Paper crafts are a great way to enter the world of crafting. However, you can also do many advanced techniques that will give you more of an appreciation of what you can do with a sheet of paper. This badge program will give you a starting point only. If you’re interested in learning more, check out the listed badge programs and sets that are available for a more intensive experience.
Steps
1. Bookbinding.
Assembling pages into a book can be achieved in numerous ways. Japanese stab binding is a good beginner bookmaking craft. Perfect binding, including stitching folios together, is a lot more time-consuming. Explore different ways to make a book.
2. Minibooks.
Enrichment Project: Minibook Set
You can also create minibooks from a single sheet of paper or multiple sheets. Like standard books, they can have text or they might be like a mini-journal or mini-sketchbook. With minibooks, your “binding” is normally a staple. They’re quick and easy. Try making a minibook.
3. Photo crafts.
Enrichment Project: Photo Crafts
Photos are usually printed on . . . you guessed it . . . paper. Crafting with photos makes each item you create special. This goes beyond scrapbooking, which you can consider a photo craft. From bookmarks to ornaments, you can personalize many items with photos. Do you have any photo crafts you created yourself or someone has given you as a gift?
4. Specific sized-items.
Some paper crafted items are designated by size. Here are some you can check out.
- Inchies — Size: 1″ x 1″ square
- Rinchies — Size: 1″ diameter circle
- Betwinchies — Size: 1.5″ x 1.5″ square
- Twosies or Twinchies — Size: 2″ x 2″ square
- Can you find other paper crafted items that are named to conform to a specific size?
5. Coloring.
Coloring isn’t just for kids anymore. You can combine this with rubber stamping or color sheets and use them in your paper crafted items. Search for free coloring sheets to try or watch for the upcoming “Color Fun” badge set coming soon from the Enrichment Project.
6. Paper beads.
Enrichment Project: Paper Beads
You can make paper beads in a variety of shapes. In addition, you can also decorate them with everything from glitter to fiber. Make a few paper beads and try decorating them to see what is possible.
7. Paper flowers.
Enrichment Project: Paper Flowers
Paper flowers can be made from a variety of papers — crepe to cardstock. The techniques you use to make the flowers will depend on the paper. Try making a small bouquet or a few for a greeting card.
8. Paper dolls and toys.
You can find printable paper dolls and toys online. You can also create your own! You will need to cut and possibly assemble the pieces. Some toys may be simple like pinwheels while others may be complicated. Paper dolls often include clothing that you can decorate yourself. Check out a few sites with paper dolls or toys and find one to try.
9. Origami, kusadama and kirigami.
Japan has many paper crafts to explore. Origami is folding a single sheet of paper into a specific shape. Kusadama is folding identical shapes and joining them together. Kirigami is folding a sheet of paper and then cutting a pattern to reveal a silhouette. Explore these different Japanese paper crafts.
10. Teabag folding.
Enrichment Project: Teabag Folding Set
Teabag folding is similar to Kusadama. You start with printed squares of the same design. As you fold and assemble them, it creates a kaleidoscopic effect. These can be used on cards, as ornaments or even as part of a wall clock. (I used 12” scrapbook paper.) Explore the different ways you can fold and assemble the squares.
11. Quilling.
Enrichment Project: Quilling Set
Also known as paper rolling, paper scrolling and filigree, you can see examples from the 16th and 17th centuries. Think you can’t do much with just a rolled piece of paper? Do a search on your favorite search engine. From simple shapes for decorating tags and cards to 3d items like eggs and even some of the coolest modern art I’ve seen, quilling is enjoying a great resurgence in popularity. Try it!
12. Paper mache.
Paper mache is used to create three-dimensional pieces that dry to a hard and durable finish. This might include bowls, piñatas, masks or sculpture. Find a paper mache artist or crafter to see what can be done with this paper craft.
Supplements
See specific badge programs listed in steps above which have their own supplements.
SUPP_PaperCraftExplorer_I_2in_12up_larajla
- Avery 2” Round Label Printable, 12 up
SUPP_PaperCraftExplorer_I_Checklist_larajla
- Badge Checklist
Sites to Explore
- www.instructables.com/community/Cool-Free-Papercraft-Links
- www.papertoys.com
- www.nicepapertoys.com
- www.thetoymaker.com/2Toys.html
- www.ravensblight.com
- www.papercraftmuseum.com
- www.cubeecraft.com
- www.pem.org/sites/origami
- smashingcreations.blogspot.com/2012/02/how-to-make-origami-kusadama-flowers.html
- www.origami-resource-center.com/kirigami.html
- www.favecrafts.com/Papercrafts
- www.allthingspaper.net
- www.buzzle.com/articles/paper-crafts
- www.bellaonline.com/articles/art12216.asp
- www.pinterest.com/explore/paper-toys
- www.pinterest.com/origamitwist/clever-paper-crafts
- www.pinterest.com/cclopez1022/paper-crafts-inchies-betwinchies-twinchies-etc
Get the infographic here > larajla blog post
Get the PDFs of the badge program / supplements here > Full badge PDFs