Paper is such a flexible and versatile material. There are many different textures and colours, it can be made flat or made into 3-dimensional objects. Here are just some of the many different uses for paper, apart from writing on it or reading from it.

Origami

Origami is a Japanese art form in which elaborate and fascinating shapes are created from folded paper and card. ‘Ori’ means folding, and ‘kami’ means paper and put together the word ‘origami’ was formed. Whilst paper can be folded in many shapes and forms, perhaps one of the most well-known models is the crane.

Test your skills

Click the image to see ‘How to’ instructions

Papier Mache

Papier Mache can be used to make all sorts of things. All you need is some old newspaper, wallpaper paste and some wire netting or mesh. Tear the newspaper into strips and leave them to soak overnight in the wallpaper paste, mixing it well. Then simply mould the wire netting into the shape you want (this could be an animal, or a pot to hold your pens and pencils), and start laying the strips over the wire and build up the layers until you have the shape you want. Once it is dry you can then paint it.

Collages

What is a collage?

A collage is a technique of an art production, primarily used in the visual arts, where the artwork is made from an assemblage of different forms, thus creating a new whole.

Try making a collage out of all your favourite pictures or using using fine coloured tissue paper to create your own stained glass window.

Creative at Christmas

Get creative at Christmas time and make your own Christmas Cards and even your own Christmas Crackers. Help with the decorations and make some paper chains from strips of different coloured paper. You could make some papier mache baubles for the tree.

Christmas Cards

A Christmas card is a greeting card sent as part of the traditional celebration of Christmas in order to convey between people a range of sentiments related to the Christmas and holiday season. Have a go at making your friends and family one this year.

Paper Christmas Decorations

A Christmas decoration is any of several types of ornamentation used at Christmastime. The traditional colors of Christmas are pine green, snow white, and heart red.

Instead of blowing your pocket money on decorations, try making your own! It’s free, and it’s a great way to get you and your family into the holiday spirit.

16 Effortless Paper Christmas Decorations

make your own papier mache mask

Masks & Puzzles

You can make masks out of thin card or decorate your own cardboard boxes. You can also make masks out of Papier Mache. Why not make a jigsaw puzzle from cardboard or you can simply draw or paint a picture on a piece of paper.

Jigsaw Puzzles

You could print two copies of digital photos on A4 paper or card. Print one of the jigsaw templates provided below. Glue the photo onto the blank side of the jigsaw template. Use scissors or a cutting tool to cut up the jigsaw.

Masks

Mask templates are perfect for fancy dress and birthday parties. Print them out directly onto coloured card or paper, or cut and trace round them. You can dress them up with feathers, beads, sequins and any other crafty bits and pieces that you have lying around! Print one of the mask templates provided below and have a go.

Paper Christmas Decorations

There are so many ways you can create with paper. Get creative with your imagination and write a story, or read a book. Draw or paint a picture or make your own greetings cards. The list is endless!

Have a go and see just how creative you can be!

Learn More About Paper


 


 



In this section