Paper Art Crafts for Kids

baskets and boxes paper crafts
A paper basket is just one of the cool crafts you'll learn about in this article.
©2007 Publications International, Ltd.

Paper art crafts for kids are easy, fun, and best of all, inexpensive. All you need are a few pieces of paper and some imagination to have a ton of fun creating all sorts of projects that you can show off to your friends and family.

Whether it's making a special tablecloth for the holiday table or making bookmarks for somebody who needs a lift, you're sure to find a paper art craft here that you'll enjoy.

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Follow the links below to begin exploring the world of paper art crafts:

Bookmarks the Spot Paper Art Craft

Make someone's leisure reading even more fun with the Bookmarks the Spot Paper Art Craft.

Custom Calendar Paper Art Craft

Remember all the special days of the year with this cool calendar that you can personalize.

Special Tablecloths Paper Art Craft

Make a special tablecloth for your dinner table.

Clothesline Basketry Paper Art Craft

All you need is some clothesline and some paper to make a special basket.

Cornucopia Copies Paper Art Craft

This paper art craft is a real horn o' plenty o' fun. Learn how to make it here.

Bib Puppets Paper Art Craft

Try on a whole new look -- stand behind one of these bib puppet paper art crafts.

Ristra Paper Art Craft

This chili-pepper good luck charm is hot, hot, hot! Find out more.

Easy Artist's Easel Paper Art Craft

Create an art gallery in your bedroom to display all of your masterpieces.

Baskets & Boxes Paper Art Craft

These paper baskets and boxes are perfect for storing your holiday cards and treats.

Artful Numbers Paper Art Craft

Even if you don't like math, you'll love playing with numbers with this cool craft.

Bag-It Wrapping Paper Art Craft

You'll never have to worry about wrapping an unusually shaped gift after you make these awesome paper gift bags.

Fancy Envelopes Paper Art Craft

Your friends and relatives will be extra delighted to get a letter from you when it comes in one of these fancy envelopes.

Personal Postcards Paper Art Craft

You don't even have to be on vacation to send out the awesome personal postcards you'll learn how to make in this craft. Keep reading for more information.

Word Wonder Magnets Paper Art Craft

Ever seen a word or a headline that inspired you? Hold on to that spirit with these terrific Word Wonder Magnets.

Go to the next page to learn how to make cool paper bookmarks.

For more creative crafts for kids, check out:

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Bookmarks the Spot Paper Art Craft

bookmarks the spot paper art craft
Bookmarks the Spot Paper Art Craft
©2007 Publications International, Ltd.

People who can't get around much, such as the elderly or sick, often find reading to be a cheerful escape. You can add an extra spark of warmth to their reading with this Bookmarks the Spot Paper Art Craft.

What You'll Need:

  • Card stock
  • Scissors
  • Markers
  • Glue
  • Magazines
  • Greeting cards
  • Sequins
  • Ribbon
  • Stickers
  • Buttons

How to make paper bookmarks: Step 1: Cut 2x5-inch strips of card stock. Step 2: Decorate the strips with colorful designs or inspirational sayings cut out from magazines or greeting cards and lots of bright bits and pieces you find around the house. Ask your local senior center or home for the elderly to pass them out to folks who might need a little lift -- or ask permission to go to the center and hand them out yourself. The personal touch may really touch some seniors' lives.On the next page, learn to create a custom calendar. You'll never forget the date again!For more creative crafts for kids, check out:

How to make paper bookmarks: Step 1: Cut 2x5-inch strips of card stock. Step 2: Decorate the strips with colorful designs or inspirational sayings cut out from magazines or greeting cards and lots of bright bits and pieces you find around the house. Ask your local senior center or home for the elderly to pass them out to folks who might need a little lift -- or ask permission to go to the center and hand them out yourself. The personal touch may really touch some seniors' lives.On the next page, learn to create a custom calendar. You'll never forget the date again!For more creative crafts for kids, check out:

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Custom Calendar Paper Art Craft

So many things happen in one year. With the custom calendar paper art craft you can enjoy a special memory every month.

What You'll Need:

  • 13 sheets of light-colored construction paper
  • Hole punch
  • Yarn
  • Blunt scissors
  • Coloring tools such as colored pencils, markers, or watercolor paints
  • Craft glue (optional)

How to make a custom calendar:Step 1: Set all 13 sheets of construction paper together. Punch three to five holes along one long edge. Step 2: Thread a piece of yarn through the holes. Tie the ends together in a knot and trim any extra yarn. Step 3: Punch one hole at the center of the opposite end. With the holes at the top, decorate the calendar cover. Step 4: Think about the types of activities your family or friends take part in each month. Have your child draw a picture for each month, depicting these activities as well as the seasons. Use a different coloring tool for each month. To start, flip the first page. The page at the top (the back of the cover) is January. Decorate the page. Draw the actual calendar on the bottom sheet, copying from another calendar for the dates. Flip the page and do the same for February and the remaining months. Don't forget to write in special dates.Next, learn how to spruce up the dining table.For more creative crafts for kids, check out:

How to make a custom calendar:Step 1: Set all 13 sheets of construction paper together. Punch three to five holes along one long edge. Step 2: Thread a piece of yarn through the holes. Tie the ends together in a knot and trim any extra yarn. Step 3: Punch one hole at the center of the opposite end. With the holes at the top, decorate the calendar cover. Step 4: Think about the types of activities your family or friends take part in each month. Have your child draw a picture for each month, depicting these activities as well as the seasons. Use a different coloring tool for each month. To start, flip the first page. The page at the top (the back of the cover) is January. Decorate the page. Draw the actual calendar on the bottom sheet, copying from another calendar for the dates. Flip the page and do the same for February and the remaining months. Don't forget to write in special dates.Next, learn how to spruce up the dining table.For more creative crafts for kids, check out:

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Special Tablecloths Paper Art Craft

special tablecloths paper art craft
Special Tablecloths Paper Art Craft
©2007 Publications International, Ltd.

Add some color to the dinner table with the handmade special tablecloths paper art craft.

What You'll Need:

  • Paper tablecloth
  • Markers
  • Blunt scissors or pinking shears

How to make a special tablecloth:Step 1: Color a paper tablecloth with markers. Have your child decorate it with his or her favorite foods such as pizza, ice cream cones, or fried chicken. For a Fourth of July picnic, find out what's on the menu. Draw a border of corn-on-the-cob, hamburgers and hot dogs, or watermelon slices. Step 2: Cut a special design in the edges with scissors or pinking shears. Step 3: If you want, place the tablecloth over a bright-colored tablecloth to show off the decorative edge.Keep reading for more neat paper art crafts, like clothesline basketry.For more creative crafts for kids, check out:

How to make a special tablecloth:Step 1: Color a paper tablecloth with markers. Have your child decorate it with his or her favorite foods such as pizza, ice cream cones, or fried chicken. For a Fourth of July picnic, find out what's on the menu. Draw a border of corn-on-the-cob, hamburgers and hot dogs, or watermelon slices. Step 2: Cut a special design in the edges with scissors or pinking shears. Step 3: If you want, place the tablecloth over a bright-colored tablecloth to show off the decorative edge.Keep reading for more neat paper art crafts, like clothesline basketry.For more creative crafts for kids, check out:

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Clothesline Basketry Paper Art Craft

clothesline basketry paper art craft
Clothesline Basketry Paper Art Craft
©2007 Publications International, Ltd.

Colors swirl and coil around to create a soft basket that is perfect for

holding all of your child's secret treasures in the clothesline basketry paper art craft.

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What You'll Need:

  • Newspaper
  • Food coloring
  • Bowls (for the dye)
  • 6 yards of clothesline
  • Yarn
  • Large bow
  • Blunt scissors
  • Needlepoint needle

How to make clothesline basketry:Step 1: The first thing you need to do is dye the clothesline. It's best to do this outside. Cover the work surface with newspaper. To dye the clothesline, add food coloring to water using a different bowl for each color. Dip the clothesline in the bowls. Let the clothesline dry in the sun.Step 2: Begin by coiling the clothesline at one end. Tie four long pieces of yarn to the first coil.Step 3: As you continue wrapping the clothesline around the coil, overlap the yarn. Weave the yarn pieces over and under the coils to secure them in place. As you coil the clothesline up, place it in a large bowl to give your basket some form. This will also make it easier to coil the clothesline. Once you've coiled about six circles, add four more yarn ties to the clothesline. Continue to circle the coil and weave the yarn over and under the clothesline.Step 4: When you get to the end of the clothesline, trim any excess to make the last row of coil even with the rest. Tie the ends of the yarn pieces in a knot and trim the excess yarn. Thread a long piece of yarn through a needlepoint needle. Stitch the yarn around the last two coils of clothesline.You'll find plenty of fun with the craft you'll learn about next, Cornucopia Copies.

How to make clothesline basketry:Step 1: The first thing you need to do is dye the clothesline. It's best to do this outside. Cover the work surface with newspaper. To dye the clothesline, add food coloring to water using a different bowl for each color. Dip the clothesline in the bowls. Let the clothesline dry in the sun.Step 2: Begin by coiling the clothesline at one end. Tie four long pieces of yarn to the first coil.Step 3: As you continue wrapping the clothesline around the coil, overlap the yarn. Weave the yarn pieces over and under the coils to secure them in place. As you coil the clothesline up, place it in a large bowl to give your basket some form. This will also make it easier to coil the clothesline. Once you've coiled about six circles, add four more yarn ties to the clothesline. Continue to circle the coil and weave the yarn over and under the clothesline.Step 4: When you get to the end of the clothesline, trim any excess to make the last row of coil even with the rest. Tie the ends of the yarn pieces in a knot and trim the excess yarn. Thread a long piece of yarn through a needlepoint needle. Stitch the yarn around the last two coils of clothesline.You'll find plenty of fun with the craft you'll learn about next, Cornucopia Copies.

For more creative crafts for kids, check out:

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Cornucopia Copies Paper Art Craft

cornucopia paper art craft
Cornucopia Copies Paper Art Craft
©2007 Publications International, Ltd.

A cornucopia is a horn of plenty. Encourage your child's to overflow with fruit and flowers, plus plenty of color and texture, by following the instructions in the cornucopia copies paper art craft.

What You'll Need:

  • Pencil
  • Corrugated cardboard
  • Blunt scissors
  • Poster board
  • Craft glue
  • Newspaper
  • Poster paints
  • Palette or paint tray
  • Brayer
  • Drawing paper

How to make cornucopia copies:

Step 1: Draw a horn shape on a piece of corrugated cardboard. Draw fruit shapes such as a pear, a banana, grapes, and apples on cardboard.

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Step 2: Carefully peel a layer of paper off the side of the cardboard you have not drawn on to expose the inside ridges. Cut out the shapes. Glue the horn on a piece of poster board. Glue the fruit shapes on the poster board in front of the horn. Let the glue set.

Step 3: Cover your work surface with newspaper. Place poster paint on a palette or paint tray. Roll the brayer in the paint, then roll it over the cardboard shapes.

Step 4: Place a piece of paper over the painted surface. Gently rub the paper with your hands. Remove the paper and let the paint dry.

Show off your silly side with the paper art craft you'll learn about next.

For more creative crafts for kids, check out:

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Bib Puppets Paper Art Craft

bib puppets
Bib Puppets Paper Art Craft
©2007 Publications International, Ltd.

Help your child create his or her own crazy optical illusions by making body-size bib puppet outfits they can stand behind, just like those fun wooden screens at amusement parks where you slip your head through a hole and appear as if you've become a cowboy.

What You'll Need:

  • Butcher paper
  • Pencil
  • Scissors
  • Paints
  • Paintbrush
  • String
  • Camera or videotape recorder

How to make a bib puppet:

Step 1: Draw a headless animal or space alien outfit on a large piece of butcher paper. Craft it as crazy as you like -- create something that will make everyone laugh.

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Step 2: Cut out your creation, and paint it.

Step 3: When the paint is dry, suspend the bib puppet with pieces of string so your child can peek his head over the top.

Take a picture or videotape your child. For more fun, turn the pictures into postcards to send to grandparents.

The next craft is extra hot.

For more creative crafts for kids, check out:

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Ristra Paper Art Craft

ristra paper craft
Ristra Paper Art Craft
©2007 Publications International, Ltd.

Make this colorful Ristra paper art craft with your child, and hang it in your doorway as a good luck charm and welcome sign.

What You'll Need:

  • Construction paper
  • Pencil
  • Scissors
  • Hole punch
  • 24 inches of twine
  • Glue (optional)

How to make a paper Ristra:Step 1: Cut out about 24 peppers in small (2-1/2 inches long), medium (4-1/4 inches long), and large (5-1/4 inches long) shapes. Make some peppers yellow, some red, some green, and others orange -- be sure you have a good variety of colors and sizes. Step 2: Punch a hole in each pepper through the stem. Fold the twine in half, leave a loop at the top, and make a knot. Step 3: String on the peppers, alternating colors and sizes. Knot the twine after every two or three peppers. When you're done tying on all the peppers, hang the good luck charm on your child's bedroom door to welcome friends. Put on your smock and get out your paintbrushes to make the next craft.For more creative crafts for kids, check out:

How to make a paper Ristra:Step 1: Cut out about 24 peppers in small (2-1/2 inches long), medium (4-1/4 inches long), and large (5-1/4 inches long) shapes. Make some peppers yellow, some red, some green, and others orange -- be sure you have a good variety of colors and sizes. Step 2: Punch a hole in each pepper through the stem. Fold the twine in half, leave a loop at the top, and make a knot. Step 3: String on the peppers, alternating colors and sizes. Knot the twine after every two or three peppers. When you're done tying on all the peppers, hang the good luck charm on your child's bedroom door to welcome friends. Put on your smock and get out your paintbrushes to make the next craft.For more creative crafts for kids, check out:

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Easy Artist's Easel Paper Art Craft

artist\'s easel paper craft
Easy Artist's Easel Paper Art Craft
©2007 Publications International, Ltd.

Make this easy artist's easel paper art craft to display your child's artwork -- you can help them create their own art gallery.

What You'll Need:

  • Cardboard box
  • Tape
  • Pencil
  • Yardstick
  • Heavy-duty scissors or craft knife (adult use only)
  • Clothespins

How to make an easy artist's easel: Step 1: Find a sturdy cardboard box, and tape it shut. Step 2: On opposite sides, draw a line from the bottom corner to the opposite top corner. Cut along the diagonals and then across the top and bottom to cut the box in half (see illustration). Step 3: Cut two small slits at the top of the easel. Attach your child's artwork by clipping it to the box with the clothespins. They could also use the easel to paint their artwork -- just like artists do.Keep reading for more fun and easy paper art crafts. For more creative crafts for kids, check out:

How to make an easy artist's easel: Step 1: Find a sturdy cardboard box, and tape it shut. Step 2: On opposite sides, draw a line from the bottom corner to the opposite top corner. Cut along the diagonals and then across the top and bottom to cut the box in half (see illustration). Step 3: Cut two small slits at the top of the easel. Attach your child's artwork by clipping it to the box with the clothespins. They could also use the easel to paint their artwork -- just like artists do.Keep reading for more fun and easy paper art crafts. For more creative crafts for kids, check out:

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Baskets and Boxes Paper Art Craft

baskets and boxes paper crafts
Baskets and Boxes Paper Art Craft
©2007 Publications International, Ltd.

The boxes and baskets paper art craft hold all sorts of lightweight holiday treats for Easter, Christmas, or birthday parties.

What You'll Need:

  • Poster board
  • Pencil
  • Ruler
  • Blunt scissors
  • Markers
  • Stapler and staples

How to make paper baskets and boxes:

Step 1: Copy a 4x6" rectangle on a piece of poster board. Use a ruler to measure 1" for the base and sides. Cut the pattern out.

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Step 2: Have your child use markers to decorate the box before you fold it. Draw a design on the sides that will be facing out. Score along the dotted lines. (See Paper Scoring for the scoring technique.)

Step 3: Fold the poster board on the scored lines and staple it into a box.

Step 4: To make a handle for a basket, cut a 2×7-inch strip of poster board. Staple across the top of the box.

Step 5: To make a lid for a box, make another box slightly larger than the first, adding about 3/8-inch to the rectangle on each side. Place the lid on the box.

See the next craft to have fun with numbers.

For more creative crafts for kids, check out:

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Artful Numbers Paper Art Craft

artful numbers paper craft
Artful Numbers Paper Art Craft
©2007 Publications International, Ltd.

The artful numbers paper art craft is a colorful collage of numbers cut out from magazine pictures.

What You'll Need:

  • Old magazines
  • Scissors
  • Construction paper
  • Glue

How to make an artful number collage:Step 1: To start, look through old magazines with your child and cut out bright and colorful numbers you find in pictures and ads. Find a variety of numbers in different colors and sizes. Step 2: Design and arrange the cutout numbers on a piece of construction paper, and glue them in place. One collage can include a random assortment of numbers, or it could have a theme, such as multiples of four. You can also use the numbers as graphic elements to create figures and objects.Continue to the next page for a solution to your holiday wrapping dilemmas.For more creative crafts for kids, check out:

How to make an artful number collage:Step 1: To start, look through old magazines with your child and cut out bright and colorful numbers you find in pictures and ads. Find a variety of numbers in different colors and sizes. Step 2: Design and arrange the cutout numbers on a piece of construction paper, and glue them in place. One collage can include a random assortment of numbers, or it could have a theme, such as multiples of four. You can also use the numbers as graphic elements to create figures and objects.Continue to the next page for a solution to your holiday wrapping dilemmas.For more creative crafts for kids, check out:

Bag-It Wrapping Paper Art Craft

gift bag paper craft
Bag-It Wrapping Paper Art Craft
©2007 Publications International, Ltd.

If you have an odd-shaped gift that makes traditional wrapping difficult -- just make the Bag-It wrapping paper art craft with your child.

What You'll Need:

  • Sponges
  • Blunt scissors
  • Newspaper
  • Poster paints
  • Paper plates
  • Plain paper bags
  • Construction paper
  • Stapler and staples

How to make a gift bag:

Step 1: Sponge-print a design on paper bags for gifts. Cut sponges into shapes such as a star, a birthday candle, or geometric figures. Cover your work surface with newspaper. Place some poster paints on paper plates. Dampen one sponge slightly and dip it in the paint. Press the sponge on the paper bag to print your design. Let the paint dry.

Step 2: To make a handle, fold a piece of construction paper in thirds lengthwise. Staple it to the bag.

Step 3: Now make a matching note card. Fold a piece of construction paper in half, and sponge on the same design. Cut a slit in the fold of the note card, and slip it over the handle to close the bag.

Your child will be the coolest pen pal around with the envelopes on the next page.

For more creative crafts for kids, check out:

Fancy Envelopes Paper Art Craft

fancy envelopes paper crafts
Fancy Envelopes Paper Art Craft Pattern
©2007 Publications International, Ltd.

Make the fancy envelopes paper art craft and your child can send letters or artwork to friends and family.

What You'll Need:

  • 9×12-inch piece of cardboard
  • Ruler
  • Pencil
  • Blunt scissors
  • 9×12-inch piece of medium-weight paper
  • Craft glue

How to make fancy envelopes:Step 1: Draw the envelope pattern shown here on a piece of cardboard. Cut out the pattern. Step 2: Trace the pattern on a piece of medium-weight paper. Cut out the envelope pattern and fold it along the lines indicated on the illustration. Step 3: Glue all edges except for the top flap. Place your letter or picture in the envelope and seal the top flap. Now you're ready to send your letter.For envelopes using a magazine picture or your own artwork: Step 1: Trace the envelope pattern on the back side of the magazine picture or your artwork.

Step 2: Fold and glue your fancy envelope as described above.

Step 3: Stick on two white mailing labels for the return and the sender addresses, and it's ready to go. Once you get the hang of this, you can design your own pattern for specialty envelopes of a different size.

Next, learn how to make your own postcards.

For more creative crafts for kids, check out:

Personal Postcards Paper Art Craft

handmade postcards paper craft
Personal Postcards Paper Art Craft
©2007 Publications International, Ltd.

Instead of writing a letter, why not help your child send a "hello" to friends and relatives with the personal postcards paper art craft?

What You'll Need:

  • Cardstock or 4x6-inch blank index card
  • Scissors
  • Ruler
  • Black felt-tip pen
  • Colored pencils or markers

How to make personal postcards:Step 1: Cut a 4x6-inch piece from cardstock or use a blank index card. Step 2: On one side of the cardstock, create the back of a postcard. Using a ruler, draw a straight line down the center of the card to divide one half for the address and the other half for the greeting. On the half for the address (the right side), use a ruler to draw three straight horizontal lines on the lower half of the card. Step 3: On the front side of the card, create the front of a postcard. Draw anything you'd like. The only limitation is your imagination! Color the picture with colored pencils or markers.Decorate the fridge with the awesome magnets on the next page.For more creative crafts for kids, check out:

How to make personal postcards:Step 1: Cut a 4x6-inch piece from cardstock or use a blank index card. Step 2: On one side of the cardstock, create the back of a postcard. Using a ruler, draw a straight line down the center of the card to divide one half for the address and the other half for the greeting. On the half for the address (the right side), use a ruler to draw three straight horizontal lines on the lower half of the card. Step 3: On the front side of the card, create the front of a postcard. Draw anything you'd like. The only limitation is your imagination! Color the picture with colored pencils or markers.Decorate the fridge with the awesome magnets on the next page.For more creative crafts for kids, check out:

Word Wonder Magnets Paper Art Craft

word wonder magnets craft
Word Wonder Magnets Paper Art Crafts
©2007 Publications International, Ltd.

Make headlines that inspire and delight with the word wonder magnets paper art craft.

What You'll Need:

  • Old magazines
  • Scissors
  • Cardboard
  • Glue
  • Magnet strips (available at craft stores)

How to make Word Wonder Magnets:

Step 1: Go through a stack of old magazines or newspapers with your child until you see a word or headline that reminds him or her to do their best work, try a new sport, be a friend to someone who needs one, or do some other worthy activity.

Step 2: Cut out the word or words, and glue them to the cardboard.

Step 3: After the glue dries, cut away the excess cardboard and attach a small piece of magnet strip to the back. Hang them up where they will remind your child to always do their best.

For more creative crafts for kids, check out:

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