12 Fun and Creative Construction Paper Crafts for Kids

Ah, construction paper—the humble hero of childhood crafts. It’s cheap, colorful, and somehow always finds its way into every crevice of your house. If you’ve ever wondered how to entertain your kids while also unleashing their inner artists (and keeping your sanity intact), look no further. Here’s a collection of fun, easy, and creative construction paper crafts that will keep little hands busy and big imaginations soaring.

1. Paper Chain Creatures

Supplies Needed:

  • Construction paper (various colors)
  • Scissors
  • Glue or tape
  • Googly eyes
  • Markers

Instructions:

  1. Cut construction paper into strips.
  2. Make loops with each strip, securing them with glue or tape.
  3. Attach googly eyes and paper cutouts for wings, tails, or legs.
  4. Turn them into caterpillars, dragons, or even a whole paper zoo!

Bonus: Teach your kids how to make the longest paper chain ever and turn your living room into a jungle.

2. Handprint Animals

Supplies Needed:

  • Construction paper
  • Scissors
  • Glue
  • Markers
  • Paint (optional for paint versions on the above video)

Instructions:

  1. Trace your child’s hand on construction paper and cut it out.
  2. Use the handprint shape to create animals:
    • A turkey with the fingers as the feathers.
    • A fish with the fingers are the fins!
    • An octopus wavy fingers make perfect tentacles!
  3. Add eyes, mouths, and other details with markers.

Your child will be delighted to see their own hands transformed into adorable creatures!

3. 3D Paper Flowers

Supplies Needed:

  • Construction paper (various colors)
  • Scissors
  • Glue
  • Straws or pipe cleaners

Instructions:

  1. Cut out multiple flower shapes from construction paper.
  2. Stack and glue them together, slightly shifting each layer.
  3. Attach a straw or pipe cleaner as the stem.
  4. Arrange them in a vase for a forever-blooming bouquet!

Perfect for Mother’s Day, birthdays, or just because your windowsill needs a little extra charm.

4. Paper Weaving Mats

Supplies Needed:

  • Construction paper (two different colors)
  • Scissors
  • Glue

Instructions:

  1. Fold one sheet of paper in half and cut evenly spaced slits along the fold.
  2. Cut paper strips using a separate piece of paper.
  3. Weave the strips through the slits, alternating over and under.
  4. Flatten and glue the ends for a beautiful woven mat.

Bonus: Turn it into a placemat for snack time! (Just don’t let them try to eat it.)

5. Construction Paper Crowns

Supplies Needed:

  • Construction paper
  • Scissors
  • Glue or tape
  • Stickers, markers, or gems for decoration

Instructions:

  1. Cut a strip of construction paper long enough to fit around your child’s head.
  2. Cut out triangles or wavy edges for a crown shape.
  3. Decorate with stickers, drawings, or fake jewels.
  4. Tape or glue the ends together, and let the royal reign begin!

Prepare for dramatic decrees of “No bedtime ever again!” once your little one becomes king or queen.

6. Stained Glass Window Art

Supplies Needed:

  • Construction paper (black for the outline)
  • Tissue paper (various colors)
  • Glue
  • Scissors

Instructions:

  1. Cut a frame or outline shape from black construction paper.
  2. Cut out smaller designs in the frame (like a butterfly or a sun).
  3. Glue colorful tissue paper behind the cut-out sections.
  4. Tape it to a window and watch the light shine through!

It’s like your own kid-created cathedral windows—minus the centuries of craftsmanship.

7. Paper Plate Animals

Supplies Needed:

  • Construction paper
  • Paper plates
  • Glue
  • Markers

Instructions:

  1. Use a paper plate as the base.
  2. Cut and glue construction paper to create ears, tails, and other features.
  3. Draw or glue on eyes, noses, and mouths.
  4. Have a zoo-worthy lineup in no time!

Great for storytelling: “Once upon a time, a blue elephant met a polka-dotted giraffe…”

8. Construction Paper Kites

Supplies Needed:

  • Construction paper
  • Yarn or ribbon
  • Glue
  • Markers

Instructions:

  1. Cut a diamond shape out of construction paper.
  2. Attach yarn or ribbon to the bottom as the tail.
  3. Decorate with bright colors and patterns.
  4. Hang them up for a breezy indoor “kite-flying” day!

Just remind your kids that these kites are NOT for actual flying, no matter how much they believe in magic.

9. DIY Paper Puppets

Supplies Needed:

  • Construction paper
  • Popsicle sticks
  • Glue
  • Markers

Instructions:

  1. Cut out characters from construction paper (people, animals, monsters—you name it!).
  2. Draw or glue on facial features.
  3. Attach to popsicle sticks.
  4. Put on a puppet show that will rival Broadway!

Be prepared for endless puppet dramas, including the classic “Why We Can’t Have Dessert Before Dinner.”

10. Paper Mosaic Art

Instructions:

  1. Cut construction paper into tiny squares or shapes.
  2. Arrange and glue them onto another sheet to create mosaic designs.

11. DIY Paper Bracelets

Instructions:

  1. Cut long strips of paper.
  2. Decorate and glue the ends together to form bracelets.

12. Paper Monster or animal Masks

Instructions:

  1. Cut out a large face mask shape.
  2. Add monster features like horns, fangs, or extra eyes!

Conclusion

Construction paper crafts are an easy, budget-friendly way to spark creativity in kids. Whether they’re making funny faces, royal crowns, or handprint creatures, the possibilities are endless (and often hilarious). So grab some paper, unleash the glue sticks, and let the crafting chaos begin!

Happy crafting,

Vanessa Rooney – LDS Mum

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