Newspaper crafts for kids are an interesting way to entertain and develop their motor skills. These are one of the most easily available craft items as every home has a stack of newspapers that can be recycled into something beautiful. Moreover, newspapers are easy to work with, giving your child the liberty to experiment and unleash their creativity. So, do not wait and offer your children the newspapers lying around and encourage them to spread their wings in the unlimited world of imagination and possibilities.
Key Pointers
- Crafting a sailor’s hat, trees, and flowers from newspapers can encourage your child’s creativity while recycling potential waste.
- With a little glue, paints, markers, tapes, and googly eyes, crafting with newspapers can be fun.
- Be it a wise owl or a cute koala, scroll down to explore the several craft ideas.
25+ Newspaper Crafts For Kids
If you’re looking for things to do when kids are bored, we have created a list of newspaper crafts for kids. All of these crafts are easy and creative and will keep your children occupied for hours.
1. Newspaper ghosts
Image: IStock
It is an easy newspaper craft for kids that your children will enjoy. You can use this idea on days when your children cannot go out and turn their boredom into endless hours of fun. This can also be used to create paper masks for Halloween.
What you need:
- Newspapers
- Pencil
- Marker
- Scissors
How to make
:
- Draw ghost-like figures on a newspaper.
- Cut the shapes out.
- Draw the eyes and the mouth on these cutouts using the marker.
- Stick them on any surface or tie a string and hang them from the ceiling.
- You may also paint each piece of newspaper for added fun.
2. Newspaper tree
Image: Shutterstock
This newspaper craft for kids is not only easy but also very beautiful. You can leave the tree as is or unleash your creative side and paint it. It makes for a suitable activity for the Christmas holidays.
What you need:
- Newspaper
- Rubber bands
- Scissors
How to make
:
- Roll a newspaper and tie a rubber band around it. Use one rubber band at the center and one at the bottom.
- Make four cuts around the newspaper roll from the top towards the central rubber band.
- Gently tug the center of the roll and pull out the inner layers.
- Paint it in the colors of your choice.
3. Newspaper bouquet
Image: Shutterstock
Out of flowers to put in your vase? Make this lovely newspaper bouquet and display your creativity. This craft is for older children.
What you need:
- Newspapers
- Scissors
- Glue
- Pencil
How to make
:
- Cut a section of the newspaper in a circle of two to four inches in diameter.
- Fold the circle at the center to form a semicircle.
- Draw a spiral or zig-zag pattern along the edge of the semicircle. These patterns will form the petals.
- Cut along the spiral pattern so that the newspaper circle has petals along its circumference.
- Open the newspaper circle and cut it at the center.
- Apply glue along the edge of each semicircle, fold, and stick the edge to form a mini-flower.
- Then, stick multiple mini-flowers to form flowers of varying patterns.
- Roll a piece of newspaper and paste it at the bottom of each paper flower to form the stalk.
- Stick the stalks of multiple flowers together to create a bouquet.
4. Recycled newspaper flowers
Image: IStock
This newspaper craft for kids is a perfect way to spend an afternoon indoors. It is similar to a newspaper bouquet but with simpler steps that will appeal to toddlers and preschoolers.
What you need:
- Newspapers
- Pencil
- Watercolors
- Paintbrush
- Glue
- Ruler
How to make
:
- Trace out the shapes of flowers on a newspaper. You may pick flowers of many shapes and sizes.
- Draw a thin and long rectangle at the base of the flower to create the stalk.
- Use a ruler to gently tear the flower along its outline.
- Paint the flower and stalk with any color of your choice to complete it.
Point to consider5. Newspaper sailor hat
Image: Shutterstock
Newspaper sailor hats are a hit among children as they can decorate them as they wish and wear them, too. Sailor hats are also easy to make, and you can make them in any size.
What you need:
- Newspaper
- Adhesive tape
- Watercolors
- Paintbrush
How to make
:
- Fold the newspaper in half.
- Keep the open side facing you.
- Pull the top corners of the paper towards the center and make sharp folds. You will now have a triangle with a strip below it.
- Fold one of the bottom flaps upwards and tuck it into the triangle.
- Flip to the other side and fold the other flap upwards.
- Use adhesive tape to secure the flaps and other loose ends.
- Paint the paper hat in your favorite colors.
6. Newspaper coat
Image: Shutterstock
You and your children can make this lovely coat from a newspaper for themselves or their dolls. It is super simple to make, and your children will be pleased with the result.
What you need:
- Newspapers
- Scissors
- Adhesive tape
- Watercolors
- Paintbrush
How to make
:
- Take a double sheet of newspaper and fold it in half crosswise, that is, from edge to edge.
- Cut a semicircle on the top edge of the fold. This hole is for the neck.
- Secure any loose edges of the hole with tape.
- Then, cut a small section on either side of the neck hole; towards the ends of the folded newspaper. These will form the arm holes.
- Adjust the cut based on requirements. Secure the loose ends with tape.
- Color in different colors of your choice.
- Let it dry and wear it as a jacket.
7. Newspaper lion
Image: IStock
Making paper animal crafts for kids can be a super fun idea. This friendly lion is an awesome newspaper craft for kids. Children will love all the paper folding, cutting, sticking, and coloring, and it will also help develop their fine and gross motor skills.
What you need:
- Newspapers
- Watercolors
- Paintbrush
- Googly eyes
- Card paper
- Scissors
- Bowl
- Markers
- Pencil
How to make
:
- Take a bunch of newspapers and color them in yellow and orange colors. Let them dry completely.
- Use a bowl to trace out a circle and cut it out for the lion’s face.
- Glue this circle on the card paper.
- Next, cut two oval shapes for the eyes and glue them to the card paper.
- Stick googly eyes on the ovals.
- Draw a big nose and a smile with the marker on the card paper.
- Cut the painted newspapers into strips and stick them around the lion’s face to create the mane.
- Stick painted strips along the nose to create the whiskers.
8. Colorful newspaper owl
Image: Shutterstock
These rainbow-colored owls are awesome to look at and easy to make as well. You can transform an ordinary piece of newspaper into a beautiful colored owl with a few simple steps.
What you need:
- Newspaper
- Watercolors
- Paintbrush
- Construction paper
- Markers
- Googly eyes
- Scissors
- Glue
How to make
:
- Paint a section of a newspaper that is big enough for the body of the owl. Let the children choose the colors of their choice.
- Let the newspaper dry completely.
- Cut out the shape of an owl from the painted newspaper.
- You will also need two half-oval shapes for the wings and two smaller ovals for the eyes. You can use painted or unpainted newspaper for these.
- Cut out a triangle for the beak from the construction paper.
- Glue the ovals for the eyes, the half-ovals for the wings, googly eyes, and the triangular beak.
- Draw fun designs on the body with markers.
9. Newspaper penguins
Image: Shutterstock
Black and white is the color of newspapers and penguins. With so much in common, it is natural to make pretty penguins out of newspaper. There are different textures in this craft that provide an excellent sensory experience for children.
What you need:
- Blue, white, and orange cardstock
- Newspaper
- Black watercolor
- Sponge dabber brush
- Googly eyes
- Scissors
- Glue
- Snowflake stickers (optional)
How to make
:
- Use black color and a sponge dabbing brush to paint the newspaper. Let it dry.
- Draw different shapes, such as semicircles, ovals, triangles, and circles in different sizes. They are for various body parts.
- Stick the painted newspaper on the blue cardstock.
- Glue the various body parts.
- Stick an unpainted newspaper semicircle to form the abdomen.
- Glue the eyes and the beak.
- Add the snowflake stickers on the blue cardstock to form the background.
10. Cute newspaper koala
Image: IStock
Koalas are super cute; they are huggable, cuddly, and kids love them. Make these koala crafts from newspapers for kids and have lots of fun.
What you need:
- Colored cardstock papers
- Newspaper
- Black cardstock or construction paper
- Googly eyes
- Markers
- Pencil
- Glue
How to make
:
- Trace one big circle for the face, two small circles for the ears, and one semicircle for the body on the newspaper and cut it out.
- Glue different parts of the koala on card paper of different colors.
- Cut an oval from the black paper for the nose and glue it.
- Stick on the googly eyes. Draw a smile, and your koala is ready.
11. Newspaper sword
Image: IStock
Children love acting out scenes from movies. If you are concerned they will hurt themselves with plastic swords, you can let them play with this newspaper sword. Your children can become anything from a pirate to an ancient soldier with this newspaper craft for kids.
What you need:
- Newspapers
- Adhesive tape
- Cardboard
How to make
:
- Lay two newspaper sheets on top of each other.
- Fold the newspaper edge to edge so that it forms a triangle with its tip at the top-right corner.
- Start rolling the paper tightly from the folded part to make a sturdy sword.
- Tape down the loose corner.
- Take a small section of a newspaper and fold it into a rectangle.
- Stick the rectangular piece horizontally, about ten centimeters from the bottom of the sword. This piece forms the cross-guard.
- Role a piece of cardboard and create a shape of a handle.
- Apply glue inside the cardboard handle and slide the lower section of the newspaper sword up to the cross-guard. Let it dry.
- You can paint the sword in any color of your choice. You may also wrap the sword in cardstock papers to make it attractive.
12. Newspaper picture frame
Image: Shutterstock
This is a very easy newspaper craft for kids that even young children can try. You can also gift this awesome handmade photo frame to others.
What you need:
- Newspaper
- Cereal box
- Scissors
- Adhesive tape
How to make
:
- Cut out a frame from the cereal box.
- Cut another similar shape to go at the back.
- Glue the two pieces together, leaving one side open to slide in the picture.
- Use the newspaper to decorate the frame. You can tear or cut the newspaper and stick it on the frame. You can even make shapes and stick them on.
- Slide a good picture into the frame.
13. Newspaper birds
Image: Shutterstock
Make a cozy nesting place at your home with these newspaper birds. They are very easy to make and add a lot of style to your rooms.
What you need:
- Beige or brown cardstock
- Newspaper
- Watercolors
- Paintbrush
- Pencil
- Markers
- Glue
How to make
:
- Cut the card paper into rectangles.
- Draw a few birds as if they are sitting on branches. Draw with a pencil first and outline them with a marker.
- Trace the same birds on a newspaper and cut them out.
- Paint them and let them dry fully.
- Stick them within the outline traced on the card paper.
- Draw the eyes and the beaks of the birds with a black marker.
- To make the craft look more realistic, you can also make leaves and stick them using the same process.
14. Earth globes
Image: Shutterstock
If your child is a fan of space or is fascinated by the world, you can make Earth globes with newspapers. It can help teach children about our planet and the universe.
What you need:
- Small balloon
- Several inch wide newspaper strips
- White craft glue
- Paper cup
- Pencil
- Watercolors
- Paintbrush
- Water
How to make
:
- Papier mâché paste
- Make the paste by mixing two parts of white craft glue with one part of water. Blend well.
- Earth globes
- Inflate the balloon, tie its mouth, and place it inverted on a cup.
- Soak the strips of newspaper in the papier-mâché paste for a few minutes.
- Remove each strip and let the excess paste drip away.
- Stick each strip on the balloon and smooth out the wrinkles.
- Keep layering the strips until the entire balloon is covered.
- Let the paper dry overnight.
- You can repeat the process the next day and let it dry overnight again. Add multiple layers of paper to make the globe sturdier.
- Color the dried globe with blue and green colors. Let it dry.
- Pop the balloon with the tip of a pencil.
- Gently remove the balloon, and the paper globe is ready.
15. Newspaper beads
Image: IStock
You can convert your regular newspaper into beautiful paper beads. You can also string them into necklaces or bracelets and present them as gifts.
What you need:
- Newspapers
- Large pot
- Water
- Clear glue
- Sandpaper
- Wooden skewer
- Acrylic colors
- Paintbrush
- Varnish
How to make
:
- Tear the newspaper into small pieces.
- Put the pieces in a large pot and pour boiling water over them. The water should be enough to cover all the newspapers.
- Let it sit for an hour.
- Stir the paper and remove, draining out as much water as you can.
- Add glue to the paper. The amount of glue you add should help the paper to hold a ball shape.
- Roll the paper into round balls of any size you like. Make sure you squeeze out as much water as you can when you roll them.
- Let them dry completely. This might take a few days. Roll them every few hours so that they hold shape and have a smooth finish.
- Once they are dry, use sandpaper to sand down the rough edges.
- Insert a skewer through each bead through and through so that you can string them together.
- Paint them and apply varnish.
16. Newspaper autumn leaves
Image: IStock
Autumn is always beautiful. The green leaves turn into various shades of orange, red, brown, and gold and everything looks magical. You can recreate the magic of autumn with newspapers in your home.
What you need:
- Newspapers
- Freshly fallen leaves
- Orange, red, brown, and golden or yellow crayons
- Scissors
- Ribbon
How to make:
- Put the leaves on a flat surface and place a newspaper over it.
- Slowly trace the leaf’s shape and its veins on the newspaper by coloring lightly on the newspaper with crayons.
- You can use different colors for the edges and the veins.
- Cut out the newspaper leaf once the coloring is done.
- Use a ribbon to string the leaves together. You can hang them over windows to make beautiful light filters.
17. Newspaper heart streamer
Image: Shutterstock
If your child needs to get something to school this Valentine’s Day, newspaper heart streamers are the best. This newspaper craft for kids is easy and beautiful.
What you need:
- Newspaper
- Heart stencil (optional)
- Scissors
How to make
:
- Take a sheet of newspaper and create accordion folds six to eight times.
- If you have a heart stencil, trace the shape of the heart on the topmost paper fold. Otherwise, draw freehand.
- The heart shape on the folded side of the paper should be incomplete. It will act as the connector for the hearts.
- Cut the shape out of all the folds.
- Unfold the paper. Your heart streamer is ready. You may paint it red or pink.
18. Glittery newspaper tree
Image: IStock
This is another tree idea for the holiday season. The edges of this tree are gilded with glitter making it the perfect recycled art for Christmas.
What you need:
- Thick cardboard sheet
- Receipt spike
- Newspaper
- Glue
- Glitter
- Paper cutter
- Aerosol glue
- Cardstock
How to make
:
- Cut a 4×4 or 6×6 square from the cardboard.
- Apply glue and glitter to the cardboard pieces. Let them dry.
- Insert the receipt spike into the cardboard.
- You can use two to three more cardboard pieces in decreasing sizes for more stability.
- Cut the newspaper into 6×6 inch, 5 ½ x 5 ½ inch, 5×5 inch, 4 ½ x 4 ½ inch, 4×4 inch, 3 ½ x 3 ½ inch, 3×3 inch, 2 ½ x 2 ½ inch, 2×2 inch, 1 ½ x 1 ½ inch, and 1×1 inch squares. There should be at least 40-50 squares in all.
- Find the center of each square by folding each piece in half and half again. Unfold, and you can spot the midpoint easily.
- Insert the papers on the receipt spike in descending order so that the biggest squares are at the bottom and the smallest squares are at the top.
- Once done, spray adhesive on the outer edges of the tree and sprinkle glitter immediately.
- Cut out a couple of stars from the cardstock and glue it on the top of the tree.
19. Large newspaper flowers
Image: IStock
This simple and easy paper flower crafts for kids is one that they will love to create. It can be created easily by children of all ages.
What you need:
- Newspapers
- Craft glue
- Watercolors
- Paintbrush
- White acrylic paint
- Scissors
- Pencil
- Ruler
- Large buttons
How to make
:
- Draw two rectangles of equal size on a newspaper. The size of the rectangles will decide the size of the flower. Cut them out.
- Glue them together and let them dry.
- Lightly cover both sides of the newspaper with white acrylic paint. Let the paint dry.
- Draw parallel lines on the rectangle with a ruler and pencil. Maintain a gap of four millimeters between each line.
- Cut along the parallel lines to create multiple newspaper strips.
- Take a button, apply glue on one side, and stick multiple newspaper strips such that the button forms the central disc of the flower.
- Paint each strip of newspaper with a color of your choice.
20. Newspaper lampshade
Image: IStock
If you have an old unused lamp in your home, you can get your children to make a beautiful lampshade for it out of a newspaper. It will be a fun project, and all of you can have fun making various designer lampshades.
What you need:
- Newspaper
- Water
- White craft glue
- Watercolors
- Paintbrush
- Old paper lampshade
- Water
How to make
:
- Tear the newspaper into small pieces.
- Mix glue and water in equal parts.
- Take the old lampshade (or any large cone-shaped item) and use the glue mixture to stick the pieces of newspaper on it.
- Cover the lampshade completely with the newspaper pieces. Let it dry completely.
- Apply another layer of newspaper over it to make it sturdy.
- You can paint it with the colors of your choice or leave it as it is for a rustic look.
Quick Tip21. Newspaper wigs
Image: IStock
Does your child want longer hair or different colored hair? These newspaper wigs are the perfect accessory for them. You can color them in the colors of your choice and use them for pretend plays.
What you need:
- Plastic grocery bag
- Newspapers
- Scissors
- Medium-sized plastic ball
- Double-sided tape
- Masking tape
- Rolling pin
- Acrylic paints
- Paintbrush
How to make
:
- Cut the grocery bag to make single plastic sheets.
- Place a plastic sheet on the ball.
- Apply strips of masking tape to the plastic while wrapping it around the ball to create a skull cap-like shape.
- Keep adding the tape until you get the shape of the cap, which forms the base of the wig.
- Cut half an inch long strips of newspapers for hair. Paint each strip with the desired color. Let them dry.
- Use a rolling pin to create curls.
- Stick each strand of newspaper to the plastic cap while it is on the plastic ball.
- Once the glue dries, remove the wig from the ball, and it is ready to wear.
22. Newspaper roses
Image: IStock
Newspaper roses are the new in-thing. Children love giving them to their teachers and friends. They are so easy to make and so beautiful that you will end up making more than one at a time.
What you need:
- Square pieces of paper
- Scissors
- Pencil
- Glue
- Straw or twig
- Watercolors
- Paintbrush
How to make
:
- Draw a circle on a newspaper and cut it out. The size of the circle will decide the size of the flower.
- Draw a spiral on it. The more random it is, the better your rose will look.
- Starting at the outer edge, cut the spiral till the center. You will now have one long strip of paper.
- Start folding the paper from the outer edge as tightly as you can.
- Paste the last bit to the bottom of your roll. Adjust the tightness of the roll before sticking the base.
- Let the rose sit for a while. It will unroll a bit. You can lightly apply pressure to the petals to create curls.
- Stick the rose to a straw or twig. Your rose is ready. You can paint it in the colors of your choice or add glitter for a better effect.
23. Newspaper silhouettes
Image: IStock
Halloween silhouettes are a total hit. You can make silhouettes from newspapers in any shape and have a lot of fun.
What you need:
- Cardboard
- Black paint and paintbrush
- Clear glue
- Glitter
- Glue
- Scissors
How to make
:
- Cut the cardboard into 6×6 inch or 8×8 inch squares.
- Paint it in black completely.
- Get silhouettes from the Internet and print them out.
- Trace the silhouettes on the newspaper and cut it out.
- Paste the newspaper with the tree silhouette on each cardboard piece. The black cardboard will be visible through the silhouette.
- Apply glue to the black cardboard and apply glitter immediately.
- Leave it to dry to complete the activity.
24. Newspaper building blocks
Image: IStock
If your children are bored with their regular toys, they can make newspaper building blocks. You can roll them up in coils and use them to decorate your walls, wardrobe, or refrigerator.
What you need:
- Newspaper
- Adhesive tape
- Craft strings or yarn
How to make
:
- Lay two sheets of newspaper on a flat surface and start rolling them from one corner. Roll them as tight as you can.
- Tape the end securely.
- Make as many rolls as you want.
- Make triangles or squares from these rolls. Use tape or tie them using a string.
- Make any structure you want using these rolls. Your child’s imagination is the limit.
25. Newspaper Origami envelopes
Image: Shutterstock
Everyone always needs envelopes. Now you can make customized envelopes right at home from newspapers.
What you need:
- Newspaper
- Scissors
- Watercolors
- Paintbrush
- Colored markers
- Ruler
- Pencil
How to make
:
- Trace a square of the desired size on the newspaper with a ruler and pencil. Cut it out.
- Fold the square into half to create a central line.
- Fold the bottom by one centimeter.
- Fold again to meet the central line.
- Turn in the corners of the folded section to form small triangles.
- Fold the sides of the entire newspaper along the right angle side or seam of each small triangle.
- For the flap of the envelope, fold each of the top corners halfway to form a triangle with a pointed edge on top.
- Fold the triangle with the pointed edge downwards, and you will have the shape of an envelope.
- Decorate with paints and markers as desired. You may also glue all the folds at each step to make it sturdier.
- Newspapers make for eco-friendly raw materials to create new crafts. Children love drawing, painting and cutting paper, so newspapers allow them to experiment as much as they want. You may tweak each activity as per your convenience or desire and also create new crafts activities of your own. You can also try making paper boats, paper airplanes, greeting cards, etc.
26. Newspaper kites
Creating newspaper kites is a simple and enjoyable endeavor with the provided instructions and commonly found items.
What you need:
- A sheet of newspaper
- Two bamboo sticks
- Kite string
- Strips of cloth
- Glue
- Tape
How to make:
- Cut the bamboo sticks according to the newspaper’s length.
- Ensure one stick is rigid while the other is flexible enough to bend.
- Tie the sticks together to form a cross shape.
- Secure the ends of the bamboo sticks with a string to hold them in place.
- Lay the newspaper sheet and position it over the frame, folding the edges over the thread and sticks.
- Attach a string to the kite’s cross.
- Your kite is now ready for takeoff.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What age group is most suitable for making newspaper crafts?
Children between the ages of 6 and 12 years are typically the most suitable for making newspaper crafts as they have the fine motor skills to handle scissors and glue. They can also follow instructions with some guidance.
2. Can I use colored newspapers for crafts?
Yes, you can use colored newspapers for crafts. Colored newspapers can add a unique and exciting element to your crafting projects.
3. Can I use glossy newspapers for crafts?
Yes, glossy newspapers have a shiny and smooth surface, adding an interesting texture to your crafts. However, remember that the ink used on glossy newspapers may smudge or bleed when it comes to contact with water or other liquids, so it’s essential to handle them carefully.
4. What are the benefits of crafting with newspapers?
Crafting with newspapers teaches kids how to be creative with budget-friendly materials, recycle, and be sustainable. These fun activities also help improve their fine motor skills, problem-solving skills, resourcefulness, and patience.
5. What are some tips for parents to help kids with newspaper crafts?
Supervise your children when they work with glue, staplers, and scissors. You can also encourage them to share ideas, prompts, and suggestions to improve their crafts and help them personalize the crafts with colors and accessories.
Newspaper crafts for kids are an interesting way to teach them the importance of recycling and keep them engaged with something creative. These crafts require basic minimum supplies readily available at home and can be exhibited in your child’s room or in the living room to boost their self-esteem. Remember, it’s important to keep an eye on your child when they are performing these activities and crafts to make sure they don’t hurt themselves with any sharp objects.
Infographic: Unique Crafts For Children To Make Using Newspapers
Having a pile-up of newspapers at home is quite common, but you can creatively reuse them by turning them into crafts. Given in the infographic below are some simple newspaper crafts for children. These newspaper crafts will entertain your children while promoting their creative and artistic skills.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Illustration: Fun DIY Newspaper Crafts For Kids With Pictures
Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team
Children love to create crafts with paper as it is easy to manipulate paper and create new shapes. Learn how to make a paper basket with this easy DIY tutorial! Create a unique and stylish basket in no time!
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