30 Awesome Paper Crafts For Adults

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Paper crafts are an awesome way to show off your creativity and add a touch of your personality to your home decor, gifts, and more. They aren’t just for kids! Grown-ups can enjoy them too, and we’ve got 30 great ideas you’re absolutely going to love.

Whether you’re a beginner or a crafting pro, there’s a paper craft for everyone. Let’s get into some cutting and folding business, shall we?

Before You Begin

So, you’re curious about crafting? Awesome! It’s a fantastic hobby that’s easy on the wallet, kind to the environment, and lets you create stunning things.

But before you grab the nearest magazine and start snipping away, there are a few things to keep in mind. Don’t worry, it’s nothing scary! Think of this as your paper crafting starter kit:

#1: Paper. The star of the show, of course! You’ll have a blast working with different paper types.

• Construction paper is a good starting point, perfect for quick and easy projects.
• Cardstock is a bit thicker and sturdier – ideal for projects that need more support, like cards or 3D models.
• Origami paper comes in all sorts of fun patterns and folds like a dream, making it perfect for those beautiful origami creations.

#2: Scissors. Those snippy sidekicks – a good pair of scissors is a must-have. Grab some comfy ones that fit your hand well; you’ll be surprised how much smoother cutting feels.

#3: Glue. Craft glue is your best friend for sticking things together. Opt for a clear drying formula to avoid any unwanted white marks on your masterpiece.

#4: Ruler. A ruler helps you measure and cut precise lines. It’d be nice if you got one with an angled edge for those tricky diagonal cuts.

#5: Scoring Tool. Sounds kinda fancy, doesn’t it? It’s basically a tool that allows for making clean folds on paper. You can use a blunt tool like a craft stick in a pinch, but a scoring tool will give you those sharp, professional-looking folds.

See, you don’t really need tons of things! You probably have most of what you need lying around the house already! With these basic supplies on hand, you’re ready to tackle a whole of paper crafts.

In fact, most paper crafts won’t require anything more than this starter kit. As you explore different projects, you might find yourself wanting to add things like paints, glitter, stamps, or ribbons to personalise your creations; but for now, focus on mastering the magic of paper, glue, and your imagination!

It’s also important you find a good spot to craft. A clear, well-lit table is ideal, but anything would work as long as you have enough space to spread out your crafting materials and tools. We recommend keeping everything organised in a box or drawer so it’s easier to find when inspiration strikes.

If you’re new to paper crafting, pick up simple projects. You’re bound to make some mistakes at first, but that’s totally okay because that’s how we learn and improve. It’s all about having fun and experimenting!

30 Awesome Paper Crafts For Adults

Most of the paper crafts listed below are quite beginner-friendly. As you get more comfortable, feel free to try more complex projects and tinker with different techniques.

1. Paper Flowers

Brighten up any room with handmade paper flowers. You can easily create a bouquet that will last forever with colourful paper.

2. Handmade Greeting Cards

Personalise your greetings by making handmade cards. Add your own touches with stamps, stickers, etc.

3. Quilling Art

Roll thin strips of paper into intricate designs and shapes. From abstract patterns to flowers, the possibilities are endless with quilling.

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4. Origami Bookmarks

Fold papers into charming corner bookmarks. Perfect for bookworms!

5. Paper Kites

Construct kites that are as fun to fly on a windy day as they are to make.

6. Decoupage Vase

Transform plain vases into works of art with cutouts and glue.

7. Shadow Box

Layer paper cutouts in a box frame to create a three-dimensional effect.

8. Paper Bead Jewelry

Roll paper into beads and create unique jewellery pieces. Add varnish for durability and shine.

9. Paper Dolls

Bring back nostalgic memories by making paper dolls and outfits. Mix and match different clothes to create endless fashion combinations.

10. Paper Aeroplanes

Fold paper aeroplanes and have fun testing out different designs. Challenge your friends to see whose plane can fly the farthest.

11. Paper Weaving Mat

Simply cut paper strips of different colours and widths, weave them together in a simple over-and-under pattern, and secure the ends. The result is a beautiful and durable mat you can use as a placemat, a coaster, or a decorative accent!

12. Accordion Book

Fold a long strip of paper accordion-style, with each fold creating a page. Decorate each page with drawings, photos, or written thoughts. Once you’ve filled all the pages, tie the ends together or attach covers to create a complete book.

13. Marbled Paper

Use inks and other ingredients to create swirling patterns that mimic marble. Experiment with different colour combos and techniques to create your one-of-a-kind designs. You can use them for various crafts, including card making, scrapbooking, and bookbinding.

14. Paper Mâché Bowl

Craft a beautiful and functional bowl using the paper mâché technique. You can decorate however you like. Paint it, decoupage it, or add embellishments to match your style! It’s a fun and easy craft that yields beautiful results.

15. Scrapbooking

Preserve your memories in a creative way by scrapbooking. Combine photos, paper, and decorations to make beautiful, themed pages.

16. Paper Flower Wall Hanging

Brighten up your walls with a simple yet eye-catching paper flower wall hanging. You can craft flowers using techniques like origami, cutting and shaping, or even quilling. Attach them to a string/ribbon, then hang the string from a wooden dowel or branch to create a beautiful cascading effect. You can also add leaves or vines to enhance the look.

17. Paper Mask

Get creative with paper masks for parties or Halloween costumes. Decorate them with paint, glitter, and feathers.

18. Pop-up Card

Surprise your loved ones with handmade pop-up cards that reveal a 3D design when opened. Add complexity to your designs with clever folding techniques!

19. Paper Lantern

Make lanterns out of paper bags and candles for a magical glow. They’re perfect for outdoor gatherings or romantic evenings.

20. Paper Embroidery

Combine paper and thread to create unique embroidered designs. Experiment with different stitches and colours for stunning results.

21. Paper Bunting

Create a festive atmosphere with a paper bunting! Cut out triangles from colourful paper, string them together, and hang them for instant decoration. Perfect for parties, celebrations, or adding a pop of colour to any room!

22. Gift Boxes

Fold paper into boxes of all sizes for gift-giving. Decorate with ribbons, stickers, or drawings for a special touch. Ideal for birthdays, holidays, or any occasion where a thoughtful gift is appreciated.

23. Paper Coaster

Protect surfaces with stylish, absorbent coasters. Cut out circles or squares from thick paper or cardstock, then decorate as desired. Seal with Mod Podge or laminate for durability.

24. Paper Picture Frame

Frame your favourite photos with custom-made paper frames. A simple and creative way to showcase cherished moments!

25. Paper Garlands

String together shapes like hearts or stars cut out from colourful papers. Hang for instant decoration at parties, weddings, or home decor.

26. Paper Stained Glass

Recreate the look of stained glass with tissue paper and glue. Hang your creations in windows to catch the sunlight.

27. Paper Wind Chime

Create soothing wind chimes using paper and other household materials. Hang them outdoors to enjoy the gentle tinkling sounds.

28. Paper Fan

Stay cool in style with a handmade paper fan! Fold accordion-style, then attach a stick or ribbon for a handle. They are both decorative and practical.

29. Paper Pie-Slice Boxes

Craft adorable pie-slice boxes! Cut a circle and divide it into wedges. Fold each wedge to create the box shape, securing it with glue or tape. Fill with a slice of your homemade pie, treats, or small gifts, then close and decorate as desired.

30. Papercraft Models

Create intricate 3D paper models using printable templates! Cut, fold, and glue together pieces to assemble aeroplanes, buildings, animals, and more. Perfect for hobbyists and enthusiasts of all ages.

Pro Tips to Level Up Your Crafting Game

Feeling confident after mastering those beginner crafts? Let’s take things up a notch! Whether you’re creating intricate designs or working with delicate materials, the following tips will help you craft like a pro:

Mastering Cutting Techniques

Precision is key in advanced paper crafting, so here are a few techniques to keep your cuts clean and crisp:

Ever wondered how those fancy paper creations have such crisp folds? It’s all thanks to scoring! Before you fold, use a scoring tool to gently drag along your fold mark. This creates a tiny crease in the paper, making it fold neatly without any unwanted cracks.

When cutting intricate shapes, take your time and use sharp scissors. Hold your paper securely and make small, controlled cuts. Rushing through it can lead to wobbly lines and frustration.

For those super-detailed cuts, consider using a craft knife and a cutting mat. Print out a template of your design and secure it to your cardstick with repositionable adhesive spray. It’ll allow you to carefully trace the design with your craft knife for perfect precision.

Tip: Always use a cutting mat to protect your surface, and hold the knife at a 45° angle for better control. Replace the blade regularly for clean cuts.

Fixing Common Mistakes

Even seasoned crafters make mistakes, but knowing how to fix them can save your project!

We’ve all been there – that satisfying snip suddenly turns into a paper rip. To avoid this, use sharp scissors and ensure you’re cutting on a clean, flat surface. Dull blades can snag and tear paper, so buy a good pair of scissors and replace them when they start to feel blunt.

A little glue also goes a long way! Apply a thin layer to your paper pieces, and press them together firmly. Too much glue can cause wrinkles and bleed through the paper, leaving unsightly marks. For thin papers, opt for a glue stick or spray adhesive.

Sometimes, cardstock can curl up after cutting. You can flatten it down by gently laying it face down on a flat surface, then lightly spritzing it with water (avoid soaking it). After that, place a heavy book on top and let it sit for a while, which will help press out the curl.

Experiment and Innovate

As mentioned in the beginning, paper crafting is all about experimenting and pushing boundaries. Dip your hands into learning new techniques, like embossing or quilling. You can also mix materials – try adding beads, sequins, fabric, or ribbons to your paper projects for a unique look.

Don’t get discouraged if things don’t go exactly according to plan at first. The more you craft with paper, the more comfortable you’ll become with these techniques!

Benefits of Paper Crafting

Paper crafting isn’t just a fun hobby to make cool decorations – turns out, it’s actually good for you too!

If you’re feeling that mental fog, paper crafts can help! Focusing on cutting, folding, and just following general instructions gives your brain a workout, keeping it sharp and improving your concentration. Plus, creating something new can spark fresh ideas and boost your creativity.

Paper crafting can also be your personal escape hatch. The repetitive motions can be calming and meditative, helping you unwind and de-stress. There’s something super satisfying about seeing your project come to life, giving you a happy mood boost and a sense of accomplishment.

Speaking of boosting, paper crafting gives your fine motor skills a little workout. All that cutting, folding, and glueing strengthen those small muscles in your hands and keep your fingers nimble. And those precise movements can benefit your dexterity and hand-eye coordination – no matter your age.

A Crafty Farewell

There’s something uniquely satisfying about making something beautiful out of a simple sheet of paper. With these 30 lovely paper crafts for adults, you’ve got a plethora of choices for your next DIY project.

Whether you want to decorate, make a gift, or just have fun with origami, we’ve tried our best to find something for you. Each craft can be customised to your taste, and there are so many options! Who knows what amazing things you’ll create?