Got a stash of construction paper taking up space? Unleash your creativity without breaking the bank with these innovative and budget-friendly construction paper crafts.
The possibilities are endless when you have an abundance of paper at hand. With a few essential crafting tools, you can whip up a plethora of unique and imaginative items in no time. Take a look at these 37 inspiring construction paper crafts to spark your next creative adventure.
DIY Bookmarks for Kids
Cultivating a reading habit in children is essential, and starting early can have a significant impact. One effective way to spark their interest in reading is by introducing a unique and engaging bookmark. In fact, you can create your own bookmarks with your kids during craft time, making it a fun and interactive experience. Not only can a colorful bookmark encourage them to read more, but it can also enhance their overall reading experience.
To get started, grab some wooden sticks or other materials of your choice and let your creativity shine! If you’re looking for inspiration, check out this tutorial on creating bookmarks with paper clips for some added ideas.
3D Rainbow
While rainbows may seem elusive and intangible, they can actually serve as a wonderful teaching tool for young children. When trying to educate kids about this colorful phenomenon, it’s common to struggle with making the concept tangible. However, with a little creativity and some construction paper, you can create a 3D rainbow craft project that not only makes learning fun but also helps toddlers develop their understanding of color theory.
By assembling a beautifully arched 3D rainbow, children can gain a deeper appreciation for the vibrant hues that make up this natural wonder, laying the groundwork for further exploration and discovery.
Whale Crafts
The allure of whales lies in their mystifying nature, captivating everything I adore about the ocean’s depths. While witnessing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat is a thrill, it’s not a common occurrence unless you embark on a guided whale-watching tour. However, there’s a creative way to bring whales into your life and educate your little ones about these marine marvels – through art!
Gather some ocean-hued construction or craft paper, a whale template, and a few sharpies, then let your imagination run wild. As you create, remember that the ocean is home to many more enigmatic creatures, like the mystical mermaids, which can be explored further in 18 captivating crafts.
Plumeria Flower Craft
Imagine the quintessential tropical getaway, where vibrant plumeria flowers fill the air with their sweet fragrance. Native to warm regions, these blossoms are also known as frangipani. While they may not be readily available at your local market, why not create a few of your own using everyday craft supplies? This fun and creative project is perfect for kids to join in on, making it an ideal activity for a themed-craft session.
Once you’ve crafted your plumeria flowers, use them to add a personal touch to your garden, decorate greeting cards, or incorporate them into other DIY projects – the possibilities are endless!
Silhouette Portraits
Create a Sherlock Holmes silhouette at home with ease! You may have seen iconic portraits of the detective, complete with his pipe and hat. If you’re inspired to craft one for yourself, rest assured it’s a more manageable task than you might think. To get started, gather your materials: a frame similar to this, some craft paper, a few markers, and a pair of scissors.
Take your time, avoiding the temptation to rush through the process – with patience, your finished portrait is sure to be truly remarkable!
Sun Paper Plate
Paper plates are incredibly versatile craft materials that can be used to create a wide range of innovative projects. One idea is to transform them into a beautiful wall hanging for your child’s bedroom. To get started, you’ll need some paper plates which can be easily sourced from most craft stores. Begin by tracing and cutting out several handprints on construction paper to serve as the sun’s rays.
Once you’ve completed this step, you’ll have the foundation for a stunning piece of art that is sure to brighten up any room. If you’re feeling inspired, why not try your hand at some other creative paper plate projects? For example, you could create a lovely flower or even a DIY woven bowl – the possibilities are truly endless.
Paper Tearing Activity
The joy of unwrapping presents on Christmas morning is hard to replicate. However, if you’re looking for an experience that brings similar excitement and satisfaction, why not try your hand at tearing up some construction or scrap paper? The ripping motion can be quite therapeutic, allowing you to unwind and tap into your creative side. As you work, the sound of the paper shredding beneath your fingers can be almost meditative, helping you to relax and focus on the task at hand.
Paper Roller Coaster
If your little ones are obsessed with rollercoasters, it’s understandable that they might be disappointed when they’re not yet tall enough to ride the real thing. To keep their excitement at bay, why not try creating a mini rollercoaster experience at home? With just a few simple materials like colored paper and markers, you can build a DIY twisty coaster together with your kids. This fun activity is quick and easy, taking less than an hour to set up and play.
You’ll be amazed at how quickly your children’s imagination and creativity are sparked as they bring their own rollercoaster dreams to life.
Race Car Crafts
For many boys, racing high-performance cars on a track is a thrilling dream. However, purchasing Hot Wheels can be quite expensive, making it unfeasible to invest in a real car later on. So, how do you cater to your son’s need for speed without breaking the bank? One creative solution is to engage him in a race car craft project. To get started, grab an empty water bottle or toilet paper roll and transform it into a speedy vehicle!
As you’re at it, consider exploring these 20 toilet paper roll crafts for inspiration on your next DIY endeavor.
Jungle Animals Paper Craft
When introducing young toddlers to animal learning, it’s essential to provide them with a concrete representation of each creature. Purchasing every available stuffed animal toy isn’t feasible, but there’s an alternative. By utilizing basic crafting supplies, you can create your own snakes, chimps, tigers, lions, and elephants right at home. Simply follow the process and you’ll have a mini-jungle environment set up in no time.
Frog Headband Printable For Kids
Are you familiar with Kermit the Frog or even the Princess and the Frog? If so, it’s no surprise that kids are fascinated by these green creatures! With that in mind, why not try a fun frog-themed craft project with your little ones? Start by downloading the frog headband template and carefully reading through the instructions. You’ll need some basic supplies like a roll of tape and green construction paper.
Simply cut out the required pieces using the template and follow the steps to assemble the headband. It’s a simple yet engaging activity that can be enjoyed together.
Handprint Rooster Craft For Kids
Embark on an educational adventure with your kids by creating a handprint rooster, a fun and interactive way to learn about farm animals. Begin by gathering your supplies and inviting your children to join in on the creative process. Start by having them place their hands on a piece of construction paper to create a handprint, then assist them in carefully cutting it out.
For added support, feel free to download a rooster template to make the project even more enjoyable for both you and your kids.
Snowy Salt Crystal Christmas Tree
Spicing up craft sessions with science and learning can lead to an unforgettable experience! For kids, creating salt crystals is a wondrous process that can be easily adapted into a fun holiday activity. Imagine crafting little Christmas trees adorned with glittering salt crystal snowflakes – it’s the perfect way to get creative while also exploring the wonders of science.
To make these unique ornaments, simply combine regular table salt, water, and a stirrer to form the crystals.
Once you’ve created your mini Christmas trees, hang them up as decorations, and you’ll have a beautifully festooned tree that’s sure to spark conversations.
If you’re looking for more inspiration, be sure to check out some of our other holiday decoration ideas!
Easy Fireworks Painting for Kids
Who can resist the magic of Fourth of July fireworks? While we may not have explosive displays every weekend, there’s no reason why we can’t create our own mini-celebrations during craft time. To get started, gather some essential supplies: acrylic paint and black construction paper will be your go-to materials for this project. But here’s the best part – you’ll also need a few empty toilet paper rolls to transform them into realistic crackling fireworks.
If you’re feeling extra creative, consider repurposing those rolls into a DIY pencil case using the same technique found in [link]. For more fun and easy craft ideas for kids, check out our collection of inspiring projects [link].
Snowflake
Get ready to fall in love with this charming snowflake-shaped flower craft! Not only is it an affordable and quick project that can be completed in under an hour, but it’s also a fantastic way to help develop your child’s cutting skills. Simply choose various colors of construction paper, and then, under your watchful eye, guide your little one as they cut out the intricate designs.
Once you’ve got them all trimmed, display your beautiful creations on a canvas board or proudly showcase them on your refrigerator – the possibilities are endless!
Origami Cat
As you plan craft sessions that involve paper, incorporating origami is a natural fit. An origami cat is the purrfect way to get started. Take your time with each fold, as the satisfaction of seeing the final product come together will be well worth the effort. To bring your creation to life, you’ll need a few strands of embroidery floss for whiskers and a pair of googly eyes to add a touch of personality.
If you’re looking for more inspiration, be sure to explore our collection of 31 paper crafts for adults that are sure to delight.
Ocean Paper Craft
Are the kids still buzzing about that last ocean-themed DIY project? If so, I’ve got another underwater adventure waiting to be explored! Get ready to dive into an ocean bed paper craft project, where the vibrant sea floor comes alive with colorful marine life and lush vegetation. With just a few sheets of construction paper, you can recreate this stunning scene at home.
To bring it all together, don’t forget to stock up on plenty of craft glue – you’ll be using it in abundance for this creative endeavor!
Pop Up Car
There’s something undeniably charming about creating three-dimensional crafts, whether you’re preparing a birthday card or simply spending quality time with your kids. Pop-up projects, in particular, offer a unique combination of creativity and fun that’s hard to resist. Following the pattern, you’ll be able to create this sleek red car in no time at all. And feel free to get creative – adding buttons or glitter as headlights is an excellent way to give it some extra personality!
Simply grab your favorite craft pens and let your imagination run wild.
Paper Crown
While nostalgia for childhood treats may be strong, replicating the iconic Burger King crown is entirely possible without leaving home. With just a few simple materials, you can create your very own paper masterpiece. To get started, gather the following essentials: a template of the desired crown design (which can be easily printed or drawn), construction paper, clear adhesive tape, and decorative gemstones for added flair.
Not only will this craft make for an entertaining activity with kids, but it also provides an opportunity to create thoughtful party favors for future birthday celebrations.
Printable Racoon
In recent years, the idea of keeping raccoons as pets has become increasingly popular. While it may not be feasible for everyone to have one at home, there are other creative ways to bring these charming creatures into your life. One option is to try your hand at papercrafting with a printable template that’s available for download. To get started, you’ll need a variety of construction papers in different shades and some basic crafting supplies.
With a little creativity, you can even give your papercraft raccoon a masked bandit theme, complete with a striped tail that adds a fun touch to the overall design.
Paper Kite
Imagine the nostalgic charm of childhood summers spent crafting and flying kites. A forgotten tradition in today’s digital age, yet one that can be revived with a simple yet rewarding paper kite craft. By engaging your kids in this delightful activity, you can relive the joy of carefree afternoons filled with the thrill of kites soaring through the sky.
The crowning glory of any kite is undoubtedly its majestic tail, which can be brought to life using colorful streamers or ribbons – a perfect opportunity to get creative and add a personal touch.
Paper Octopus
The beloved character Hank the octopus from Finding Dory is sure to bring a smile to your face. Did you know that this charming cephalopod had only seven arms, making him a unique septopus? This fascinating fact provides endless inspiration for creative projects! To bring Hank to life in your own craft project, start by tracing his image onto construction paper. Next, follow the template instructions until you’re thrilled with the final result.
Let the whimsical spirit of this lovable septopus guide your creativity and bring joy to those around you.
Handprint Butterfly
Crafting with butterflies is an endless delight, and recreating their majestic wings is as easy as cutting out handprints. Start by guiding your child to carefully trace the outline of their palm, taking care not to miss those tricky crevices between their fingers. For the body, you can use colorful popsicle sticks readily available, paired with a couple of googly eyes and voila! The end result is a whimsical butterfly-inspired craft that’s sure to bring a smile.
Caterpillar Craft
In a surprising twist, the caterpillar craft precedes its more elegant counterpart, the butterfly craft, on this list. Nevertheless, we’ll dive into the former first. To create this quirky caterpillar-themed project, you’ll need approximately 26 popsicle sticks – odds are, you’ve got some stashed away for future use.
Once complete, hang your delightfully imperfect caterpillar in your children’s bedrooms or display it at their craft stations, where they’ll enjoy gazing upon their crawling creations with pride.
Paper Bag Pirates
If you’ve got a stash of paper bags used for packing lunches, great! You’re going to turn them into swashbuckling pirates with your little ones. First, you’ll need an abundance of construction paper to cut out the pirate template. Why not get creative and add some flair with gold earrings or eyepatches? When gluing the paper onto the bags, be meticulous – they can tear easily, so a gentle touch is essential.
For even more treasure-filled craft ideas, explore our selection of 21 pirate crafts for kids.
Hedgehog bookmark
As I pondered the prickly reputation of hedgehogs, a question arose: are they really as spiny as they appear? While they may not be the most conventional pets, it’s understandable that some might entertain the idea. If your child is suddenly besotted with the notion of having a pet hedgehog, you’ll need to tread carefully in response. One creative way to alleviate any disappointment is by crafting a hedgehog-themed bookmark.
And don’t worry, you won’t be entirely on your own – a downloadable template is available for this DIY project, ensuring a smoother process.
Helicopter Paper Craft
If you’re feeling nostalgic about that racing car project from before, why not try your hand at crafting a paper helicopter this time around? Don’t worry if it’s not as advanced as those high-tech choppers in real life – this one is designed to be easy to make and doesn’t require an engineering degree. Just grab a few paper clips and you’re good to go! The big question on everyone’s mind, of course, is whether they actually fly.
And the answer is yes – these paper helicopters do take to the air, spinning around in all their whirlybird glory!
Paper house
As we imagine the endless possibilities of what we can build with paper, our minds are transported to creations that rival the complexity of real-world structures. Who would have thought that an entire house could be crafted from nothing more than construction paper? The best part? No mortgage payments required! With a few simple tools – scissors, markers, ruler, and craft paper – the possibilities for designing your own paper home become endless.
One feature that really catches my eye is the bold red rooftop, begging to be taken to the next level with the addition of a subtle shingle pattern, expertly sketched in black markers. It’s amazing how a little creativity can transform what was once just a sheet of paper into an impressive architectural feat.
Swirling twirling ladybugs
Ladybugs are a rare exception when it comes to insects – I can appreciate their charm. Their diminutive size means they rarely send me into a panic, while their vibrant coloration ensures they won’t get swatted away without a second thought. As spring gradually chases away the lingering chill of winter, you’re likely enjoying a gentle breeze rustling through the trees.
These whimsical ladybug wind catchers would be a lovely addition to your outdoor space, adding a touch of natural beauty and effortless charm. If traditional red and black aren’t your cup of tea, you can always opt for alternative color schemes – after all, twirling ladybugs in various hues are sure to captivate the eye!
Paper plate ladybug
If you’re looking for another fun and easy craft project to try with your little ones, why not give this paper plate ladybug a go? With just the supplies you likely already have on hand, you can create a unique and quirky ladybug featuring geometric color patches instead of the traditional red and black. This edgy take on the classic insect is sure to delight.
And if you’re a fan of all things bug-related, be sure to check out our collection of 21 ladybug crafts for even more creative inspiration.
Torn Paper Panda
Despite their reputation as clumsy creatures, pandas have surprisingly managed to thrive in their habitats. Their endearing nature makes it difficult not to love them, even when they’re being a bit hapless. If you can’t get your hands on seeing a real-life panda at the zoo just yet, creating a paper panda can be a fun and creative way to hold you over until then. All you’ll need are some basic crafting supplies – specifically black, white, and green construction paper.
The green will come in handy for cutting out a small bamboo stalk that your paper panda can use as a prop.
Puppy Ears Card
Get ready to be delighted by this adorable paper-puppy craft project that’s finally here! To bring it to life, you’ll need the following materials: a variety of construction papers in white, blue, red, yellow, and orange hues, as well as some scraps of white and black paper. You’ll also require a circle punch, a printer, tacky glue, and a pair of scissors.
To make things easier, we’ve included a free downloadable template that will guide your cutting process. So, go ahead and start crafting!
You won’t be disappointed.
Paper Tulip Bouquet
As the tulip season comes to a close, it’s understandable that we might find ourselves pining for their vibrant colors and elegant shapes. Fortunately, there’s no need to wait until next year’s blooms to enjoy these beautiful flowers. By creating your own DIY paper tulip bouquet, you can bring the joy of tulips into your home or give them as a thoughtful gift.
Imagine transforming any room into a bright and cheerful space with just a few simple materials – it’s a unique way to celebrate occasions like Mother’s Day.
Unicorn Mane
Imagine a majestic unicorn with a luxuriant, curly mane that shines in every color of the rainbow. While unicorns are mythical creatures, their whimsical manes can certainly exist in our imagination and even on paper. This DIY project allows you to bring this magical creature’s vibrant locks to life using nothing but construction paper strips. Simply start by designing your unicorn on a white background, then add details like a colorful horn and long eyelashes.
Finally, curl the paper into shape and attach it to create a truly magnificent mane. For more inspiration, check out our collection of 27 delightful unicorn crafts that showcase creative and playful ideas for your next craft project.
Dinosaur hat
As Halloween draws near, you’re probably thinking about your children’s costumes for the year. If you’re looking for a unique and creative idea that will surely impress, I’ve got just the thing – a DIY paper dinosaur hat inspired by Jurassic World. What sets this hat apart is its distinctive spikes that extend down to mid-back, making it a true showstopper. Your kids are sure to love wearing this one-of-a-kind creation, and the best part? They can make it themselves!
With a little bit of creativity and some simple materials, you can help your children create a costume that will have them standing out from the crowd.
Twirl Snake Craft
To complete our list, we’ll tackle an incredibly straightforward craft project: making paper twirl snakes. This activity is perfect for a party or a fun creative session with your kids. To get started, you’ll need some green construction paper from a reliable supplier, a few markers to add some color and personality, scissors to trim the strips to the right size, and a set of googly eyes to give your snakes some character.
Simply roll the strips of paper into twirls, draw on some scales using your markers, attach the googly eyes, and you’re done! With these simple steps, you’ll have dozens of adorable paper twirly snakes ready to decorate your party or add a touch of whimsy to your next craft session.
