Paper Arts and Crafts Lesson Ideas

Papermaking was developed in China centuries ago, as an alternative to writing on silk. At one time, only an artisan could make paper and it was quite expensive. Now, paper is common, inexpensive, and can even be made from recycled materials. Here are several activities to investigate paper making and how paper is used in various crafts.

1. Investigate the beginning of paper, by learning about the history of where it was first used, by whom, and the technique of how it was made. (Note: check Chinese and Egyptian history).

2. Compare how paper was made centuries ago to how it is made today.

3. Make some paper of your own using the activities below:

§ Paper from Nature
§ Paper from Plants
§ Homemade Colored Paper
§ Sized Paper
§ Rag Paper
§ Basic Recycled Paper

4. Paper mache is popular because it is easy to learn and involves easy-to-find materials. Investigate this craft form with the following activity:

§ Paper Mache Pulp

5. Paper cutting is an art form practiced in many cultures. The finished products often resemble lace. Find out about the tools and expertise needed for this craft, and participate in a class or try a kit on your own.

6. Decoupage is a craft in which sections of paper are cut out and glued on to a surface, which is then decorated. Once the design is completed, the entire surface is coated with projective layer of varnish or similar protectant. Create your own design with paper pieces glued onto a smooth, flat surface. Once the design has dried, use a small brush to “paint” a mixture of one part water to two parts glue onto it. You may also want to try:

§ Decoupage Plates

7. Origami is the art of paper folding to create three-dimensional pieces. Refer to a book on the top or work with someone who knows the art and complete at least three different designs. You may find these websites helpful:

§ Origami Theme Page
§ Valerie Vann’s Page
§ Money Origami
§ Origami Index from Yahoo
§ PaperFolding.com

8. Fieldtrip Idea: Visit a paper plant or processing facility. Find out the types of equipment needed to make various products. How has technology improved the development of paper products? [Note: if you cannot take a fieldtrip, research this topic at the library or on the internet.]

9. Archivists as well as artists, craftpersons, and photographers rely on different types of paper for storing and preserving their work. Find out how the following affect the longevity of paper products: acid-free stock, rag content, dyes, and finishes.

10. Simulate old paper with this activity:

§ Aged Paper

11. Use a computer program to design your own stationery, posters, greeting cards, or some other product. Compare the results from color printers to black and white printers.

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