made from your junk drawer.
6. Paper Mosaics
What you need: Paper cut into small squares, glue, base paper
Arrange tiny colored pieces into a pattern or picture. Think of it like doing a jigsaw puzzle you design yourself.
7. Bookmarks with Personality
What you need: Cardstock, markers, stickers, ribbon
Create custom bookmarks with funny quotes, doodles, or favorite characters. A great way to jazz up your current read.
8. 3D Paper Stars
What you need: Paper, scissors, ruler
Fold and cut stars that actually pop out in 3D! They look amazing as wall or window decorations.
9. Paper Pinwheels
What you need: Paper squares, push pin, pencil with eraser
Fun, breezy, and surprisingly nostalgic. Perfect for kids or for decorating a party.
10. Paper Woven Baskets
What you need: Strips of sturdy paper, glue
Weave a simple basket for organizing desk supplies or trinkets. Who says paper can’t be functional?
11. DIY Paper Envelopes
What you need: Decorative paper, glue
Make your own cute envelopes for cards, money gifts, or love notes. No need to run to the store.
12. Shadow Box Art
What you need: Multiple layers of cut paper
Layer cut-out scenes (like mountains, forests, or cityscapes) inside a frame or box to create beautiful 3D art.
13. Paper Quilling Designs
What you need: Thin paper strips, glue, quilling tool or toothpick
Roll and shape paper into spirals and curls to make delicate designs. It’s like sculpting—just with paper.
14. Paper Chain Countdown
What you need: Strips of paper, glue or stapler
Make a countdown chain for a vacation, birthday, or special event. Tear one off every day—it’s fun and builds anticipation.
15. Accordion Fold Mini Book
What you need: Paper, glue, cardstock cover
Fold paper like an accordion and turn it into a tiny journal or art book. Great for little poems, sketches, or memory keepsakes.
16. Pop-Up Cards
What you need: Paper, scissors, glue
Add a fun surprise to your handmade cards by cutting and folding in 3D pop-up elements. Trust me—people love these!
17. Paper Stained Glass
What you need: Black construction paper, tissue paper, glue
Create window decorations that mimic stained glass using tissue paper “panes” and paper outlines. They glow beautifully in the sunlight.
18. Paper Dolls
What you need: Cardstock, markers, scissors
Design your own dolls and outfits to mix and match. Bonus: it’s like designing your own fashion line—on a tiny scale.
19. DIY Paper Gift Boxes
What you need: Sturdy paper or cardstock, scissors, glue
Fold and glue small boxes for jewelry, candy, or other small gifts. They add a handmade touch to anything you’re giving.
20. Recycled Paper Collage
What you need: Old newspapers, magazines, glue
Tear or cut out pictures and words and piece them together into abstract art or themed boards. It’s like storytelling with scraps.
