Paper is for so much more than just writing! Get crafty with this list of 15 papercraft projects to try.
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We are surrounded by paper. Everywhere you go, you’ll interact with paper in some fashion–newspapers, wrapping paper, book and magazine pages, forms and worksheets, posters, etc. And that’s just paper used for everyday projects.
Have you ever gone to look at the paper selection at your local craft store? There’s text/printer paper, cardstock, vellum, onion skin paper, newsprint paper, papyrus, and even stone paper! Some paper is white, some is colored, and some is even sparkly or textured!
There’s a type of paper for pretty much any project.
I love finding new and creative ways to use paper, particularly pieces that I already have lying around or pieces headed to the recycling bin.
If you also love paper, you’re in the right spot. You’re sure to find something on this list of papercraft projects you’d like to try.
So let’s dive in!
15 Stunning Papercraft Projects to Try Today
01. DIY Mini Notebooks
You can never have too many notebooks–at least that’s my life philosophy! These notebooks fit perfectly in your backpack or purse. Make a custom notebook to keep in your car, or to give as a gift! Plus, you can make the pages with whatever you want, which means you can print out pages with guided prompts, tracking sheets, etc. (Need some ideas? Check out my printables shop, BrightYoungThingsCo.)
02. Paper Shadowbox
Shadow boxes are great papercraft projects that look incredibly intricate but are not too difficult to make. You can make them with a Cricut, Silhouette, or other cutting machine–but you can also trace out the files and cut them with scissors or a small blade. You can find tons of shadow box cut files on Creative Fabrica. (If you don’t have a Creative Fabrica membership yet, why not? Learn more here!)
03. Paper Quilling
This is another gorgeous type of paper craft well worth exploring. It has a low barrier to entry–the supplies are inexpensive and the skills are easy to master. You can make everything from wall art to jewelry with paper quilling, and it’s an addictive craft. Once you start you won’t want to stop!
04. Rolled Paper Beads
Did you know you can make gorgeous beads from just about any type of paper? You can make them from travel brochures, magazines, wrapping paper, etc. While having a bead rolling tool helps, you can roll your beads around toothpicks, lollypop sticks, sewers, and more! Make sure to seal your beads with some sort of water-resistance sealant so they hold up well to regular wear!
05. Tissue Paper Flowers
This is a super simple project that is easy to master and quick to make. Even with its simplicity, these tissue paper flowers come out so pretty. They’re great for decorating, whether it’s for a party or just because you want to add a bit of spring to your decor.
06. 3D Paper Star
These 3D paper stars are great for holiday decorations. Or, if you make them with comic book pages or patterned paper, they can add a pop of color to an otherwise dreary space.
07. Eucalyptus & Hydrangea Paper Wreath
This paper wreath is gorgeous and can be made with a paper cutter like a Cricut or Silhouette, or cut out by hand. Don’t forget to seal your paper if you intend to hang it somewhere with heavy moisture or dampness.
08. Paper Envelopes
If you love making paper cards, it makes sense to also make a stockpile of paper envelopes to keep on hand for when those card-giving occasions come up. Of course, envelopes aren’t only for cards–they’re great for gift cards (okay, that’s a type of card), cash, and other little notes.
09. 3D Paper Houses
This is a lovely paper craft that is great for decor–but you can also make them with sturdy paper and make a little town for playtime with the kids. If you’ve always wanted a Christmas village, why not make your own out of paper? It would be quite the project, but so much fun!
10. Paper Roses
I love making these paper roses; they make a gorgeous bouquet too! This tutorial uses maps, which would be a lovely gift for a wedding or anniversary. Use maps from places you and your significant other have been, or maps from the place where a loved one was born. Or use other types of paper–get creative!
11. Recycled Paper
Recycled paper is a great project; it’s environmentally friendly and it means you can make exactly what you need for other projects. If you’re making the custom notebooks from earlier in this list, this project is complementary to that one.
12. Origami Paper Stars
These lucky stars are easy to make, and addictive, too! They’re a great project for car and plane trips, and they’re fun for kids as well as adults. Set a goal–like 1000 lucky stars. Or fill glass jars and bowls with them for decor.
13. Paper Gift Boxes
Why buy expensive gift boxes when you can make gift boxes out of paper? Like being able to make envelopes, being able to make gift boxes is a handy skill to have. These two projects pair well together–why not make both?
14. Seed Paper
Seed paper is such an awesome idea. It’s great for invitations, cards, wrapping paper, and more! It’s biodegradable and if put out in the dirt, plants will grow! You can also make paper confetti out of it which is great for weddings and outdoor parties. Carry some with you and sprinkle some flower seeds with you everywhere you go.
15. Paper Succulents
As a person who can’t keep plants alive no matter how hard I try, I love this DIY. Finally, a plant I can’t kill! These are great for household decor, but also for gifts for the busy people in your life who love plants but don’t have much time for them. Why not try a paper succulent party, perhaps as part of a craft workshop? (Sounds intriguing? Check out my blog post, How to Make Money Teaching Craft Workshops)
Will you try any of these papercraft projects?
There are so many different things you can do with paper–this list is just the tip of the iceberg!
I’d love to know what kinds of papercrafts you currently make, or want to try. Let me know in the comments below.
For more fun projects, check out my archive of free resources and patterns.
Happy making!
