Paper Crafts

Two egg shapes and two slots equals one stand up egg

I have used this paper craft technique for many decorative items. The basic technique is to cut out two identical shapes, make sure they have a flat bottom, and then cut from the bottom to the center on one shape and from the top to the center on the other shape. Then slot them together and stand it up.

Using lightweight card and smaller shapes will mean they stand up better but we also use larger shapes and support the joins with something like a foam dot. One of the eggs here uses some marbled paper we made glued back to back before I cut it. To find out how to make the marbled paper check out Shaving Foam Marbling. The other egg is one my daughter is working on. It is only finished on one side in this photo, it is just cartridge paper and has a foam dot at the center to hold it together. This is another one of those paper crafts for children that they can learn and then apply to lots of their own ideas.

Check out the Tutorial – Stand-up Shape or print out the PDF Worksheet – Stand-up Shape for step by step instructions.

I have more ideas to help you craft your way to Easter – Easter Paper Crafts for Children.

Beautiful container for Easter treasures.

On one of the forums I contribute to I was asked about making a papier mache egg with an opening – so I set to experimenting!

I tried a few things that did not work, like an inside lip to hold the egg shut – I made it too rigid and it pushed it out of shape. I also found that as I am not so great on the accuracy side that my two halves did not meet nicely – I solved that by adding a small outside lip to hide the uneven edges. This also holds the two halves in place nicely.

I am really pleased with the process I worked out and with the final result. It is lined with tulle to make a snuggly place for treasures and treats. I also love that it is one of those paper crafts that children and adults enjoy to do.

To find out how I made it check out the Papier Mache Layers Egg Tutorial, or the printable version of the worksheet – PDF Worksheet – Papier Mache Layers Egg.

I have more ideas to help you craft your way to Easter – Easter Paper Crafts for Children.

For more information about Papier Mache, check out my What is Papier Mache? article.

For this paper craft you need two bowls, cling-film, newspaper, white paper, tissue paper and paste. For this egg example of a papier mache construction you will also need ribbon.

	The two small bowls need to have the same size opening, alternatively you can use just one bowl and make one half first and the second half later. Cover the bowls with cling-film.
	Glue strips of newspaper onto the bowl and leave to dry. When it is dry carefully remove the bowl and cling-film and leave it to dry on the inside as well.
	Add a layer of white paper so that no newsprint will show through the final tissue paper layer.
	Use layers of strong packing tape to make a hinge to join the two halves of the construction which in this case will be an egg.
	I suggest making a small lip on the outside of one half so that it fits a tiny bit over the other half – this helps hold it together. Finish the outside with a layer of torn tissue paper.
	Glue a ribbon to the bottom so that the egg can be kept closed with a bow.

Download the printable version of the worksheet – PDF Worksheet – Papier Mache Layers Egg.

For more information about Papier Mache, check out my What is Papier Mache? article.

A few cuts and folds – plus ribbon – equals box

This can be made any size and for putting all sorts of things in. I have made this one for an Easter bunny to be sitting in waiting for someone to discover him. To make the box start with a square and then cut four equal squares from each corner. Punch holes each corner and then fold the sides up and tie the sides together with ribbon through the holes. If you wish you can also decorate the edges of the box with glitter or some different paper, as I have done. This could easily be made into a basket with a handle attached.

To find out how to make one of these check out the Fold-up Box Tutorial or download the PDF Worksheet – Fold-up Paper Box.

This one is great for bunny delivered treats! I have more ideas to help you craft your way to Easter – Easter Crafts for Children.

It is easy for children to master this paper craft and then make them independently.

	For a square box, start with a square piece of paper. If you want an oblong box then start with an oblong piece of paper.
	Cut a square out of each corner, each square needs to be the same size. The bigger you make the square the deeper the box will be.
	Punch a hole in each of the corners.
	Fold each side up.
	Thread the pieces of ribbon through the holes and tie bows to join the sides together.
	If you wish, add a handle by gluing a strip of matching paper to the insides of the box.

Download the printable version of the worksheet – Worksheet – Fold-up Box PDF

Blossoms to life with tissue paper.

This is a great impact for not much effort activity! For those parts of the world approaching spring it is also perfect seasonal arty crafty fun for kids. Blow ink, or runny paint, or dye, or food coloring around on some paper with a straw – make sure that if the children are doing this that they practice BLOWING first. Try to blow in one general direction to get some branch shapes. Then glue on little scrunched up bits of pink or white tissue paper on or near the branches. An super duper paper crafts for children activity with WOW impact!

Watch as this tree pops into life in the Blossom Tree Movie

This is great for spring – check out other spring craft ideas.