Vribanto

Paper Crafts

A sheet of paper can become a decoration, a handmade card, or a small gift with just a few folds and cuts. Start with these simple paper crafts to practise basic techniques using materials you may already have at home.

Gather a Few Basic Supplies

You can begin with:

  • Plain printer paper, coloured paper, or leftover wrapping paper
  • Scissors
  • A glue stick or tape
  • A pencil and ruler
  • Scraps of thin card for sturdier projects

Use lightweight paper for folding and thin card for card bases. Save small offcuts for collage details, labels, and decorations.

Three Paper Crafts to Try

Fold a Simple Paper Fan

This project introduces accordion folds: a series of equal folds that alternate forwards and backwards.

  1. Place a rectangular sheet on a flat surface. Starting at a short edge, fold a strip about 2 cm wide.
  2. Turn the paper over and fold another strip of the same width. Repeat until the whole sheet forms a folded stack.
  3. Pinch one end together and secure it with tape. Gently spread the other end into a fan.

Line up the edges before pressing each crease. If the folds look uneven, unfold the last section and adjust it.

Make a Paper Chain

Paper chains are a useful way to practise measuring, cutting, and joining.

  1. Mark strips of equal width on a sheet of paper, then cut along the lines.
  2. Curve one strip into a ring, overlap the ends, and glue or tape them together.
  3. Thread the next strip through the first ring before joining its ends. Continue to extend the chain.

Try alternating two colours or combining plain paper with patterned scraps.

Create a Collage Card

Fold a sheet of paper or thin card in half. Cut simple shapes from contrasting scraps: circles, leaves, triangles, or uneven strips.

Arrange the pieces on the front before attaching them. Once you like the layout, lift and glue each piece individually. Apply glue sparingly to help prevent wrinkles, then add a handwritten message inside.

Build Confidence One Project at a Time

Repeat a project with different colours or sizes to see what changes. For another folding exercise, try the National Air and Space Museum’s paper airplane activity. Take your time with each crease—small adjustments are part of learning.