Papercraft is a fun, accessible hobby that almost anyone can enjoy. Simple projects can entertain kids, foster creativity, and produce charming handmade gifts for friends and family. For a quick overview of the craft’s history and varieties, see this introduction to papercraft on Wikipedia.
Below we’ll explore the basics of papercraft and share a variety of easy, kid-friendly projects you can try this summer. Grab some paper and glue, and let’s get started!
15 Awesome Paper Crafts to Do With Your Kids This Summer
Summer is the perfect time for kids to get creative. These 15 paper crafts are ideal for a sunny afternoon, a rainy day indoors, or as simple projects to share with friends and family.
1. Paper Plate Art
Paper plates are a great blank canvas for painting, collage, or turning into masks and animals. Kids can paint fruits, create colorful monsters, or layer cut paper shapes for a textured effect. Use washable paints and non-toxic glue for easy cleanup.
2. Origami
Origami helps develop fine motor skills and patience. There are many step-by-step guides suitable for beginners through advanced folders — from simple cranes to modular projects. For clear instructions and ideas, check out this origami resource on Wikipedia or explore tutorial sites for age-appropriate folds.
3. Paper Bag Puppets
Turn a grocery bag into a puppet by adding construction paper features, googly eyes, yarn hair, and fabric scraps. These are perfect for storytelling and imaginative play; older kids can design characters and write short scripts for puppet shows.
4. Paper Plate Rainbow
Cut a semicircle from a paper plate and paint or glue on colorful strips of paper to create a bright rainbow decoration. Add cotton-ball clouds or glitter for extra sparkle — a quick project that makes cheerful wall decor.
5. Paper Plate Mosaic Tile
Instead of painting a tile directly, kids can cut paper plates into small pieces and arrange them like tiles to form a mosaic pattern. This is a low-mess way to practice patterns and color mixing.
6. Watercolor Sun Painting
Using watercolor paper or heavyweight paper, kids can paint a large sun and experiment with wet-on-wet techniques to blend colors. Hang the finished sun in a window and watch the light transform the colors throughout the day.
7. Paper Hot Air Balloon
Draw a balloon shape, cut out panels, and glue them together into a 3D sphere. Add a small paper or cup “basket” and string to hang it from the ceiling — a fun project that combines drawing and simple construction.
8. Paper Plate Popsicles
Cut paper plates into popsicle shapes, paint them bright colors, and glue on a craft stick. Add patterned paper or sequins for fun toppings. These make cute decorations or pretend-play snacks for a summer-themed playdate.
9. Foldable Frisbee
Create a lightweight, foldable frisbee from layers of construction paper or cardstock reinforced with tape around the edge. Attach a string loop so it can fold flat and be stored easily. This is a great lesson in structural strength and design.
10. Paper Placemat
Have kids design their own placemats using large sheets of construction paper or poster board. They can draw, collage, or laminate the finished piece for spills. This is a practical project that encourages pride in their artwork at mealtime.
11. Paper Cone
Roll a circle of paper into a cone shape and secure it with glue or tape; decorate with paint, stickers, or pipe cleaners for a festive party hat, horn, or treat holder for backyard barbecues.
12. Paper Boxes
Teach kids simple box-folding techniques using cardstock or heavier paper to make small storage boxes for toys, treasures, or gifts. Decorating the outside turns them into personalized keepsakes.
13. Paper Fish Friends
Cut fish shapes from colorful paper, add patterned scales with stickers or markers, and bend a pipe cleaner to create a tail. Hang them from a mobile or float them in a pretend ocean for imaginative play.
14. Playful Paper “Pill” Bottles (Toy Props)
Create whimsical paper pill bottles as playful, non-medical props for pretend play — use them for storing tiny craft supplies, beads, or as part of a make-believe pharmacy game. Reinforce with cardstock and label them with fun designs.
15. Heart-Shaped Gift Box
Fold and glue a heart-shaped box from cardstock to hold small treasures or Valentine’s Day cards. Kids can personalize the box with drawings, glitter, or stickers for a sweet handmade gift.
Tools and Materials Commonly Used in Papercrafts
Papercraft relies on simple tools and materials, but having a few quality supplies can make projects easier and safer. Typical items include:
- Scissors (child-safe and adult scissors for more precise cuts)
- Glue sticks and liquid craft glue (non-toxic)
- Construction paper, cardstock, and heavyweight paper
- Watercolor or tempera paints and brushes
- Markers, crayons, colored pencils, and stickers
- Ruler, pencil, and an eraser for measuring and marking
- Optional tools: craft knife and cutting mat (adult use only), bone folder for crisp folds, and a hole punch
When choosing supplies, look for non-toxic labels and child-friendly tools. For project ideas, patterns, and more step-by-step tutorials, family-oriented craft sites and community libraries are great resources — many offer printable templates and beginner guides for kids’ paper crafts.
With a few basic materials and a little imagination, papercraft can provide hours of creative fun for children and parents alike. Try mixing and matching techniques — painting, cutting, folding, and gluing — to discover new projects that become treasured keepsakes.
