Paper craft is one of the best rainy-day activities for kids — it’s cheap, it’s forgiving of mistakes, and even the simplest scrap of coloured paper can turn into something brilliant with a bit of folding, cutting and glue. Following on from our first round-up of easy paper crafts, we went looking for even more gorgeous ideas — and found 15 more that are simple enough for little hands but stunning enough to display on the fridge.
Stock up on some craft paper in a few different colours, a good glue stick, and any decorative extras you have on hand (glitter, jewels, googly eyes — whatever’s in the craft box), and get stuck in.
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Fun Paper Craft Ideas
Lily Flower
Image: DIY Paper Crafts
Looking to brighten up someone’s day, or got a birthday coming up? This paper craft from DIY-Paper Crafts for lily flowers is bound to delight.
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Rocking Bird
Image: New Kids Centre
Looking for something suitable for toddlers? This paper craft from New Kids Centre is perfect. It’s super fun to make, easy and creative — pop these little guys by a window and watch the breeze set them rocking.
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Paper Plate Tropical Fish
Image: Crafts By Amanda
Have a Finding Nemo fan in your life? This paper craft from Crafts by Amanda won’t disappoint. Let the kids get creative and use their imagination to make colourful tropical fish — there are so many colours to choose from.
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Paper Craft Spider
Image: Red Ted Art
Perfect for Halloween, or just for spooking out a sibling (or Dad). These little guys from Red Ted Art are simple to create, so easy you could make a dozen.
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Paper Crowns
Image: Origami Funs
What about a jewel-filled crown for the little prince or princess in your life? Add some glitter or sparkly jewels and they’ll be ruler of the land (as if they aren’t already). Here’s a video from OrigamiFuns showing how to make them.
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Giddy Up Horsey
Image: DIY Thought
This paper craft from DIY Thought is a great way to recycle some old newspaper and wool clippings. Kids get to practise their scissor skills cutting the horse’s mane too.
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3D Rainbow Paper Craft
Image: Easy Peasy and Fun
Something a little different, and may need a steady hand. These lovely 3D rainbows from Easy Peasy and Fun are sure to brighten up any room.
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Paper Snails
Image: David’s Creative School
We absolutely adore these bright, colourful snail paper crafts. It won’t take long before these heart-shaped snails settle into your home.
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Pirate Pals
Image: Molly Moo Crafts
Ahoy there, matey! No paper craft round-up is complete without a recycled toilet roll. Try this pirate craft from Molly Moo Crafts with older kids, as it takes a little more work than the others.
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Whale and Friends
Image: Red Ted Art
Make this adorable origami whale family to dive deep with the fish above. Red Ted Art has full instructions, plus a handy how-to video.
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Airplane Paper Craft
Image: Molly Moo Crafts
Forget paper aeroplanes — we love this recycled toilet roll craft from Molly Moo Crafts. Bring the kids outside once it’s finished and see how far your plane will fly.
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Hungry Little Caterpillar
Image: I Heart Crafty Things
Reading The Very Hungry Caterpillar and want to bring the book to life? How cute is this little guy sticking his head out of the apple, from I Heart Crafty Things?
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Paper Ladybugs
Image: I Love Matt Cardle
The kids will have you hoarding toilet roll tubes all summer to make these super cute ladybugs from I Love Matt Cardle.
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Origami Hopping Frogs
Make these hopping origami frogs for a bit of fun. The first one will take you a little while, but once you’ve got the technique down you can make them in every colour and pattern of paper you have.
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Miniature Doll’s House
Image: Ye Craft Ideas
This is a pretty clever miniature doll’s house idea for smallies, from Ye Craft Ideas. Let them design the house as they please — who knows where their imagination will take them!
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Have You Got a Favourite?
Have you got any other suggestions for fun paper craft ideas that you’ve enjoyed making with your child? Leave a comment below and let us know — we’d love to hear from you!
More Rainy Day Ideas You’ll Love
If this list kept the kids busy for an afternoon, here are a few more to bookmark for the next wet day: 18 Easy Paper Crafts for Kids You’ll Want to Make Too, 10 of the Cutest Fluffiest Cotton Wool Craft Ideas for Kids, and 50 Brilliant Art & Craft Ideas for Kids that are Worth the Mess.
Save This for Your Next Rainy Day
No printable this time, but this list is worth keeping handy — bookmark the page or pin it to your craft board so you’ve got 15 ideas ready to go the next time you need to fill an afternoon.
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