Show Us Your Paper Art - Fun at-home activities for Kids.

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Show Us Your Paper Art

Make a colorful paper collage or pop up card using scissors, glue, and folding; explore patterns, textures, and proudly display your finished paper art.

Table of contents

Step-by-step guide to Show Us Your Paper Art

What you need

Colored paper, plain paper or cardstock, scrap textured paper or magazine pages, scissors, glue stick or white glue, pencil, coloring materials like markers crayons or colored pencils, ruler optional, adult supervision required

Step 1

Gather all your materials.

Step 2

Decide if you will make a colorful collage or a pop up card.

Step 3

Prepare your base by folding a sheet in half for a card or laying a larger sheet flat for a collage.

Step 4

Choose three to five colors and textures you want to use.

Step 5

Lightly draw simple shapes or pictures on scrap paper to cut out.

Step 6

Carefully cut out each shape with your scissors.

Step 7

Arrange the cut shapes on your base until you like the layout.

Step 8

Glue the background pieces down one at a time.

Step 9

If making a pop up card cut two short parallel slits into the folded edge to create a tab.

Step 10

If making a pop up card fold the tab inward so it pops up when the card opens.

Step 11

Add texture and details by tearing small paper pieces or coloring with markers or crayons.

Step 12

Let the glue dry completely before you move your artwork.

Step 13

Clean up your workspace and put away your materials.

Step 14

Share your finished paper art on DIY.org

Help!?

What can we use if we don't have textured paper, special scissors, or white glue?

Use magazine pages, construction paper, fabric scraps or cardboard from a cereal box for texture, cut with safety scissors or tear by hand, and stick shapes to the folded card or collage base with a glue stick or double-sided tape.

My pop-up tab keeps tearing or the card won't close properly — what should I check?

Make sure you cut two short parallel slits into the folded edge as instructed, score and fold the tab inward sharply with a blunt tool so it pops up cleanly, and shorten the tab if it bumps when the card closes.

How can I adapt this activity for younger toddlers or older kids?

For toddlers, pre-cut large simple shapes from scrap paper and supervise scissors and glue use while older kids can choose three to five colors and textures, draw detailed shapes, use markers or crayons for fine details, and try more intricate pop-up folds.

What are some ways to extend or personalize our paper art project?

Add extra texture by tearing small paper pieces, layering fabric or stickers, create movable parts with brads, paint a watercolor background before gluing, write a personalized message inside the pop-up card, and then share your finished paper art on DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to Show Us Your Paper Art

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Facts about paper crafts for kids

🎨 Henri Matisse created famous paper cut-outs called 'gouaches découpées' late in life when painting became difficult, and they’re now celebrated as bold paper art.

✂️ The word 'collage' comes from the French 'coller', which means 'to glue' — perfect for an activity all about sticking colorful paper pieces together!

📚 Pop-up books use 'paper engineering'—clever folds, tabs, and layers make scenes spring up when you open a page.

🧩 Tearing paper (instead of cutting) gives soft, textured edges that artists often use to add depth and interest to collages.

♻️ Old magazines, wrapping paper, and scrap paper make great collage materials—upcycling them turns trash into colorful art.

How do you make a colorful paper collage or pop-up card?

Start with a sturdy cardstock base. Plan a simple layout, then cut or tear colored paper into shapes and textures. Layer pieces with glue, letting each layer dry slightly before adding more. For a pop-up card, fold small tabs or paper springs and glue them inside so elements stand when opened. Add details with markers, stickers, or textured scraps. Let the finished piece dry completely, then display on a wall or shelf.

What materials do I need for the Show Us Your Paper Art activity?

Gather cardstock or thick paper for a base, a variety of colored and textured paper, child-safe scissors, glue stick and white craft glue, a ruler, pencil, and a bone folder or ruler for crisp folds. Bring markers, crayons, stickers, yarn, buttons, and recycled materials like magazine pages. Optional items: hole punch, washi tape, and non-toxic glitter or sequins (use with supervision).

What ages is this activity suitable for?

This activity is adaptable: toddlers (2–3) can tear paper and stick shapes with close supervision; preschoolers (3–5) can use safety scissors and glue sticks to create simple collages; elementary kids (6–9) can cut more precise shapes and make basic pop-ups; older children (10+) can design complex layered scenes and mechanical pop-up elements. Adjust tools and supervision to match each child’s skill level.

What are the benefits and safety tips for making paper collages and pop-up cards?

Paper art builds fine motor skills, creativity, planning, and patience while boosting confidence when kids display their work. It encourages storytelling and sensory exploration with different textures. For safety, use age-appropriate scissors, non-toxic glue, and supervise use of small embellishments or craft knives. Keep work surfaces covered, store sharp tools out of reach, and choose glitter-free alternatives if concerned about mess or ingestion.

Ready to create?