5 Paper Crafting Ideas and Inspiration For Your DIY Paper Crafting Journey

Are you looking for fun, quick, and easy paper crafting ideas? Do you love paper crafting but you’re running out of ideas and inspiration for your projects? With everything that has happened last year, paper crafting 2021 might seem a little different for most crafters. Some crafters used their time to thrive in the crafting industry, while others had to take a bit of break. Now is the perfect time to pick up where you left off and replenish your crafting skills! It doesn’t matter if you’re still a beginner or an advanced paper crafter, doing a little DIY project every now and then is a great way to refresh various techniques and hone those skills.

So many paper crafts, so little time! There are a ton of inspirations online, but which ones should you try? Don’t worry! We’ve handpicked a few fun and creative ideas just for you!

5 Fun and Creative DIY Paper Craft Ideas That You Should Try

1. 3D Paper Stars

Although there is nothing new about 3D paper stars, these are one of the most basic DIY paper crafting ideas ever. Not only is it quick and fun to create, it’s also super easy that even your kids or little ones in your family can do it. It’s one paper craft that you can definitely make with the whole family.

Another amazing thing about 3D paper stars is that you can use them for several different occasions, celebrations, and events!

• Christmas - You can use them as Christmas tree ornaments or hanging ornaments in your living room or bedroom. 
  
  
• New Year’s Day - Perfect for creating 3D fireworks on handmade cards, scrapbook pages, or journals.
  
  
• Fourth of July - One word: fireworks!
  
  
• Birthdays - Stars are flexible and can be used in sending birthday greetings and well wishes.
  
  
• Graduation - Congratulate someone by telling them how much they shine… like a star!
  
  
• Valentine’s Day - Yes! You can  definitely replace the usual “heart-themed” Valentine’s Day projects with shining stars.

You can also create DIY hanging ornaments and other holiday decors using a 3D circle, instead of a star. With 3D paper stars, you can be as creative as you want - stamp on them, add texture and color to them, or use different types of paper! There is so much possibility! If you are wondering how to create these 3D paper stars, you can access some cut files or sample layouts online, or check out this how-to blog.

However, if you want to make your life a bit easier, you can always get Altenew’s 3D Star Die or 3D Circle Ornament Die and create your 3D ornaments instantly! Here are the step-by-step instructions by our design team member Aga. You can also see the full blog post here.

1. Start by cutting the stars out of different papers, like Kraft paper, patterned paper, or create your own textured paper (like Aga did!) using Dotted Swirls Debossing Cover Die for a unique look. Instructions are in the blog post.
2. Cut two stars each time and score these along the lines.
3. Then, fold back the tabs.
4. Finally, adhere them together to create a full 3D star.
5. You can attach a thread and add a wooden bead to finish the look off.

2. Journaling

Like 3D paper stars, journaling isn’t a new trend. However, this relaxing craft has turned into a must-try paper crafting idea - for both beginners and advanced crafters. When people hear the word “journaling”, they immediately think of sappy and vapid diary entries. The truth is that journaling has become a fun and exciting activity for creative people. Depending on what type of journaling you’re into, you can add various elements, embellish it, doodle on it, draw, or even watercolor the pages. You also don’t need to jot down your private and innermost thoughts in your journal. Most journaling enthusiasts try to write something interesting about their day, themselves, or someone around them (family or friends). Most journals have specific themes. Some examples are food journal, travel journal, gratitude journal, pet journal, family journal, workout journal, etc.

Here are 3 journaling ideas that you can try for your paper crafting 2021 goals!

• Art journal

• Travel journal or traveler’s notebook 

• Motivational journal

Journaling is a very calming and de-stressing DIY paper crafting idea that anyone can try even if they’re not into arts and crafts. If you want to learn a bit more about how to create an art journal page for beginners, try watching this short and quick video tutorial.

3. DIY Bookmarks

This is probably one of the easiest paper crafting ideas that you can try today. Even the crafting supplies that you will need are super basic: paper, scissors, glue, and embellishments! Of course, if you want to add a little extra for that WOW factor, you have to use some stamps and dies, mixed media coloring supplies, stencils, and washi tapes.

Why should you add DIY bookmarks to your list of paper crafting 2021 goals? They’re simple, easy, fun, and versatile! If you’re not really into reading books, you can always give them as a gift, turn them into DIY tags for gifts, or simply use them to decorate your space. You can even create different shapes instead of the traditional bookmark shape.

This blog post by Virginia showcases various papercraft projects using the trendy Eucalyptus Jar Stamp and Die Set, which you can also use on your next DIY bookmark! 

We’ve handpicked three quick and easy DIY bookmark projects that you can try on your own. Check them out!

• Nature-themed bookmark
• Black and gold, elegant bookmark
• Fun and whimsical bookmark

4. DIY Flower Pot Decoration

If you think it seems impossible to decorate a flower pot using basic paper crafting supplies, think again! Yes, you can redecorate those boring clay pots in your garden! 2020 was the year when most people discovered their love (or hate) for plants and gardening. Newbie plant enthusiasts were all over social media channels! If you have also discovered your green thumb, here’s a really cool and creative way to give your flower pots a lovely new look.

How to decorate a clay flower pot using a stencil:

1. You will need Altenew’s Floral Drape Stencil, glue tape, brush, chalk paint, stamps, and pencil. 
2. Turn your stencil into an adhesive stencil. You can use glue tape for this.
3. Adhere the adhesive stencil around the pot.
4. Choose the chalk paint colors that you want.
5. Take a brush or sponge to paint the pot through the stencil.
6. Let it dry. Then, remove the stencil.
7. Make an outline around the image using the second paint color. 
8. Repeat the process for the center, using the third paint color.
9. The flower’s stamens were added using partial stamping and Altenew’s Adore You Stamp Set and Dark Chocolate Crisp Dye Ink.
10. You can add some final touches with a pencil and Stickles.

Feel free to check out Sveta’s blog post here if you want to see more photos and other DIY inspiration.

5. Geometric Paper Bowls and Baskets

Now, more than ever, we need to create crafts that are not just pretty, but also functional and sustainable. That’s the beauty of DIY paper crafting - you can just grab random supplies in your stash and whip up something useful or something that you can gift to someone. If you are on the lookout for paper crafting ideas online, you’ve probably come across these adorable geometric paper bowls and baskets on Pinterest or Instagram. They’re great as gifts, home decor, or for holding tiny stuff on your desk and around the house. Depending on the size, they can hold paper clips, sequins, beads, safety pins, pills and tablets, keys, tiny earrings, rings, and other small and lightweight stuff. Talk about the perfect little organizer!

In this blog post, Anna created a fun and simple DIY paper basket using only a few supplies! Here’s what she used:

• Cherry Wood Cardstock (You can use a similar Woodgrain Cardstock)
• Spicy Yogurt Cardstock
• Vintage Roses Stamp and Die Set
• Oriental Orchid Stamp Set
• Altenew Dye Inks

For a more detailed tutorial, you can check out Anna’s how-to video right here. This DIY paper basket is perfect for Easter, but can be used year-round as a home decor piece.

These are 5 of the trendiest and easiest DIY paper crafting ideas that you can try today! Try it by yourself, with your family, or with your friends. The important thing to remember is to enjoy the process and don’t worry about your DIY paper craft not turning out exactly like the ideas provided here. It takes time and practice to hone your crafting skills. At the end of the day, this is a great distraction and a relaxing activity that you can do anytime and anywhere. So what are you waiting for? Go grab your supplies and get creative! Make sure to visit the Altenew store if you need to replenish your paper crafting supplies. And if you need more inspiration for your DIY paper crafts, you can find some more here.