When it comes to crafting with kids, there’s one magical material that always comes through: paper. Whether it’s construction paper, computer paper, or yesterday’s newspaper, your art supply drawer isn’t complete without this particular DIY ingredient. That’s why we’ve gathered up 32 crafts that spotlight paper in a big way, from paper painting to garlands and festive hats.

Finger Puppets from Wee Gallery

How cute are these finger puppets from Wee Gallery? Not only are the designs adorable, but the hardest part will be cutting them all out after the kids color to their heart’s content. Which means this is an easy one! 

Paper Pig Painting

Set out enough materials so each kid can paint their own pig! It’s very easy, and you probably already have everything you need. We love the easy tutorial from Oh Creative Day.

Paper Rainbow

A 3D rainbow is a perfect and easy St. Patrick’s craft. Creative mama Arena of The Nerd’s Wife provides a tutorial even a preschooler can master. Got a kid who likes to mix it up? Tell them to arrange the strips of paper in their own rainbow form.

Under the Sea

If your kids are fans of The Little Mermaid, they’ll have a blast making this adorable origami from Pink Stripey Socks. Pop the movie on in the background while you make them, and you’ve got a great afternoon in store. Click here to get the step-by-step instructions.

Beautiful Bouquet

Make a colorful bouquet that’ll never wilt, all with a few simple supplies: eye droppers, food coloring, paper napkins and plate and pipe cleaners. We especially love the look when neon colors are used.

Fork Tulips

Who says your crafty kid needs a brush to paint? This paper art activity celebrates spring with a paint print and a fringe of green, green, green grass. Learn how to make these oh-so-cute tulips with Growing Up Gabel’s easy to follow how-to.

Mosaic Paper Shamrocks

Let your kids get their craft on with these fun mosaic paper shamrocks from Happiness is Homemade. Simple paper shamrocks are covered in multi-colored squares for a handmade and unique craft that’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day.

Paper Plate Dragons

Take to the skies when you engineer flying dragons. To complete this simple project, you need paper plates, paints or markers and a downloadable template designed. Print, cut, color, play! Like dragons? Check out these other dragon crafts you can make. 

Origami Transformers

We’re obsessed with these transforming ninja stars from What Do We Do All Day?, and chances are your kids will feel the same way. You’ll first make eight parallelograms into a wheel, then push and pull on the sides to turn it into a star. Click here to get all the details, plus video instructions. Like origami? We’ve got more perfect origami for kids right here. 

Book Monsters

If you’ve got a budding bookworm in your family, you’ve got to make this adorable project from Easy Peasy and Fun. There’s lots of room for creativity with these since you can add eyes, teeth, horns … the sky’s the limit. To get the instructions, click here.

Fireplace Paper Bag

This warm fireplace from Crafts by Amanda is a homey addition to a dollhouse or a kid’s room to make them feel like real grownups (without the fire hazard, of course!). It will be fun for the little ones to search out sticks in the woods or at your local park for their very own mini fireplace! Thanks to Crafts by Amanda for this awesome idea!

Holiday Card Bookmarks

Upcycle this year’s holiday cards, turning them into this year’s crafty presents! Follow the directions from Hands On As We Grow and learn how to make these artfully amazing bookmarks. Keep a few of your kiddo’s creations for yourself or give them out as holiday gifts. 

Picasso-Style Pumpkins

Get creative and mix things up with this Picasso-inspired collage. Your kiddo can create the perfect plump pumpkin, and then cut it into puzzle-type pieces. Place the rearranged jack o’ lantern on a larger piece of paper, creating a cool collage that looks entirely artsy. Get more artsy, spooky paper ideas for Halloween here. 

Go Batty

These crafty cardboard and paper bats from Buggy and Buddy are 3D cuties that can hang almost anywhere. Decorate a party table centerpiece with these winged creatures or turn this Halloween craft into a an imaginative accent to your fall foliage or floral arrangement. 

Modular Bracelets

File this under “coolest idea ever”: origami you can wear! These modular bracelets from Paper Kawaii are so much fun to make and can be made in any color combination or size your little ones desire. Click here to see the video tutorial. And if you like origami, check out these awesome origami projects for kids.  

Stamped Sheep

Make sweet sheep with paint, paper and a few of your child’s other favorite art materials. This spring-time craft is perfect for preschoolers. And bonus, it’s easy to adapt to your toddler or grade schooler. Get the details on how to get artsy with DIY stamping from Buggy and Buddy.