Paper Crafts
Paper is the most forgiving craft material. It is cheap, easy to find and incredibly versatile. Here are three paper projects you can finish in an afternoon.
Pop-Up Greeting Card
A handmade card always feels more personal than a shop-bought one. This pop-up version adds a little theatre when it opens.
What you need
- A4 cardstock, folded in half
- A second sheet of paper for the pop-up layer
- Scissors, glue stick, pencils or markers
- Stickers or washi tape for decoration
Steps
- Fold your A4 cardstock in half to create the card base.
- Cut two parallel slits into the folded edge, about 4 cm long and 2 cm apart.
- Push the strip between the slits inward so it forms a step inside the card.
- Glue a small paper shape — a heart, star or flower — onto the step.
- Close the card and decorate the front. Open it to see the 3D surprise.
Tip: Use contrasting colours so the pop-up shape stands out against the card background.
Paper Flower Garland
This garland brightens a bedroom, party table or classroom wall. It is simple enough for younger makers with a little help.
What you need
- Coloured paper or old magazines
- Scissors
- Glue stick
- String or wool
Steps
- Cut circles from your paper. You will need about six circles per flower.
- Fold each circle in half, then layer them so the folded edges meet in the middle.
- Glue the halves together to create a 3D flower.
- Attach each flower to the string with a small piece of tape or glue.
- Hang the garland where it catches the light.
Tip: Mix large and small flowers for a more interesting garland.
Origami Bookmark Corner
Never lose your place again. This corner bookmark takes two minutes to fold and can be decorated as any animal or character.
What you need
- Square paper, 15 x 15 cm
- Markers, stickers or scrap paper for details
Steps
- Fold the square in half diagonally to make a triangle.
- Take the top layer corner and fold it up to the top point. Repeat on the other side.
- Fold the two new corners down and tuck them into the pocket you have created.
- Turn the bookmark over and decorate the front as a monster, animal or superhero.
Tip: Use thicker paper for the first few tries — it holds the folds better.
Make paper work harder
- Use a bone folder or the back of a spoon for crisp folds
- Save patterned gift wrap and envelopes for collage layers
- Print templates on light cardstock so they keep their shape