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I know how relaxing and enjoyable it can be to work on creative projects, especially with simple materials you probably already have around. Paper crafts are a solid choice for adults—they let you get creative without needing fancy supplies or complicated techniques.
Whether you want to decorate your space, make a unique gift, or just take a break from your phone, these easy paper craft ideas are a genuinely fun and satisfying way to spend time.
I love how paper crafts suit any skill level and let me play with my own style—no need for pricey gadgets.
1. Origami Crane Folding
I grab a square piece of paper and fold it in half both ways to make good creases.
Next, I fold each corner into the center and shape the paper into a diamond base.
After that, I fold the sides in to form wings and legs, using reverse folds for the head and tail. Finally, I gently pull out the wings and there’s my crane.
2. 3D Paper Flower Bouquet
I pick out some colorful paper or cardstock for the flowers and green paper for stems. I cut out flower shapes and leaves—sometimes I use a template, sometimes I just wing it. Curling the edges with a pencil gives each petal that nice 3D look.
I roll or fold the paper to build up layers, gluing them together as I go. Each finished flower gets attached to a paper straw or green stick for the stem. Then I bunch the flowers together and tie them with a ribbon or pop them in a paper vase. Easy centerpiece!
3. Handmade Paper Earrings
I love making paper earrings—they’re so lightweight and honestly, the process is just fun. First, I cut paper into little shapes, like circles or rectangles, and then I decorate them with paint or markers, whatever I’m feeling.
To make them sturdy, I brush on some glue or Mod Podge. I poke a tiny hole and use a jump ring to attach earring hooks. Once everything’s dry, they’re ready to wear or gift.
4. Geometric Paper Wall Art
Geometric paper wall art is one of my go-tos for a modern look. I pick out colored paper and cut basic shapes—triangles, hexagons, squares, whatever fits my mood.
I play around with the layout on a big sheet until the pattern feels right, then glue everything down. Sometimes I frame it, sometimes I just stick it up with tape. Either way, it adds a splash of color and personality to my wall.
5. Layered Paper Silhouettes
I start by choosing a simple shape—maybe an animal or a city skyline. I cut out several layers from different colored papers, making each new layer a bit more detailed.
I stack them so the bottom layers are bigger, and the top ones have the fine details. Glue or foam tape goes between the layers to give a nice 3D effect. Then I pop it in a frame or just set it on a shelf for a pop of color.
6. Paper Quilling Art
I cut thin strips of colored paper and roll them up with a quilling tool or even a toothpick.
Once I’ve got a bunch of tight coils, I shape them into circles, teardrops, or whatever I need for my design. I glue the shapes together and arrange them on a card or canvas. After the glue dries, it’s ready to show off or frame.
7. Pop-up Greeting Cards
I love making pop-up greeting cards—they’re just more fun than regular ones. I fold a piece of cardstock in half for the base, cut a couple slits in the fold, and push that part inward to make a pop-up tab.
I glue little paper shapes or designs onto the tab, then decorate the rest of the card with markers, stickers, or whatever’s handy. A handwritten message inside finishes it off. The 3D surprise always gets a smile.
8. Paper Lantern Making
Paper lanterns are super easy and make any space feel festive. I fold a piece of colored paper in half and cut strips along the fold, careful not to go all the way through.
Then I open it up, roll it into a cylinder, and tape or glue the ends together. If I want a handle, I add a thin strip of paper at the top. These look great over battery-powered lights for a soft glow—perfect for parties or just cozy vibes.
9. Tissue Paper Flowers
I stack a few sheets of tissue paper, fold them accordion-style, and secure the center with a twist tie or wire.
Then I trim the ends into rounded or pointed shapes for petals. Gently pulling apart each layer fluffs the flower into shape. I love making these in different colors and sizes—they brighten up any room or make a sweet little gift.
10. Paper Mache Bowls
I gather newspaper, glue, water, and a bowl for the mold. I tear the newspaper into strips, then mix glue with a bit of water for paste. I cover the outside of the bowl with plastic wrap and layer on the paper strips, adding glue between each layer.
After a few layers, I let it dry completely. Once dry, I gently take the paper mache bowl off the mold, trim the edges, and paint it however I like.
11. Accordion Folded Paper Fans
Accordion fans are a classic. I pick out a piece of paper and fold it back and forth in even sections to make pleats.
Once it’s all folded, I pinch one end together and secure it with glue or tape. Sometimes I add a paper circle or stick at the bottom for an easy handle.
12. Paper Mosaic Coasters
I love making mosaic coasters with paper scraps. I cut colored paper into little pieces or shapes and glue them onto a thick paper circle or square, covering the whole thing. I leave tiny gaps between pieces for that real mosaic vibe.
Once dry, I brush on a layer of clear glue or sealant for durability. Magazine pages, colored paper, even old gift wrap—anything works for these.
13. Newspaper Wall Collage
Old newspapers make surprisingly cool wall collages. I pick out pages with interesting text or pictures, then cut or tear them into different shapes and sizes.
I arrange everything on a big sheet or right on the wall until the layout feels right, then glue each piece down. Sometimes I layer or add a splash of paint for extra texture and color.
14. Paper Gift Box Craft
Paper gift boxes are both cute and handy. I pick a sturdy paper or cardstock in a color or pattern I like, then measure and cut a square or rectangle.
I fold along the lines to make the box shape and secure the edges with glue or double-sided tape. The lid gets folded the same way. Decorating with ribbon or stickers is the fun part.
15. Cut Paper Snowflakes
I fold a piece of paper into a triangle or square, then fold it a couple more times to make layers. With sharp scissors, I cut little shapes along the edges and corners.
After I carefully unfold the paper, the snowflake appears. It’s kind of addictive to make a bunch with different patterns. These look great as simple winter decorations.
16. Paper Stencil Art
I love using paper stencils to jazz up cards, journals, or scrapbook pages. Usually, I just pick out a stencil pattern and tape it down on my paper—nothing too fancy.
I’ll grab a sponge or brush and dab paint or ink over the stencil, then carefully peel it off so the design doesn’t smudge. That little reveal moment? Always satisfying.
After that, I let the paper dry before sticking it into whatever project I’m working on. Sometimes I’ll reuse a favorite stencil, or just cut a new one out of cardstock if I’m feeling creative.
17. Paper Tassel Garland
Paper tassel garlands are just fun—there’s something about the colors that brightens up any space or party. I usually start by cutting tissue paper into long rectangles and snipping fringe along the edges. It’s a bit fiddly, but worth it.
Once I’ve got the fringe, I roll each piece from the bottom up to make a tassel. Then I twist the center and fold it over to create a loop, securing it with tape or a little twine. The last step? Stringing all those tassels onto a piece of yarn or string. It’s simple, but the finished garland always makes me smile.
18. Paper Bead Jewelry
I love making simple jewelry by rolling strips of paper into beads. Usually, I’ll grab some colorful paper and cut it into long, thin triangles or rectangles—whatever shape I feel like that day.
Then, I roll each strip tightly around a toothpick or skewer and dab on a bit of glue to hold it all together. Once the glue dries, I just slide the bead off and brush on a clear finish to toughen it up.
With a handful of these beads, I string together necklaces, bracelets, or even earrings. Mixing up different colors and sizes keeps things interesting. Honestly, it’s an easy craft to jump into with just a few supplies I already have lying around.
