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If you’ve been wondering what to make with paper or looking for cool things to make out of paper easy, you’re in the right place! Paper crafts are perfect for people of all ages and skill levels. In this article, you’ll discover a variety of cute things to make out of paper, from paper crafts for kids to paper crafts for adults, each with step by step instructions. Whether you’re looking for things to make out of paper when you’re bored or want to learn how to make stuff out of paper that’s decorative and functional, we’ve got you covered.
1. Paper Crane Mobile
- Why It’s Awesome: A timeless origami favorite that adds a calming, artistic touch to any space.
- Materials: Colorful origami paper, thread or fishing line, small sticks/dowels.
- How to Make:
- Fold multiple paper cranes (an easy origami project to learn if you’re just beginning).
- Tie each crane to a piece of thread or fishing line.
- Attach the threads to a small branch or dowel to create a mobile.
- Who It’s For: Beginners and anyone seeking cool things to make out of paper with a touch of Zen.
2. Rolled Paper Roses
- Why It’s Awesome: These are cute things to make out of paper to decorate a room or gift to a loved one.
- Materials: Lightweight colored paper, pencil, scissors, glue gun.
- How to Make:
- Draw a spiral on your paper.
- Cut along the spiral line.
- Roll the paper from the outside in, then let it loosen slightly to form petals.
- Glue the base so it holds its shape.
- Tip: Create a whole bouquet for a fun centerpiece or gift.
3. DIY Paper Lanterns
- Why It’s Awesome: A popular paper crafts for adults idea that can also be adapted for children with supervision.
- Materials: Construction paper, ruler, pencil, scissors, glue or tape.
- How to Make:
- Fold a rectangular sheet of paper in half lengthwise.
- Draw lines from the folded edge to about 1 inch from the top, then cut along those lines.
- Unfold and form a cylinder shape; secure with glue or tape.
- Add a paper handle if desired.
- Use Case: Great for party decorations or festive events.
4. Paper Garland of Hearts
- Why It’s Awesome: Simple, fun things to make out of paper for birthdays, weddings, or any celebration.
- Materials: Colored paper, scissors, string or twine, tape or stapler.
- How to Make:
- Cut strips of paper (about 1 inch wide, 5–6 inches long).
- Fold each strip in half.
- Curl the loose ends together into a heart shape and secure with tape or a staple.
- Thread the hearts onto a string to form a garland.
- Tip: Use different colors or patterns for a vibrant look.
5. Origami Gift Boxes
- Why It’s Awesome: A practical approach to how to make things out of paper that saves money on store-bought boxes.
- Materials: Square sheets of origami paper (one for the box, one for the lid).
- How to Make:
- Fold each square multiple times to create corners and edges (classic origami box pattern).
- The first folded square becomes the box base; the second (folded slightly larger) becomes the lid.
- Who It’s For: Great for anyone seeking things to make out of paper step by step that are also functional.
6. Paper Wreath
- Why It’s Awesome: Perfect seasonal or holiday décor, and you can personalize it with different paper designs.
- Materials: Cardboard ring, assorted paper (scrapbook paper, newspaper, magazines), glue, scissors.
- How to Make:
- Cut out leaf or flower shapes from paper.
- Glue or tape them around the cardboard ring, layering for fullness.
- Add ribbons or small ornaments for added flair.
- Tip: Swap out colors or shapes to match different holidays or seasons.
7. Accordion Paper Butterflies
- Why It’s Awesome: These delicate butterflies are cute things to make out of paper that can be used as décor or party favors.
- Materials: Origami or patterned paper, string, glue.
- How to Make:
- Cut two rectangular pieces of paper (one slightly smaller).
- Fold each piece accordion-style.
- Pinch the middle of both and tie them together with string, forming the butterfly’s body.
- Use Case: Hang them from the ceiling, stick them on gift bags, or create a butterfly wall display.
8. Paper Pinwheels
- Why It’s Awesome: Classic fun things to make out of paper that also function if you blow on them or take them outdoors.
- Materials: Square paper, pencil, push pin, straw or wooden dowel.
- How to Make:
- Draw two diagonal lines from corner to corner on the square.
- Cut along these lines but leave about 1 inch in the center uncut.
- Fold every other corner into the center and secure with a push pin to the dowel/straw.
- Tip: Use colorful, double-sided paper for a more vibrant pinwheel.
9. Paper Collage Canvas
- Why It’s Awesome: A blank canvas to showcase your creativity—particularly good if you’re looking for things to make out of paper when you’re bored.
- Materials: Canvas or thick paper, magazines, colored paper scraps, scissors, glue.
- How to Make:
- Cut out shapes, letters, or images from old magazines or paper scraps.
- Arrange them on your canvas until you’re happy with the layout.
- Glue them down, and optionally seal with a thin layer of mod podge or varnish.
- Use Case: Personalized wall art or a gift for friends and family.
10. Paper Quilling Art
- Why It’s Awesome: A more intricate paper crafts for adults option that looks visually stunning.
- Materials: Quilling paper strips, quilling tool (slotted or needle), glue.
- How to Make:
- Roll narrow paper strips into tight coils using a quilling tool.
- Pinch or shape the coils into teardrops, leaves, or spirals.
- Glue them onto cardstock to form a design (e.g., flowers, letters, or abstract patterns).
- Tip: Start with simple shapes before moving on to complex designs.
11. Paper Beads for Jewelry
- Why It’s Awesome: Eco-friendly and stylish—turn old magazines or wrapping paper into wearable art.
- Materials: Old magazines or decorative paper, glue, wooden skewers or toothpicks, clear polish.
- How to Make:
- Cut long triangular strips of paper.
- Roll each strip around a skewer, starting from the wide end.
- Glue the narrow tip to secure and coat the bead with clear polish for durability.
- Once dry, string them together to form necklaces or bracelets.
- Who It’s For: Crafters who want cool things to make out of paper that also double as fashionable accessories.
12. Paper Weaving Place Mats
- Why It’s Awesome: Functional and decorative—ideal for family dinners or small gatherings.
- Materials: Construction paper or cardstock (cut into strips), scissors, glue or tape.
- How to Make:
- Cut multiple paper strips of equal width.
- Lay half of them vertically on a table.
- Weave the other strips horizontally, alternating over and under.
- Secure the edges with glue or tape.
- Tip: Use contrasting paper colors for a striking pattern.
13. 3D Paper Stars
- Why It’s Awesome: Adds dimension to any party décor or holiday display.
- Materials: Paper (preferably thick), ruler, scissors, glue.
- How to Make:
- Cut out a star shape.
- Use a ruler to score lines from each point to the opposite indent.
- Fold along the scored lines to create a 3D effect.
- Optional: Glue two stars together back-to-back for a fuller design.
- Use Case: Great for Christmas trees, window decorations, or hanging mobiles.
14. Pop-Up Greeting Cards
- Why It’s Awesome: A personalized, homemade card that surprises the recipient when opened.
- Materials: Cardstock, scissors, craft knife, markers, decorative paper.
- How to Make:
- Fold the cardstock in half to make a card.
- Carefully cut and fold sections inside the card to create a pop-up element (like a paper flower or shape).
- Decorate the card’s front and inside with markers, stickers, or scrap paper.
- Tip: Research simple pop-up templates online, then expand to more complex designs as you get comfortable.
15. Origami Bookmarks
- Why It’s Awesome: Practical and a great introduction to how to make stuff out of paper for daily use.
- Materials: Origami paper or any small square of paper.
- How to Make:
- Fold the square diagonally to form a triangle.
- Fold the corners up to form a pocket.
- Decorate with doodles or stickers.
- Who It’s For: Paper crafts for kids and avid readers of all ages.
16. Paper Chains
- Why It’s Awesome: A classic craft that can be adapted for various themes—birthdays, holidays, or just for fun.
- Materials: Construction paper (cut into strips), glue or tape, markers.
- How to Make:
- Cut strips of paper.
- Form a loop from the first strip and tape or glue ends together.
- Thread the next strip through the first loop and secure.
- Continue until you reach your desired length.
- Tip: Write daily goals or tasks on each strip if you want to turn it into a motivational chain.
17. Paper Mosaic Art
- Why It’s Awesome: Similar to collage but more structured, creating the look of tile artwork.
- Materials: Different colored paper, cardstock, glue, pencil.
- How to Make:
- Draw a simple design on cardstock.
- Cut or tear small square or rectangular bits of paper in various colors.
- Glue them inside your drawing, leaving small gaps between pieces for a mosaic effect.
- Who It’s For: Creative minds who want a relaxing, detailed art project.
18. DIY Envelopes
- Why It’s Awesome: Dress up snail mail or gift cards with handmade envelopes.
- Materials: Decorative or patterned paper, glue or double-sided tape, envelope template (optional).
- How to Make:
- Trace an envelope template on your decorative paper, then cut it out.
- Fold in the sides and bottom flap, secure with glue or tape.
- Leave the top flap open for inserting letters or cards.
- Tip: Personalize by adding stickers, calligraphy addresses, or stamps.
19. Paper Puppets
- Why It’s Awesome: Interactive paper crafts for kids that spark the imagination.
- Materials: Construction paper, markers, craft sticks, scissors, glue.
- How to Make:
- Draw or print out simple characters (animals, people, etc.).
- Cut them out and color as desired.
- Attach the cutouts to craft sticks or straws to create puppets.
- Who It’s For: Young children who love to put on shows or create stories.
20. Paper Dream Catcher
- Why It’s Awesome: A paper-based twist on a classic decorative item.
- Materials: Paper plate or cardstock ring, colored paper, yarn, feathers, beads.
- How to Make:
- Cut the center out of a paper plate to form a ring.
- Weave yarn across the ring to resemble a dream catcher web.
- Cut out paper feathers or shapes, decorate, and attach them with yarn.
- Use Case: Hang by a window or bed for whimsical décor.
21. Paper Feathers
- Why It’s Awesome: Delicate accents for scrapbooking, gift-wrapping, or home décor.
- Materials: Colorful paper, scissors, markers (optional).
- How to Make:
- Cut out a feather shape.
- Make small diagonal cuts along the edges to create a feathered look.
- Gently fold down the center to add dimension.
- Tip: Use metallic markers on dark paper for a striking effect.
22. Mini Paper Notebooks
- Why It’s Awesome: Great for jotting down notes or doodles—another good pick if you want things to make out of paper step by step that are also practical.
- Materials: Printer paper, decorative paper for covers, staples or thread.
- How to Make:
- Fold sheets of printer paper in half to form pages.
- Fold a sturdier piece of paper for the cover.
- Insert pages into the cover and staple or stitch along the fold.
- Use Case: Perfect as party favors or pocket notebooks.
23. Paper Leaf Art
- Why It’s Awesome: A simple yet visually appealing craft that brings nature indoors.
- Materials: Different shades of green or autumn-colored paper, scissors, glue, canvas or cardstock.
- How to Make:
- Trace leaf shapes onto your colored paper.
- Cut them out and glue them onto a canvas in an overlapping pattern.
- Add dimension by curling the edges of some leaves before gluing.
- Who It’s For: Anyone who wants an easy décor project that looks chic and modern.
24. Paper Snowflakes
- Why It’s Awesome: Classic winter-time craft, but you can vary the designs for any season.
- Materials: Lightweight paper, scissors.
- How to Make:
- Fold a square of paper into a triangle, then again into a smaller triangle.
- Cut shapes out along the edges.
- Carefully unfold to reveal your unique snowflake pattern.
- Tip: Perfect for holiday decorations or window displays.
25. Paper Fortune Cookies
- Why It’s Awesome: Fun for parties or events—you can insert personalized messages or fortunes.
- Materials: Circular paper cutouts, glue, small strips of paper with messages.
- How to Make:
- Take a circular cutout and fold lightly in half, without creasing it sharply.
- Insert a fortune strip inside.
- Gently pinch and push the center to form the fortune cookie shape, secure with glue or double-sided tape.
- Use Case: Great for party favors, wedding place settings, or simply a fun activity at home.
Bonus Tips for Successful Paper Crafting
- Select the Right Paper
- Thicker paper (cardstock) is best for projects requiring sturdiness (boxes, wreaths).
- Lighter paper (origami sheets, printer paper) is good for folding-intensive crafts like origami.
- Gather Your Tools
- Keep scissors, glue, tapes, markers, and any decorative items ready before starting. This ensures a smooth crafting experience.
- Add Personal Touches
- Use stickers, stamps, or washi tape to give your crafts a unique flair.
- Write messages or add doodles to make your creations truly special.
- Practice Makes Perfect
- Don’t worry if your first attempts aren’t perfect. Crafting is a skill that improves over time.
- Experiment with different techniques and papers to find what you love most.
- Get Inspired & Keep Learning
- Look up video tutorials if you’re stuck on a fold or technique.
- Check out other paper crafts for adults or paper crafts for kids blogs for new ideas.
Final Thoughts
With these 25 ideas for cool things to make out of paper, you should have endless inspiration for your next project. Whether you need cute things to make out of paper for a gift, fun things to make out of paper to keep kids entertained, or simply want to explore how to make things out of paper step by step, there’s something here for everyone.
So the next time you’re feeling crafty or looking for things to make out of paper when you’re bored, refer back to this list, grab your supplies, and start creating! Remember, each project can be customized to fit your personal style—swap out colors, add embellishments, and make it your own. Happy crafting!
