Learn to Make Paper Crafts for Beginners

Are you looking to learn to make paper crafts for beginners? You are at the right article. Papercraft is a fun and creative hobby that can keep you and your kids busy for summer. They are easy to learn and require just paper and glue to get started. 

• What is Paper Crafting?
• Why Should You Learn to Make Paper Crafts for Beginners?
• Forms of Paper Crafting
• Learn to Make Paper Crafts for Beginners
• Paper Crafting Tips for Beginners

Paper crafting is an exciting hobby. You can make beautiful pieces for decorating your home. And it’s a great present to give to your loved ones. When you are looking to learn to make paper crafts for beginners, you can try making greeting cards or a scrapbook. Learning origami and paper mache would help you create beautiful centerpieces for your home.

Paper is versatile, with diverse texture, color, and size options. You can cut a piece of paper to create a three-dimensional design or use stamps to create an exciting papercraft. There are limitless options when it comes to paper crafting.

In this article, you will learn to make paper crafts for beginners. We’ll discuss some of the easiest and most creative crafts you can do with paper, a pair of scissors, and glue.

What is Paper Crafting?

Papercraft combines different creative art forms, including paper as the critical artistic medium. In simple terms, paper crafting is making objects out of paper. Everyone has experience with the paper, making paper crafting an approachable craft.

This type of art form is relatively inexpensive and easy to learn. When you’re looking to learn to make paper crafts for beginners, you can try out techniques that are faster to learn. You can then move on to more complex paper crafts like origami. 

Paper can be cut and molded into different shapes to create unique designs. This includes both 2D and 3D crafts. You can cut, roll, fold, or shred your paper to create unique designs.

Why Should You Learn to Make Paper Crafts for Beginners?

There are multiple reasons you should learn to make paper crafts for beginners. 

• Decorative Items: You can use paper to make unique and decorative items for your home. Since paper is available in various colors and textures, you can make multiple crafts. Some people make wall art with paper quilling. While others try out origami centerpieces for their dining hall. It is a great way to liven up your home. Additionally, you can use paper crafts to make personalized gifts for your family and friends.
• Creative: Paper crafting is a pretty creative art form. It’s fascinating how you can make elaborate objects with a simple sheet of paper. You can use your imagination to create something unique with your hands every time. 
• Challenging: You can make crafts out of paper with just a few simple folds or even create a foot-long origami statue. The best thing about learning paper crafts is making it as challenging as possible. When you are looking to learn to make paper crafts for beginners, you can start by learning simple techniques. 

Forms of Paper Crafting

Paper folding is one of the most accessible and most popular forms of paper crafting. You can start with simple designs. This is best to try out while looking to learn to make paper crafts for beginners. The best part about paper folding is it is not messy and requires just paper and a workspace. 

Origami

Origami is the Japanese art of paper folding. It is usually used to make paper cranes and flowers. The goal of Origami is to convert a flat sheet of paper into a sculpture by using different folding and sculpting techniques. 

Zhezhi

Zhezhi is the Chinese art of paper folding. The art form originated in medieval China. This usually focuses on transforming a flat sheet of paper into boats and hats.

Jong-i jeobgi

Jong-i jeobgi is the Korean art of paper folding. This craft is taught to schoolchildren as part of their science, Math, and history lessons. Paper crafting is an essential part of Korean culture. Hanji is a particular type of paper used for traditional Korean papercrafts.

Western Paper Folding

As the name suggests, Western paper folding is common throughout Europe and the United States. It is a common type of papercraft technique used to make simple crafts like boats and aeroplanes. 

Paper Cutting

Like paper folding, some different designs and aesthetics are involved with paper cutting. These differ from region to region. When you are looking to learn to make paper crafts for beginners, learning paper cutting is a good idea. Over the years, different geographic areas have developed their distinctive style.

Chinese paper cutting

Chinese paper cutting dates back to the 2nd century CE when paper was invented. When paper became more accessible to people, paper cutting was one of the most popular forms of Chinese folk art. The entire town is decorated with bright red paper cuttings during Chinese festivals. They are usually done with the help of a scissor or craft knife. 

Wycinanki

Wycinanki is the Slavic version of paper cutting. It is a popular craft form in Poland, Belarus, and Ukraine. Paper is transformed into decorative items using various techniques, including paper clipping, tearing, and punching. Artists cut paper to make different designs, including peacocks, flowers, and medallions. 

Papel Picado

Papel Picado is popular Mexican folk art. This decorative craft is made by cutting elaborate designs into sheets of tissue paper. The designs in this art form are cut by stacking over 50 sheets of colourful tissue paper. Artists use them as a guide to using chisels or craft knives to cut paper and make colourful banners. 

Paper Quilling

Paper quilling is a unique art form that you can try out while looking to learn to make paper crafts for beginners. This is another traditional craft form that is used to decorate monasteries. Paper quilling is also used to create beautiful book covers and adorn religious items. Artists use quillers, crimpers, and tweezers to manipulate the rolled paper into different shapes.

Paper Models

Creating a paper model can be quite a fun task. You can draw from different craft ideas, create small paper objects, and glue them together to make a unique paper model. It acts as an excellent centrepiece for your dining hall. Depending upon your design, you can use coloured sheets of paper or paint them once you are done sticking them together. 

Paper Pulp Craft

Paper pulp crafts have been around for hundreds of years. It is also known as paper mache. People used these crafts to strengthen their swords in traditional times. Today, this craft is used for making different types of objects that are sturdy enough for decorative items. Some artists also use paper pulp craft as a part of their paintings.

Learn to Make Paper Crafts for Beginners

When you are looking to learn to make paper crafts for beginners, there are multiple techniques you can try out. While some are as easy as cutting and pasting different paper shapes, others require intricate folding. You can start with more straightforward techniques and practice them. Once you are comfortable, you can move on to more complex designs. 

In this section of learning to make paper crafts for beginners, we will discuss multiple first projects that you can take up.

Making a Simple Greeting Cards

Everyone loves accepting a handmade greeting card on a special occasion, from children to adults. These are easy to make and convey a gesture of love and care. While looking to learn to make paper crafts for beginners, you should try making greeting cards.

You’ll need a cutting mat, card stock, and craft knife for a simple greeting card. You’ll also need some decorative items, pencils, and a blunt piece of metal for scoring.

Here is how you can make greeting cards while looking to learn to make paper crafts for beginners.

• Grab your cardstock, ruler, and a blunt piece of metal. Keep your ruler in the middle of the cardstock and grab your blunt piece of metal. Drag it down the centre line to create an indentation. Fold your card across this line to achieve a neater fold. 
• Now it’s time to decorate your card. Since it’s your first time, I will suggest you use decorative items like pieces of glass, ribbons, or buttons. If you are making a birthday card, you can draw a bunch of balloons on the front of the card. Attach a ribbon to the end to make your card look fancy.
• You can also use textured paper to make your card look a little unique. Using gold or silver paint would also give your greeting card a creative and aesthetic touch.
• Once you’re done with decorations, you can add text to the front and inside of the card. Adding a personalized message leaves a more lasting impression on your recipient. You can use swirly text to make your greeting card look fancier. 
• When you’re happy with the text on your card, fold it and put it in an envelope. 

You have made a creative yet straightforward card for your loved ones.

Making a Window Greeting Card

Once you know how to make a simple greeting card, you can now advance to a little complex and creative card. This particular technique creates a unique design that is perfect for anniversaries, birthdays, or marriages. 

For a window greeting card, you’ll need a cutting mat and two pieces of cardstocks. You will also need a pair of scissors, decorations, a ruler, a blunt piece of metal and an HB pencil. Here is how you can make a window greeting card while looking to learn to make paper crafts for beginners.

• Grab your cardstock, ruler, and a blunt piece of metal. Keep your ruler in the middle of the cardstock and grab your blunt piece of metal. Drag it down the center line. Fold your card across this line to achieve a neater fold.
•  Now take the other piece of cardstock and measure a 4”x5” rectangle. Cut it neatly with a pair of scissors.
•  To make a window opening in your card, you need to draw a line lengthwise down the window base. Fold it along the line. 
• Now fold the bottom of the card, about two inches upwards. Draw a 1-inch line from the bottom right corner of the rectangle towards the upper left corner. Cut along these lines.
• Unfold the paper and smoothen out the creases. You will have an X cut on your paper.
• Pull these flaps back and cut them until you have a rectangular window. Glue the flaps down and secure them. 
• Once your window opening is ready, you can assemble the card and decorate it. 
• When you are happy with the decoration, take the window base you created and paste it on top of your base card. Decorate the window base as well.

Your window greeting card is now ready.

Making a Scrapbook

Scrapbooks are very popular among children and adults. They can be created for someone’s birthday, incorporating special memories. Some prefer making a travel scrapbook or a journal for themselves. Making a scrapbook is easy and fun. 

You’ll need a scrapbook binder, pages, photos, markers, and highlighters for making a scrapbook. And you will also need a pair of scissors, decorative tape, and a glue stick. Here is how you can make a scrapbook while looking to learn to make paper crafts for beginners.

• The first step towards making a scrapbook is to choose a theme of your choice. Once you have decided on the theme, it would be easier to plan your book. Then you can determine what photos and the type of album to use. And you can choose travel, love, or something else as your scrapbook theme.
• You must gather your supplies and print photos based on your chosen theme.
• Next, you need to design a basic layout for your scrapbook and decide how the story will proceed.
• Start by trimming your photos neatly. Printed photos are an essential element of your scrapbook. Hence you should trim them down with care. 
• Add your page titles and start decorating your scrapbooks. You can set out photos all across the page and leave small spaces for adding text. 
• When you are happy with the layout, use your glue stick to paste the images. You can also use decorative tape.
• Addthetext of yourchoice. Repeatthisfortheentirescrapbook. Onceyouhavestuckimagesanddecoratedpageswithmemorableitems, youcanprotectthem by placingthem in a protector.
• Now assemble your scrapbook pages and bind them together with an album binder.

Your scrapbook is now ready.

Making Stamping Crafts

Stamping can be an easy way to decorate any project, add personalized branding, mark office materials, or speed up tedious processes. Here is how you can quickly try out stamping crafts while learning paper crafts techniques.

• You should start by selecting a stamp design that you will carve out on the eraser.
• Now draw the design on the eraser. 
• With the help of a craft knife, carefully cut the design on the eraser.
• Once done, apply ink and stamp it on a flat surface to see the imprint.
• Ensure that you always clean the stamp’s surface when you are done. 
• Your handmade stamp is ready. You can use it on greeting cards or envelopes.

Making a Paper Mache Mask

Paper mache is an antique paper crafting technique that soldiers used to strengthen their swords. Now it is a popular molding technique among artists. You will need to create a paper mache paste before proceeding with the craft. 

For making paper mache paste, you will need a sealable plastic bag, flour, water, and salt. Here is how you can make paper mache paste while looking to learn to make paper crafts for beginners.

Making Paper Mache Paste

• Add ½ cup of flour to a sealable plastic bag. Now add ½ cup of water and ¾ teaspoon of salt to this bag.
• Seal your plastic bag tightly. 
• Use your hands to mix flour and water. 
• Once you are sure that there are no visible lumps, start shaking the mixture inside the plastic bag. This makes sure that the paper mache paste is mixed evenly. 
• When you are done, your paste must have a thick consistency.
• To use your paper mache paste for your project, you can cut a hole on the bottom-right corner of the bag.
• Hold your bag like an icing pouch and squeeze a small amount of paste on your project. Your paper mache paste is now ready to use. 

Making Paper Mache Craft

Once your paper mache paste is ready, you can now start moulding your mask. You will need paper mache paste, paper strips, a balloon, scissors, and paints. Here is how you can make a paper mache mask while looking to learn to make paper crafts for beginners.

• Determine the size of your mask. Now start inflating the balloon depending upon how big your mask should be.
• Oncedone, tietheknot of theballoonandkeep it aside.
• Now take your paper strips and keep them on one side. Make sure you have enough strips to cover the surface of the balloon at least three times.
• Drop some paper mache paste on your balloon and spread it evenly with a flat brush. Start pasting your paper strips on the balloon. Make sure to cover the balloon evenly with the strips. When the first layer is done, keep it aside to dry.
• Once dried, repeat the same process for the second layer. We need to cover the balloon with three layers of newspaper strips. For a more substantial base, make sure to place the first layer of strips horizontally and the second layer vertically.
• Set the balloon aside to dry overnight. Once dried, take a pointed needle and pop the balloon carefully.
• Use your scissors to cut the mask in half. You can cut your desired shape. Once done, you can start decorating your mask the way you like. You can even add paper mache moulds to make the nose of the mask. 
• Paint the mask in bright colours to make it look more attractive.

Your paper mache mask is now ready.

Making a Flipbook

Flipbooks have been around for hundreds of years and were the first animation techniques used by artists. Flipbook is a booklet with a series of images. These images gradually change, making it look like the illustration is moving.

You’ll need blank index cards, glue, and coloured pens and pencils to make a flipbook. You will also need binder clips, an HB pencil, and an Eraser. Here is how you can make a flipbook while looking to learn to make paper crafts for beginners.

• Deciding the book’s theme or plotline is one of the most critical steps. A flipbook is like a storybook that tells you a plotline. Hence you should be clear with what you want to draw. You can also use a mood board to outline the story for your flipbook.
• Once you have decided upon a story, you need to draw out the characters on different index pages. The whole point is repeating a character repeatedly with slight variations. 
• Start drawing on your index cards. Make sure that all the characters have only a slight variation in motion. This ensures that the character gives an illusion of moving. You can do this by tracing the next slide on top of the previous slide and moving it slightly.
• Number your cards in the upper left-hand corner, so it is easier for you to assemble them in the end. 
• Keep repeating these steps until you have traced the entire motion of the character.
• Once your drawing is complete, make final edits to your book by colouring and outlining your illustration.
• Bind your flipbook with glue, rubber bands, duct tape, or binding clips when you are done. 
• Your flipbook is now ready.

Making a Pop-Up Book

Pop-up books have always fascinated me with the interesting 3D images and creative plot lines. They add an exciting new dimension to your book. Here is how you can create a pop-up book while learning papercrafts.

• Plan out the storyline of your book. This will help you analyze all types of pop-ups you need on different pages of your book.
• Take a cardstock to create a box pop-up.
• Fold the card stock paper in half. 
• To make a square pop-up, draw one or more squares on the outer edge of your card stock. The bottom side of the square should be the centerfold of your card stock.
• Cut the sides of the square that are perpendicular to the centerfold.
• Fold the piece across the square’s top edge and create a fold line.
• Now open your card stock to 90 degrees. Push the squares from the back with your finger to pop them forward. 

Your square pop-ups are ready. You can attach any character illustration to these cards. These will then be added to your book to create a 3D look.

Making an Origami Frog

Origami is a popular Japanese art of paper folding. This craft is popular among both adults and children. You can make simple animal figures or complex creatures by folding a single sheet of paper with different techniques.

For making an origami frog, you’ll need a square piece of paper. Here is how you can make an origami frog while looking to learn to make paper crafts for beginners.

• Place the square piece of paper on your workstation. Now bring two opposite corners of the paper together to make a diagonal fold. Repeat this with the other two corners as well, creating an X.
• Now bring the right edge of the paper over the left edge. Press firmly to create a fold line. Open the paper back up.
• Please take the right side of the paper and pull it in to meet the left style. The paper would collapse into a triangle along the diagonal fold lines you created earlier. 
• Now gently fold the top layer of both the corners into the center. This creates a square shape in the middle of the triangle. Make sure that the edges are perpendicular to the bottom of the triangle and sit precisely in the center.
• Again, take the corners of the small square you just made and fold them to the center. Crease your folds firmly so they stay in shape.
• Flip the triangle over. Now take the two corners and fold them right in the center. 
• Now line the long edge with the outer edge of the triangle to create your frog’s legs.
• Once done, fold ⅓ of the origami frog up towards the top. Make another fold towards the bottom, flipping the legs down. This will allow your origami frog to jump.

Your origami frog is now ready. 

Making an Origami Crane

Once you have learned origami’s basic folding techniques, you should try more elaborate figurines. This will help you practice your techniques. For making an origami crane, you’ll need a square piece of paper. Here is how you can make an origami crane while looking to learn to make paper crafts for beginners.

Making the Square Base

• Fold your square origami paper horizontally in half and gently crease it. Unfold the paper.
• Now fold the paper vertically in half, crease it, and unfold it.
• Take the top right corner of the paper to the bottom left corner and fold. Crease the paper and unfold it. 
• Create another diagonal fold line with the other two corners. 
• Turn the square to a diagonal shape. Bring the lower right side of the top flap to the middle line. Repeat this with the left side. You now have a kite-shaped paper. 

Making the Base of the Bird

• Bring the left corner of the top flap to the middle crease. Repeat the same with the right corner of the top flap as well. 
• Now gently fold the top corner of the square to make the crease lie along the horizontal line.
• Unfold the last three folds. You will be back to a square base with multiple fold lines.
• Fold the bottom corner of the square up along the horizontal crease line.
• Flip your paper and fold the top half of the corner to the other side. This is the side your square will naturally fold.
• Flip the paper again. Bring the outer edges of your square to the middle and flatten them out. This creates a long diamond shape, with two flaps sticking out on the left and right-hand sides. 
• Turn the paper over and repeat the last three steps on this site as well. This will create a similar diamond shape on both sides of the paper.
• Fold the outer edges of the diamond to the middle. 
• Gently fold your right flap over the left, like you flip a page of a book.
• Flip the shape and fold the outer edges again to the middle.
• Gently fold the right flap over the left, as before.

Folding the Neck and the Tail

Fold the bottom tip of the top flap to the top corner. Flip your paper and repeat it on the other side.

• Again, fold the right flap over to the left, like you flip the pages of a book.
• Flip the shape and repeat the previous step for the back flap. At this stage, the head and tail of your crane are wrapped between the wings.
• Now fold the crane’s wings down on both sides, making them perpendicular to the head and tail.
• Fold the tip of the head down, making it look more like a crane.
• Pull the tail and the head out, lining them up with the outer edges of your crane’s body.
• Grab the opposite corners of the bottom of the body and gently pull them to give volume to your origami crane.

Your origami crane is now ready. You can present it as a gift or hang them up as decorations in your house. 

Paper Crafting Tips for Beginners

Paper crafting is all about learning through trial and error. Although it is one of the most enjoyable and easiest crafts, it can be tricky. When you are looking to learn to make paper crafts for beginners, you should keep a few tips in mind.

Learn How to Score Your Paper

Scoring or folding the paper perfectly to create proper fold lines is one of the bases of paper crafting. To make neat paper cuttings and fold, you should learn to score your paper correctly. 

For this, you will need a straight ruler and a bone folder. A bone folder is a popular crafting tool made out of plastic and has a pointed tip at the end. This helps make scoring your paper easier and neater.

Use Cutting Mats

Cutting mats are your furniture’s savior. But you will notice that your paper stops sticking after a time. This is because the fibers of the paper and debris stick to your mat. It creates a layer that does not let your paper stick to it. 

Instead of buying cutting mats, again and again, you can try cleaning them up with mild soap and water. This will fix your problem. If not, you can buy a repositionable tack spray from your craft store and spray it on the surface. 

Secure Slippery Sheets

If you’re using slippery paper sheets to create paper crafts, you might find it difficult to stick them to the mat. You can use adhesive tape and stick the upper two corners of the sheet to keep it in place. This is one of the most helpful tips when looking to learn to make paper crafts for beginners.

Be Prepared for Paper Cuts

When you are around paper and are trying to make a craft out of it, you will get paper cuts. Your fingers are one of the most sensitive parts of your body. Make sure you take preventive measures to stay away from paper cuts. Remember not to drag your hands along the edges of the paper sheet.

If you are too prone to papercuts, you can also invest in a pair of crafters gloves. It would be best always to have a box of band-aid and antibiotic solutions on your desk. This will help you tackle your cut instantly. 

Takeaway

Creating paper crafts is a fun task. You can try out different techniques and stick with the one you like the most. While looking to learn to make paper crafts for beginners, you should start with the basic techniques. You can then later advance to the complicated ones.

If you want to learn more about paper crafts, you can take a 1:1 lesson from an online tutor. This will help you be clear with the basic techniques and the small tips and tricks. 

Lrnkey, an online tutoring platform, offers online tutorials for beginners and advanced artists. These one-on-one lessons hosted by expert tutors help you learn everything there is about making papercrafts.

Now go on and try to implement what you learned in this guide on learning to make paper crafts for beginners. Let us know your experience in the comment section below.

FAQ

How Do You Make Easy Paper Crafts for Kids?

Paper crafts is an essential skill, which you should teach your children. This helps them explore the creative side of their mind. Additionally, it is a fun activity that can help you bond with your kids. When you are looking to learn to make paper crafts for beginners, you can try out these activities.

• Paper mache mask
• Origami cat
• Origami frog
• Paper lantern
• Greeting Cards

What are the Basic Tools Needed for Paper Crafting?

When you are looking to learn to make paper crafts for beginners, you need a few essential tools. These will help you try out different techniques.

• Mat cutters
• HB pencils
• A pair of scissors
• Craft knife
• Glue
• Tweezers
• Corner punches
• Embossing or Scoring tools

What Type of Paper Is Best for Origami?

When you are starting to learn to make paper crafts for beginners, it’s always advisable to invest in good-quality materials. The best origami paper is standard origami paper, also known as Kami. You can find these papers online or at high-end craft stores.

Can You Sand Your Paper Mache Project?

If you have left more significant gaps in your paper mache, which looks unflattering to you, you can sand them out. For this, you need to let your paper mache project dry out completely. Once it’s hard, you can use fine grid sandpaper to smoothen out the rough edges. This gives you a smooth base to paint on.