8 Easy Paper Craft Ideas for Beginners -Crafter's Companion US

Paper craft is a unique and versatile hobby that encompasses a wide range of different techniques and styles, all revolving around using paper or card to create something.

There are many different types of paper crafts and we’ll be going over some of the basics such as stamping, decoupage, card making, scrapbooking, and much more! They’re fun, easy to pick up, affordable, and only require a few essentials to get started. So, without further ado, read on to discover our favourite easy paper craft ideas.

1. Stamping

Stamping is a great, easy paper craft technique for adults that offers instant rewards! The results are fast and effective and have a whole range of applications ranging from cards and gift tags to scrapbooking and wedding stationery. The range of clear acrylic stamp sentiments, designs and patterns is pretty much endless. And to top it all off, ink pads are available in every colour you can imagine including metallic shades and even water-reactive ink! You’ll need some quality stamping card to ensure a crisp image and stop the ink from bleeding, everything can be found right here at Crafter’s Companion. Read our Beginner’s Guide to Stamping blog to help you get started on your stamping journey.

2. Decoupage

Stemming from the French word ‘decour’ meaning ‘to cut out’, decoupage is the art of layering up multiple versions of an identical image to create a 3D picture. It makes for beautiful handmade card centrepieces and gift tag toppers and you can easily find ready-made kits to help you get started.
There are so many different designs and themes to choose from with ready-made kits and decoupage pads that don’t require you to cut anything. Create gorgeous Christmas cards, say it with flowers using floral designs, or make any cat and dog lover in your life smile – the possibilities are endless! Simply pop out the designs and layer them up using foam pads to create a beautiful three-dimensional effect.

3. Cardmaking

Everyone knows that making something by hand means more. Cardmaking is exactly what it sounds like – making greeting cards yourself. You can make cards for any occasion imaginable and they can be as quick and simple or complicated and decorative as you like. Whether it’s for a birthday, anniversary, thank you, or even just because, creating your own cards is a rewarding and exciting creative outlet.

Start with blank cards for the perfect canvas to build your design on or pick up a fun card making kit that contains everything you need to create a lovely card ready to go.
For everything you need to say exactly what you want, check out our cardmaking section which includes embellishments and card toppers and don’t forget to check out our beginner’s guide to card making for tips and inspiration.

4. Scrapbooking

If you’re the kind of person to keep receipts, tickets from shows and gigs, and postcardsyou collect during your travels, scrapbooking may be a great hobby for you. The whole idea is to arrange, preserve, and display your memories on the pages of the book to remember them for years to come. Scrapbooks can even be turned into the perfect gift or passed down through generations and serve as a museum of memories for your family.

Some top tips for scrapbooking:

Use acid-free glue and paper to help your photographs last longer.
Personalise each page with stamped phrases, decorative elements, frames, borders and die-cut toppers to match your theme.
Cut out patterned paper to create a background, border, frame or in any shape you like.
Use multimedia embellishments such as wax seals, twine, and metal charms to make your scrapbook feel and look a little extra special.

5. Seasonal Crafts

Crafting for the holidays is one of the best excuses to get into a new hobby. There’s a multitude of ways to enjoy seasonal crafting including making your own cards, creating personalised gift wrap and gift tags, and making showstopping table decorations.

Some of our favourite seasonal craft ideas include:

Pick up a huge range of seasonal craft supplies from Crafter’s Companion including Kraft card (perfect for adding a rustic style), Christmas card making kits, Christmas tag making kits, and Easter card kits. With our range of patterned paper and Christmas stamps, you can make customised gift wrap, gift tags, and much more in no time.

6. Party Decorations

As well as making the gift wrap and cards for your celebration, you can also create all kinds of party decorations using paper craft techniques. Create bunting from patterned paper or coloured card cut into triangles and strung together. Make personalised place settings for weddings or special events or create your very own wedding stationery using a range of stamps, pens, and other embellishments. Throwing a party? Make and send your own invitations and set the table using place settings that all keep to a theme!

7. Lettering

Don’t be discouraged to try lettering if you’re self-conscious about your handwriting – it’s not just about the words. Have fun doodling, journaling, adding decorations to cards and other crafts, and much more with our range of Spectrum Noir markers.
Spectrum Noir markers are really unique and innovative, offering you a wide range of effects and writing styles depending on your preferences. Experiment with new effects with Outline Markers and Flip Markers or add something a bit special with the Sparkle Brush and Glitter Markers, plus plenty of others! Visit our blog where you can find a whole host of information and inspiration as well as instructions on how to use Spectrum Noir markers.

8. Die-cutting

At first glance, die cutting can seem daunting but, in actual fact, it is very easy to pick up and get started with straight away. A step-up from using scissors or craft knives, a die cutting machine creates intricate and elaborate cut-out designs in no time at all. And getting into this craft opens the door to new techniques such as embossing, box-making, 3D flower making and so much more.

There are plenty of options to look into if you’re just starting out and don’t want to commit to a big machine straight away. The Gemini Mini is a portable, manual die cutting machine that is easy to use and comes with everything you need to get started straight out of the box. The perfect way to get started on your die-cutting journey!

Find all the Gemini Mini dies, an introduction to die cutting, and everything else you need to get started from Crafter’s Companion.

We hope this guide has helped you find a new hobby to try out. We have a whole range of different supplies depending on the craft you want to try so make sure you browse all of our papercraft range to stock up. And once you start crafting, share your project photos with us on Facebook UK, Facebook USA, Twitter, Instagram UK, Instagram US, Pinterest UK or Pinterest US using the hashtag #crafterscompanion