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Construction paper fun

2 / 3

Construction paper fun

3 / 3

Construction paper fun

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Though Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching, the season of pink and red hasn’t arrived quite yet. To keep the hearts and glitter at bay, celebrate the rest of January with some simple construction paper-based crafts for kids.

The possibilities are endless and the projects can be as simple or complicated as you choose when it comes to construction paper crafting. From basic cut and paste crafts to elaborate dimensional designs, paper, scissors and glue or tape make up a simple supply list perfect for crafting with kids of all ages.

Check out the ideas here or branch out and come up with some of your own.

Paper snowflakes

A fun and easy place to get started with construction paper is snowflake-making. The thickness of the paper helps to make the finished product a little more solid against tears, and also allows for snowflakes to be made in more exciting colors.

What you’ll need:

• Construction paper in a color of your choice
• Scissors (or safety scissors)
• String and tape (optional for hanging)

1. To make a basic paper snowflake, first cut your paper into a square shape. This can be simply done by taking the bottom right corner of your paper and folding it up so the bottom paper edge aligns with the left paper edge, turning the left corner of your paper into a sharp point. Cut along the top to remove excess paper, leaving only the triangle folded shape.
2. Next, turn your paper so the folded edge is at the bottom, and bring the bottom points together to create another triangle. With the longest side of the triangle toward you, repeat the process one more time, bringing the points together in a fold.
3. You can begin cutting there, or bring the folded edge over to meet with the longest side in one final fold.
4. Once you’re ready to begin cutting, get creative! Cut out small triangles or half-circles to make fun patterns. Be careful not to cut entirely through your snowflake, or cut off entire sides. To make sure your snowflake turns out well, leave areas of paper connecting both sides.
5. When you have finished cutting, carefully unfold your snowflake, tape on a piece of string, and hang, then start the process again!

Paper chains

Paper chains are among the simplest paper crafts to complete, and can be used as a decoration, a way to countdown, or a way to complete chores and activities.

What you’ll need:

• Several colors of construction paper
• Scissors
• A pen (optional)
• Tape or glue

1. To begin making a paper chain, cut your construction paper width-wise into 1″ to 2″ strips. This should be done along the longer edge of your paper to make shorter strips. Cut as many strips as desired for a longer or shorter chain.
2. Once you are finished cutting, use your creativity. You can place numbers on the strips and use the chain (taking off one link each day) as a countdown to a certain day, such as Valentiens, or place chores or activities on each link to make a fun way to get things done. You can also simply use your chain for decoration, and not write anything on it.
3. Next, use tape or glue to fasten the two ends of your first strip together. Once they are well in place, take your second strip and repeat, linking each strip through the one before.
4. Once you’ve used all your pieces of paper, you can hang the chain from a wall or window as a decoration or countdown.

Pinterest ideas

If you’re looking for even more ways to use construction paper for crafting with kids, check out a few of these fun, winter-themed Pinterest picks. As before, all you’ll need is paper, scissors, a pen or marker, tape and glue.

Igloo: If you’re working to teach your child the alphabet, this Pinterest idea is a fun way to go for the letter “I.” Cut white paper into small squares and help your child to shape them into the ice blocks of an igloo. At the top you can write “‘I’ is for igloo.” Check it out here.

Eskimo: Since you’re already making an igloo, why not go for the letter “E” for Eskimo as well? Use brown, black, white and orange, yellow or light brown paper to make this adorable Eskimo craft. You can link to it on Pinterest here.

Tree landscape: You can capture the snowy (or not so snowy) winter landscape with this fun picture of trees and snow. All you need is brown, green and white construction paper, scissors and a little glue. You can cut white paper into tiny pieces and sprinkle onto a glued area to make fun snowflakes as shown here.

Mittens: These cute little mittens are simple to cut out and put together, and allow for a little more creative license for both you and your children. Draw a basic mitten shape on a piece of paper, cut it out, and have fun! Make small strips of colors, circles or squiggles, glue them on, and trim them to fit. See it on Pinterest here.

Mitten wreath: Wreaths aren’t just limited to the Christmas season. Bundle up your door or wall with this cute mitten wreath. The best part? You can make it from the mittens you put together in the last project. Check it out on Pinterest at this link to get more ideas.

Penguin: Penguins are an adorable way to celebrate the winter, and this fun craft idea is both simple and cute. All you need is black, white and orange construction paper, accent colors of your choice, scissors and glue. Cut shapes out and paste them to make a fun, cold weather friend like the one on Pinterest here.

Snowman refrigerator: This is a winter craft that is fun for the whole family! Whether it’s snowy outside or not, you can enjoy building a snowman that won’t melt away. Just tape construction paper pieces to your refrigerator for a festive and child-friendly craft idea. Check it out on Pinterest here.