Simple Paper Crafts: 30 Easy Projects for Kids & Adults - PAPERCRAFT WORLD
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Simple Paper Crafts: 30 Easy Projects for Kids & Adults

Syeda S Syeda S

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Simple paper crafts offer endless creative opportunities for kids and adults alike. We’ve selected 30 quick and easy projects that require just paper and a few supplies. 

What’s great about paper crafts is that they’re so accessible to everyone! Most people have paper lying around at home right now. With just a few simple folds, cuts, or glue, paper can be turned into works of art. 

I like to think of easy paper crafts as a gateway to a whole world of crafting fun. And if you’re thinking that paper projects are just boring cut-and-paste activities, you couldn’t be more wrong. 

Paper crafts can create a wide range of techniques and items, such as home decor accessories, holiday decorations, DIY cards, and even toys.


Types of Paper For Crafts 

You can use all kinds of paper for these craft ideas. Here are some types of paper to try:

  • Printer paper

  • Cardstock

  • Construction paper

  • Kraft paper

  • Origami paper

  • Scrapbook paper

  • Tissue paper

  • Recycled packaging (including newspapers, magazines, paper bags, wrapping paper)

Pro Tip: Use Your Kids’ Art Work

My family loves to print free coloring pages we find on Pinterest or sites like Creative Color Lab. Instead of letting the finished coloring sheets pile up around the house though, we use them to make easy papercraft projects like the ones I’ve included below. 


30 Easy Things to Make Out of Paper

No matter your age or skill level, learn how to turn paper into unique items with these easy-to-follow paper projects.

1. Bespoke Basket  

Learn how to fold and weave paper into beautiful, eco-friendly baskets. They’re ideal for organizing small items or as gift holders. You could even use them during an Easter egg hunt this spring!

Materials:

  • Colored bond paper/printer paper (old magazines work well too)

  • Pencil

  • Scissors

  • Glue

2. Love Lanterns

Create delicate decor that casts a soft, warm light for relaxed vibes. This candle holder would be a brilliant addition to a Valentine’s Day dinner or as a night light. 

Materials:

  • A4 size paper (2 pieces) 

  • 1 x 21 cm paper (3 pieces) 

  • Cutter

  • Ruler

  • Glue

  • Pencil

  • Glue gun

3. Spectacular Snowflakes

With just a few folds and careful cuts, you can craft this Christmas snowflake decoration. It’s a great winter activity to bring the whole family together for tons of fun.

Materials:

  • A4 size paper 

  • Scissors

  • Pencil

4. Paper Python Project

Follow a few simple steps to make a springy snake that slithers and slides. This playful paper chain snake is the ideal buddy for toddlers and preschoolers.

Materials:

  • A4 size paper (2 pieces)

  • 10 x 10 cm piece of paper

  • Scissors

  • Glue stick

  • Googly eyes

  • Marker pen

5. Coloring Page Garland

Fill in a heart coloring page with your favorite hues and then turn it into a simple Valentine’s Day garland. For a more sophisticated look, limit the color palette to several versions of the same color family. Or let the kids go wild and embrace the colorful garland look. 

Materials:

  • 1-2 copies of a heart coloring page like this one, printed on cardstock

  • Scissors

  • Tape

  • Yarn or twine

6. Bouncing Bunny

Hop into crafting with adorable paper crafts like this Easter bunny! Kids of all ages will love these little cuties. Use them as spring decorations or as handmade toys.

Materials:

  • Construction paper (SIZE)

  • Glue stick

  • Sharpies

  • Pencil

  • Paper roll or round stencil

7. Cascading Card

Send heartfelt messages on special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries with this waterfall greeting card. This fun paper craft is fab for little fingers and practicing fine motor skills. 

Materials:

  • 7 x 7 cm piece of cardstock

  • 6 x 6 cm piece of cardstock

  • 7 x 32 cm piece of cardstock

  • 2 x 14 cm piece of cardstock

  • Glue stick 

  • Liquid glue

  • Pencil

  • Ruler

  • Scissors

  • Sticker or marker

8. Origami Organizer

Make a stylish and useful bag that’s brilliant for storing important notes. I love that you can customize all of the colors and embellishments. This would make a super-cute purse or organizer.

Materials:

  • A4 size paper (7 pieces)

  • Liquid glue

  • Pencil

  • Ruler

  • Markers

9. Parcel Perfection

Fill this gorgeous gift box with small presents and trinkets. Making this easy paper craft will be just as rewarding as giving the gift itself!

Materials:

  • 21 x 21 cm piece of paper or cardstock

  • 11.2 x 11.2 cm piece of paper or cardstock

  • 1 x 14 cm strips of paper (2 pieces)

  • 5 x 12 cm piece of paper

  • 1 x 6 cm piece of paper

  • 3 x 7 cm piece of paper

  • Scissors

  • Glue stick

  • Pencil

10. Tiny Tales

If you're looking for a great project to celebrate a love of writing: this is it. Write short stories or notes for friends in these mini notebooks. 

Materials:

  • A4 size paper

  • A4 size cardstock

  • Scissors

  • Glue stick

  • Pencil

  • Markers and/or stickers for decoration

11. DIY Folded Fan

All you need to make this handheld fan is three pieces of paper and a dab of glue. Pick patterned paper or bright coloring sheets to really make them stand out.

Materials:

  • A4 size paper (3 pieces) 

  • Glue

12. Woven Wonders

Learn the art of paper weaving and create colorful place mats that can be used any time of the year. This is an easy paper craft that even preschoolers can try.

Materials:

  • A4 size construction paper

  • 1 inch wide paper strips

  • Liquid glue

  • Scissors

13. Blooming Beautiful

Follow the step-by-step instructions to create a personalized flower piece. Paper crafts are even more fun when they’re 3D!

Materials:

  • 3 x 20 cm strips of paper (13 pieces)

  • 7 x 13 cm piece of paper (5 pieces)

  • Liquid glue

  • Scissors

Related: Check out our lotus flower kit to make more paper flowers!

14. Multicolored Wall Hanging

Use simple materials to create starburst-shaped color explosions. You can hang them as 3D wall decor or party decorations.

Materials:

  • 2 x 20 cm strips of paper (8 pieces)

  • Stapler

  • Liquid glue

  • Scissors

15. Pretty Pinwheel

Bring back childhood memories with this simple windmill craft. These pleasant plant pot decorations are so easy to make! Watch them spin in a blur of color the faster they go. 

Materials:

  • 7.5 x 7.5 cm (5 pieces)

  • A4 size paper

  • Scissors

  • Pencil

  • Liquid glue

  • Coin (or any other small round item to draw around)

  • Small piece of card (just big enough for the coin)

  • Pin

16. Cute Corner Bookmarks

Make reading even more fun with just a single piece of paper. These page markers are unbelievably cute and entirely customizable. Make one in just a couple of minutes.

Materials:

  • 15 x 15 cm piece of paper

17. 3D Tulip Bouquet 

These intricate tulips may look tricky, but they’re actually really simple to make. Craft a whole bouquet and give it to your mom or grandma on Mother’s Day. 

Materials:

  • A4 size paper (3 different colored pieces)

  • Skewer (just for rolling)

  • Liquid glue

18. Autumnal Accent

The gorgeous fall colors of this project really captured my heart. Use them (or any colors you love) to make this lovely leaf decor. Display at home or school for some 3D, nature-inspired art.

Materials:

  • 7 x 7 cm piece of paper (1 per leaf; make as many as you like!)

  • A4 size paper (2 pieces)

  • Scissors

  • Marker

  • Liquid glue

19. Charming Christmas Chain

Want a fun, easy way to decorate your home for the holidays? Spread the Christmas spirit by making snowmen, trees, angels, or gingerbread men. 

Materials:

  • A4 size paper 

  • Scissors

  • Glue stick

  • Pencil

20. Paper Chain Wall Art

This video tutorial demonstrates how to make a stunning paper rainbow art piece. You can make them quickly and customize the colors. They’re great for hanging at kids’ birthday parties or using as inexpensive holiday decor any time of year.

Materials:

  • Graph paper (optional)

  • Cardstock

  • Paper cutter (can use scissors if you don’t have one)

  • Scissors

  • Tape

  • Ruler

  • Dowel or stick

  • String

  • Glue glue (optional - alternatively just tie the string)

21. Feathered Friends Beak Mask

Making paper masks is a fun and budget-friendly way to prepare for a party or play dress up. Go “quackers” at a Halloween party with this charming costume.

Materials:

  • A4 size paper

  • Glue stick

  • Elastic ties

  • Markers

22. Cupid’s Crease

Learn how to make a charming origami heart from just one sheet of paper. You can use it to decorate a handmade card or turn several into a paper heart garland for Valentine’s Day. 

Materials:

  • 15 x 15 cm piece of paper

23. Crafty Constellation

Turn a paper square into a tiny star in a few simple steps. Be careful, though, as there’s a good chance you’ll get addicted! Create a whole galaxy of stars to use as reward tokens for your little ones. Sprinkle them with glitter for extra sparkle. 

Materials:

  • 2 x 30 cm piece of paper

24. Bear-y Special Box

Use paper to make the sweetest little storage box ever. I love that you can customize every aspect, from the colors to the animal design - stick with a bewitching bear or try a playful puppy. 

Materials:

  • 21 x 21 cm piece of paper (save the offcut) 

  • 6 x 6 cm piece of paper

  • Glue stick

  • Scissors

  • Marker

25. Courtside Creation

Create a playable basketball hoop to keep the kids entertained on a rainy day. This simple craft is easy to make and can provide hours of indoor fun.

Materials:

  • A4 size paper

  • Liquid glue

  • Marker

  • Ruler

26. Froggy Flips

Both kids and adults will be hopping mad for these fidgety frogs. Use a single piece of paper and markers to customize your bouncy buddy. Watch him spring into action!

Materials:

  • 20 x 20 cm piece of paper

  • Marker

27. DIY Desk Organizer

This simple desk caddy is ideal for kids heading back to school. You can add drawings, stickers, and other embellishments to personalize. Fill it with your favorite gel pens, coloring pencils, and highlighters. 

Materials:

  • A4 size paper

  • Markers

28. Christmas Tree Decoration

Are you looking for an art project to keep your kiddos busy this winter? Place these wonderfully creative Xmas ornaments on your fireplace for unique holiday decor.

Materials:

  • 10.5 x 30 cm piece of paper

  • 4.5 x 20 cm piece of paper

  • Liquid glue

  • Little circles - hole punch scraps and a star

29. Puppet Pal

With just a bit of paper, glue, and a pair of scissors, you can create this fab mouse puppet. This is such an adorable idea and has endless opportunities for customization. 

Materials:

  • A4 size paper

  • 5 x 10 cm piece of paper (2 pieces)

  • 2 x 10 cm piece of paper

  • Glue stick

  • Scissors

30. Halloween Hat

This fun project offers a fantastic opportunity for children to make their own wicked witch hat for All Hallow’s Eve. Pick your favorite colors and add details like spider webs and bats. 

Materials:

  • A4 size paper (2 pieces)

  • 2 x 30 cm strip of paper

  • 3 x 5 cm piece of paper

  • 5 x 10 cm piece of paper

  • Liquid glue

  • Scissors


What to Make Next?

Hopefully, these simple paper crafts are just the beginning of your creative journey! 

If you’ve caught the crafting bug, check out some of our other fun things to make out of paper:

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