If you’re looking for a way to keep the little ones busy that’s creative, colourful, and doesn’t need loads of prep – easy paper art is here to help! From snipping and folding to gluing and decorating, paper is one of the easiest and most exciting materials for kids to get crafty with.
We’ve rounded up 7 fun and easy paper craft ideas that are perfect for after-school chill-outs, weekend fun, or a rainy day activity.
1. Animals from toilet paper roll
Got some leftover toilet rolls? Time to turn them into a crew of cute little creatures!
You’ll need:
· Cardboard rolls
· Coloured paper or kids paint
· Scissors (use with adult supervision)
· Glue
· Googly eyes, pom poms, and other bits for decoration
How to do it:
Wrap your roll in coloured paper or paint it. Add ears, wings, or tails using cut paper shapes. Stick on googly eyes and draw a smile – voilà! A new little friend. Try making a zoo, a bug squad, monster pals, or even a bunch of superheroes.
2. Making a paper fan
Feeling the heat? These DIY fans are easy to make and even easier to decorate!
You’ll need:
· A4 or square paper
· Markers or paint
· Paddle pop sticks (optional)
· Glue or tape
How to do it:
Decorate your paper however you like, then fold it back and forth like an accordion. Fold in half and glue the edges together. Tape a paddle pop stick to each side for handles if you want. Now you’ve got a breezy little masterpiece!
3. Paper plate masks
Unleash your imagination with wild, silly, or spooky masks.
You’ll need:
· Paper plates
· Craft glue
· Coloured paper, pipe cleaners, fabric scraps
· Scissors (use with adult supervision)
· Hole punch and string
How to do it:
Cut eye holes into the plate. Decorate your mask using whatever crafty bits you've got – add whiskers, feathers, eyebrows, or horns! Punch holes in the side, tie on some string, and ta-da! You’re party-ready or jungle-bound.
4. Homemade paper chains
Simple, satisfying, and so much fun to make – paper chains are great for parties, bedrooms, or just brightening up a hallway.
You’ll need:
· Strips of coloured paper
· Glue stick, tape, or stapler
How to do it:
Loop your first strip into a circle and glue, staple, or tape the ends together. Slide the next strip through it and repeat. Keep going until your chain is as long (or as loopy) as you like! Try adding patterns to your paper or writing something fun on each loop.
5. Torn paper rainbow
This colourful collage activity is all about tearing, layering, and sticking, so it’s a total blast for little hands.
You’ll need:
· Coloured paper
· Glue stick
· Scissors (optional – use with adult supervision!)
· Paper or card for the background
How to do it:
Tear coloured paper into strips or chunks and don’t worry about being neat, the messier the better. Arrange the torn pieces in rainbow order – use it as a colour lesson while you’re at it! Glue everything down to a background sheet. You can even add trees, flowers, or a sun on top.
This one’s great for fine motor skills and colour play, plus, it’s super satisfying watching the picture come together piece by piece!
6. Accordian folded paper - animals
These wiggly paper pals are loads of fun and great for storytelling or puppet shows.
You’ll need:
· Coloured paper
· Glue
· Scissors (use with adult supervision)
· Markers
How to do it:
Cut two long strips of paper and glue them together at a right angle. Fold them over each other like a zig-zag until you reach the end, then glue to finish. Add a paper face and tail, draw on features, and you’ve got a slinky little critter!
With just some paper and a bit of imagination, there’s no limit to the amazing things your little creator can make. Whether they’re folding fans, making masks, or tearing paper into rainbows, each craft helps build confidence, motor skills, and creative thinking.
So, grab your glue, snip some shapes, and let the paper crafting fun begin! 🎨✂️👑
Stock up on some Kids Paint, Markers, and Coloured Paper to see where your little artist’s creativity takes them! 🎨✨
