5 fun paper crafts for kids

Being forced to stay indoors is taking a toll on children all over the world. To break the monotony and loneliness, get your child away from an overdose of digital devices with fun and simple paper crafts. Here are 5 safe, simple and low cost craft ideas for kids of all ages.  

Recycled paper art 
Old newspapers, pamphlets, gift wrap, used notebooks, paper packets from grocery or medicine stores - everything that you normally sell off by weight – is raw material for art.  Kids can make paper packets, scrap books, flowers, chains. To encourage creativity, ask them to combine a few items into a paper craft gift hamper. You are also introducing them to the concept of recycling.  

Collage as wall decoration 
Collages have no rules except being as creative as possible. You need to give them waste paper (as we suggested above), old magazines, glue, chart paper, sticks and two way tape. Once they finish the collage, they can make a frame with the sticks, paste the collage on chart paper, mount it on the stick frame and put it up on the wall with two way tape.  

DIY decoration
Whether it’s Diwali or Christmas, instead of buying decoration, ask your children to make paper lanterns, chains, streamers and flowers. You would need to buy coloured paper, chart paper, water colour or pastels, markers, scissors, glue, strings and perhaps sticks or twigs.  Paper craft costs less than any other art material, and is recycling friendly.   

Papier mache
Paper pulp is easy to make and less messy than clay. Papier mache can be used to make masks, little baskets, lamp shades, decorations, animal figurines, flowers and a host of other beautiful art objects. It’s also a great craft idea with paper for teens, as it can evolve into more serious artwork.  

Printable books, games and puzzles  
Invest in a printer, and you might discover a little graphic designer, artist, author, or Math wizard. Get your kid to design books, print them and gift them to others. Set a rule – the books must contain something original – story, poem, puzzle or illustration.