Paper Crafts

This is one of the most classic paper crafts for children – the simple folded paper hat that can even be made from newspaper.

But when I sat down to make one with my daughter – my mind went blank – despite having made them many times many years ago – it had gone! As I needed to look it up on the internet, I thought there may be one or two others out there as forgetful as me who also may appreciate some instructions.

Start off with a rectangle or oblong shape piece of paper.

Fold it in half.

Fold the corners across to the center. They will not go all the way to the bottom – this is correct.

Fold up the bottom sections of paper and you have a hat, simple as that!

This fish takes just TWO FOLDS! Once the children have those two folds mastered they can make and ocean full of fish. Give them lots of different sizes of square paper to make a school of fish. The two folds only need to be approximately as marked in the pictures.

	The first fold is on an angle, the line that is folded is drawn here.
	Once it is folded it looks like this.
	The second, and final fold, is along the line marked.
	This is the back off the fish after both folds have been made.
	Turn it over and it is starting to look rather fishy.
	Completely fishy now!

This is a simple origami paper craft for children that can be adapted to many different critters or fantasy creatures.

	Cut a square from a sheet of colored paper, we used photocopy sized paper. You can choose to use a larger square of paper and you will get a bigger snapper than the one pictured. The narrow strip of paper is our off-cut.
	Fold the square sheet of paper in half. Fold each side in half so you end up with a zig zag fold in the paper.
	Flatten all the folds so you are left with a skinny rectangle. On the first section fold the corners in on a diagonal to form a triangle.
	Repeat this on the middle section …
	… and then again on the last section so that all the sections are folded to the same shape.
	Find the center point on the longest side and using a pencil make a mark about 12 mm (0.5″) in from the edge. Cut up to the mark through all the layers of paper.
	Fold back long triangles from the cut to the outer point. This creates the lips or gums of the snapper. Pull the sides apart.
	Fold over so the points meet and make a beak or mouth shape. I pinch the back of this to encourage it to stay folded so it does keep springing fully open.
	Decorate as you wish. I cut teeth from white card …
	… and a curly tongue from red paper, but you can use you imagination to create any creature you like. Maybe big lips for a gorilla or a hanging tongue for a dog. Whiskers and ears for a mouse or fangs for a bat.

Download the printable version of the Tutorial – PDF Worksheet – Paper Snapper

This was called a wind crown and it was a breeze to make!

Kirigami is a variation of the well known paper craft of origami that includes cutting the paper. I found a book that takes it to all sorts of fun levels. I thought that it would be tricky but the book is aimed at a level children could do so I thought I could have a go and it is really easy. I snipped up this version of the wind mask or crown which suits our large bear Ollie very nicely indeed. Although I realize after getting the photo ready for this post that I had put it on upside down – hey that means this craft is flexible too!

I followed the instructions on the page I had snapped below and it took only minutes to make. The book I used is Kirigami Paper Kingdom and it is full of lots of ideas around the theme of a castle and kingdom which makes it a fun read too.

I am linking to all the books by the same author, Karol Krcmar, as when I had a look at what else was available I found others that look really good too. I want the Kirigami Greetings Card one!

Kirigami Books by Karol Krcmar

All you need for this paper craft for children is a piece of square paper! Once you have finished it you will also need an origami stalk and leaf. I just happen to have a tutorial for that handy! Origami Stalk and Leaf Tutorial.

	Fold the paper to make a triangle.
	Fold the corners up. Set them slightly off to the sides of the center point as shown.
	Turn the model over.
	Fold the side points in as shown.
	Turn it over again and you now have a tulip flower head.
	Glue an origami stalk and leaf onto the tulip.

Download the printable version of the tutorial – PDF Worksheet – Origami Tulip

See how the origami tulip has been used in my Accordion Pop-up Card.

For more info about Origami and some basic folds check out the paper crafts for children ‘What is Origami?’ article.

Another of the paper crafts for children that has a very short materials list. All you need for this one is a piece of square paper! Once you have finished it you will also need an origami flower. Here is a handy Origami Tulip Tutorial.

		Fold the paper to make a triangle, crease and unfold.
		Fold the sides in to line up with the center crease to make a kite shape. Fold the sides in again to line up with the center crease.
		Fold the small edge sides in to line up with the center crease as well.
		Fold the wide end over so that the point is part way along the center crease. Fold in half along the center crease.
		Pull the shorter piece out to form the leaf. Crease the bottom firmly.
		Glue the stalk onto an origami flower.

Download the printable version of the worksheet – PDF Worksheet – Origami Stalk and Leaf.

See how the origami tulip, stalk and leaf has been used in my Accordion Pop-up Card.

For more info about Origami and some basic folds check out my ‘What is Origami?’ article.