Check out these sweet paper activities for kids

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, from paper painting to garlands and festive hats, we’ve gathered up 33 paper crafts for kids that spotlight this staple supply in a big way.

Negative Space

paper crafts for kids
Mini Monets and Mommies

Kids can get artsy with negative space and fall leaves. If your creative kid wants to keep the leaves they'll remove from her negative space painting, they can always collage them onto another piece of paper or hang them together with yarn to make a garland. Get the full instructions from Mini Monets and Mommies.

 

Cardboard Airplane

paper crafts for kids
Hands On As We Grow

This cardboard airplane is a simple way to get your budding aviators up and flying. Let them decorate it with markers, and then the construction is simple. Head over to Hands On As We Grow for details. 

Finger Puppets from Wee Gallery

paper crafts for kids
Wee Gallery

How cute are these finger puppets from Wee Gallery? The hardest part will be cutting them all out after the kids color to their heart's content. 

Paper Pig Painting

Oh Creative Day

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

paper crafts for kids
Arena Blake via The Nerd's Wife

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

This origami mermaid is simple origami for kids
Pink Stripey Socks

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. 

Fork Tulips

paper crafts for kids
Growing Up Gabel

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 grass. Learn how to make these cute tulips with Growing Up Gabel’s tutorial.

Paper Plate Dragons

pinkstripeysocks.com

Take to the skies when you engineer flying dragons. To complete this simple project, you need paper plates, paints or markers and a template designed by Pink Stripey Socks. Print, cut, color and play! If your kids love dragons, check out these other crafts you can make. 

Origami Transformers

What Do We Do All Day?

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. We've got more perfect origami for kids right here

Book Monsters

simple origami for kids are origami bookmarks
Easy Peasy and Fun

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; you can add eyes, teeth, horns... the sky’s the limit. 

Related: Simple Origami for Kids That You’ll Enjoy Too

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! 

Holiday Card Bookmarks

Hands On As We Grow

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

Mini Monets and Mommies

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

Buggy and Buddy

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 an imaginative accent to your fall foliage or floral arrangement. 

Modular Bracelets

Origami bracelets are simple origami for kids
Paper Kawaii

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. And if you like origami, check out these awesome origami projects for kids.  

Stamped Sheep

Buggy and Buddy

Make sweet sheep with paint, paper and a few of your child’s other favorite art materials. This springtime 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.

Bunny Hat

Alpha Mom

Hop to this hat craft that you can make any time of year (not just Easter!). Directions from our friend Alpha Mom call for scissors, one pink marker, and one paper plate. The site offers other great ideas for paper plate hats like decorative crowns and heart hats so check it out. For more great simple and fun hat crafts click here. 

Dragon D Craft

Allison at notimeforflahshcards.com

Educate your preschoolers with this Dragon D craft. Designed by No Time for Flashcards, it’s as simple as A-B-C-D to make!

Giant Paper Airplane

Fireflies & Mudpies

We love this jumbo-sized paper airplane the crafty mom behind Fireflies & Mudpies made for only $1! Have the kids decorate the wings before heading outside for an afternoon of flight lessons. 

Simple Apple Tree Craft

Creative Jewish Mom

This craft involves a little bit of twist and a little bit of curl. And remember there are many fruits out there that you can jazz the branches up with. Maybe add a bird or a squirrel or two! Check out Creative Jewish Mom for the full low down on how to twist, curl, and create this fun paper bag craft.

For more paper bag crafts click here. 

Related: Everything You Need to Make the Perfect Paper Airplane

Medieval Crown Craft

First Palette

This craft from First Palette is fit for the pint-sized royalty in your life. With construction paper, crepe paper, and as much sequin bling as you can find, you'll have a new addition to the dress-up bin.

For more great paper hat crafts click here. 

Paper Doll Chain Ballerinas

Mer Mag Blog

Paper doll chains are a pretty classic paper craft and we think this one from Mer Mag has a particularly irresistible charm. It's perfect for your aspiring prima ballerina's room decor or next birthday party. 

Animal Masks

Handemade Charlotte

Props to Handmade Charlotte, who came up with this super cute and easy idea for critter-inspired masks. All you need is repurposed paper bags, sharpies, and some imagination to get a house full of wild animals. 

For more easy masks that'll transform your day, click here. 

Bright Cat Garland

paper crafts for kids
A Subtle Revelry

This one goes out to all the itty bitty kitty lovers out there. Thanks to A Subtle Revelry, you can whip up a DIY garland that's totally cat-tastic. The shapes and gluing are pretty simple and you can customize colors and whiskers too. 

For more easy garland ideas, click here.

Crumpled Paper Art

Buggy & Buddy

Are you digging the tie-dye effect of this art from Buggy & Buddy? This activity is all about cheery watercolor and the perfection of imperfection. 

Homemade Harvest Herb Paper

Babble Dabble Do

Okay, so this craft is less crafting-with-paper and more make-your-own-paper. It’s an educational combo of art, science, and design and a great way to teach the littles about where paper comes from. Head here to Babble Dabble Do for step-by-step instructions for all kinds of homemade paper.

Dinosaur Hat

paper crafts for kids
Cutting Tiny Bites

Here’s something to roar about: an ultra-easy dinosaur hat from Cutting Tiny Bites. It's a great craft for when you need a quick prop for pretend play or a special accessory a dinosaur party.

For nine more dinosaur activities for kids, click here

Paper Houses

Babble Dabble Do

Your budding architects will get a kick out of creating their own paper town. After some adult prep (for the x-acto knife steps), this turns into a paper coloring and gluing activity that’s sure to entertain for an afternoon. Snag the free house template at Babble Dabble Do here.

Shark Catcher

Easy Peasy Fun

You know those cootie catchers you couldn’t get enough of when you were a kid? They’ve gotten a shark twist from Easy Peasy and Fun

Newspaper Sun Hats

Intello Kids Blog

Your teatime will be extra stylish with a DIY newspaper hat. This is a great way to use up old newspapers–and your little miss can go wild with whatever flowery, feathery toppers she wants. Find out more here.

For more fun and easy hat craft ideas for kids, click here.

Dragon Marionette Puppet

paper crafts for kids
Create in the Chaos

This idea from Create in the Chaos is one of those deceptively easy crafts. It only needs a few materials, there’s a free printable involved, and we’re willing to bet that your kid will be glad to color away. 

Kirigami Water Blossoms

Babble Dabble Do

This idea from Babble Dabble Do is one part science lesson, one part paper project, and totally amazing. It involves paper flowers that expand in water–mimicking the real-life natural phenomenon. Click here for the full instructions.

 

 

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me…one tree tipping, two rising electric bills, three scooter crashes, four crashing ornaments and five major headaches. For all the fun of the holiday, there are some real hazards to consider, outlined in a new report.

This year, 10% of Americans surveyed said they’ve been injured setting up a tree, which is actually down from 20% last year. Whether that happens when the tree falls over, or when a rogue branch strikes, it’s definitely something to keep in mind while decorating. If you’re a pet owner, it’s pretty common for your furry friend to wreak some havoc, too. Another 72% of respondents said their pets have knocked down the tree or ornaments, often causing damage.

While scooters are an ever-popular Christmas gift, they’re also the most dangerous present. There have been 477,082 injuries attributed to nonmotorized scooters since 2011, but fortunately that trend is on the decline. In 2020, injuries dropped by 81%! Other dangerous toys (based on number of injuries caused) include balls, toy vehicles and building sets.

Finally, it might be nice to leave your lights twinkling all night, but that can be a fire hazard. The danger intensifies if your lights are old, since the wiring can be faulty. Real trees can also be a bigger risk for going up in flame, but the study found that parents are more likely to choose a live tree. Play it safe and turn those lights off at bedtime!

—Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of Jonathan Borba, Pexels

 

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Ring has recalled 350,000 units of their 2nd generation video doorbells due to fire hazard. The battery inside the video’s doorbell can overheat when the wrong type of screws are used during installation, which leads to fire and burn hazards.

The model number of the recalled units is 5UM5E5. The doorbells have a blue light and come in two different colors: black and silver or black and bronze. Ring has received 85 incident reports of incorrect doorbell screws installed with 23 of those doorbells igniting, resulting in minor property damage. The company has also has received eight reports of minor burns. Anyone using a Ring video doorbell can check to see if their unit is included in the recall by entering the doorbell’s serial number on Ring’s website

Anyone with a recalled unit needs to stop installing or using the affected video doorbell immediately and download new instructions, which you can find here. You can also call Customer Service at 800-656-1918 from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. PT, seven days a week, or at www.ring.com; click on help, then on Installation Services for more info.

—Gabby Cullen

All images SPSC

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recently announced a recall for nearly 90,000 heyday three-foot lightning USB charging cables sold at Target stores nationwide between June 2018 and January 2019. Representatives from Target did not immediately respond to Red Tricycle’s request for comment.

If you think you may have this charging cable, read on for more information on the recall.

Recalled Product Description: heyday USB Charging Cable

The current recall includes heyday brand USB lightning charging cables. The three-foot cables come in three color choices—purple, green and blue iridescent. Each cable has the brand’s name “heyday” printed on the connector.

The cables were sold at Target stores and at target.com for $15.

Why the Cable Was Recalled

The charging cables pose a shock and fire hazard. As of now Target has received 14 reports of sparking, igniting or smoking cables. Along with sparking and smoking, two consumer reports include injuries.

How to Tell If Your Cable Was Recalled

Along with looking for the word “heyday” on the cable’s connector, check the model number printed on the product’s packaging. The recalled product model number is 080 08 8261.

What Consumers Can Do

If you have the affected product stop using the product immediately. Return the cable to Target for a refund. Consumers with questions can contact Target 800-440-0680 between 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. CT daily or visit Target.com and click on the “product recalls” tab.

—Erica Loop

All photos: Courtesy of the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission

 

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Spring is almost here! And besides enjoying everything there is to love about the season, now’s also the perfect time to clean out your drawers and get the grime off your tiles and tubs. Need some simple organizing tips and spring cleaning hacks to help you get there and—even better—keep you there for months afterward? Keep reading!

Clean Out Your Dryer Vent

Karly Wood

Does it take more than one cycle to get your clothes dried? If so, your dryer vent may need a good cleaning. This vent is not the same as the lint trap, and is the path your dryer lint and fuzz usually takes to get outside. If it's clogged, it can result in long dry times and even pose a fire hazard! Head to Frugally Blonde for easy tips on purging your dryer vent.

Wipe Out Window Tracks

Karly Wood

Long winters mean dust and grime can build up in your window tracks, preventing them from properly closing and looking downright disgusting! Spend 10 minutes using the tips from The Intentional Mom and you're on your way to sparkling windows!

Dust Heating & Air Vents

Karly Wood

After a hot summer and long, cold winter, your heating and air vents have probably taken a beating. Use a duster, toothbrush, or a butter knife wrapped in an old towel to get in between all the vents for a thoroughly cleaning. The next time you turn on the heating or AC, you won't be sending excess dust flying around!

Make Your Bed, Every Day

Beddy's

This simple act can become a habit and can help a whole room look better in just a few minutes. If you want to go one beyond, try this awesome bedding from Beddy's: your bed and your kids' beds can be made in seconds. The bedding essentially is like a comforter + sheet set that fits any size mattress (there's even a toddler size). You simply zip it up along the sides to make a seamless look. Unzip to give yourself breathing room in the night, or keep it zipped up for coziness. Added bonus? Your partner can't kick the sheet down in the bed. Find out more at beddys.com.

Disinfect Your Dishwasher

Karly Wood

If your dishwasher isn't doing it's job, smells funny or is leaving white residue on your dishes then it's probably time for a clean. It's a good idea to run a cup of white vinegar through your dishwasher to remove build up and odors. Simply pour it in the bottom of your dishwasher (with or without dishes––it won't harm them or leave a smell) and run a regular cycle.

Melt Away Microwave Grime

Karly Wood

Cleaning out your microwave doesn't have to be a hassle. All you need to do is fill a bowl with one cup of vinegar and one cup of water, then microwave for roughly five minutes. When the time's up, carefully remove the bowl (it will be HOT!) then easily wipe down the mess inside that has been loosened from the vinegar and steam. No scrubbing required!

Clean Your Humidifier

Bill Smith via flickr

Now that flu season is waning (mostly), it's time to deep clean that humidifier that has been saving your kids' noses all winter long. Anna Mosely from Ask Anna suggests half-filling your humidifier with vinegar and running it outside (so your house doesn't smell like vinegar) for at least 45 minutes. Then, wipe it out with a sponge, fill it up with water and run it for 45 more minutes. Then, let that baby dry out, and put it away until next season. 

Tackle Your Tank Tops

According to Noelle

Are tank tops taking over your closet? Organize them with this genius DIY tank top hack from According to Noelle. Or, roll up your tops and slip them into a shoe organizer. Bam! Your available closet space just quadrupled!

Give Your Fridge a Makeover

Richard Kelland via flickr

Ah, the fridge—the place we spend so much time in front of, all year long. It's time to get it back to the clean, cool space your food and drinks once knew. To do this, you'll need to remove everything (and unplug the fridge if you don't want to waste tons of electricity), and then take out the shelves and drawers and wash them thoroughly with mild dishwashing soap. Dry everything thoroughly before sliding back into place.

Use Box Lids or Inserts to Organize Inside Drawers

mgstanton via flickr

Do all of your drawers look like a free-for-all of junk? Put box lids or plastic drawer inserts into your drawers and decluttering accordingly. For more tips on organizing your drawers, head to this article from Real Simple. 

Use Binder Clips to Organize Computer Wires

Matti Mattila via flickr

If you've got wires snaking every which way behind your computer, try this easy hack from Lifehacker that uses binder clips to keep wires attached and organized. 

Give Old Bedding and Towels to People or Animals in Need

evan p. cordes via flickr

With spring cleaning in full force, don't just toss old towels and bedding! Give them to an animal rescue organization or a homeless shelter to be re-used by someone in need. To donate to furry friends, call your local animal shelter or go here to find out how to donate to the Humane Society. To donate to people in need, call your local Salvation Army or Goodwill to see if they have any local shelters or shops in need of bedding.  

Same Goes for Old Toys

Vernon Area Public Library via flickr

When kids toys start taking over the house, you know it's time for a clean-out. But don't toss all those old treasures in the trash—donate them to children in need! To find worthy places or organizations to take your toys (because some organizations, including hospitals, usually only take new toys), check out this great article from Money Crashers. 

Use Plastic Bins to Organize Your Laundry Room

Hey Tonya via Youtube

Putting all your stuff into bins is the quickest and easiest way to go from total mess to super neat! So head to Dollar Tree and get as many plastic bins as you can fit in your laundry room and use them to organize all your supplies. Get a step-by-step on how to organize a small laundry room (plus a free stain removal printable) from Hey Tonya.

Use Shoe Organizers for More Than Just Shoes

A Girl and a Glue Gun

Got a zillion Barbie dolls strewn around your house? A few too many Hot Wheels? Hook a shoe organizer onto your kid's door and start popping toys in the slots. It's an easy way to organize and keep track of your little collector's stash. The organizer shown here is even customized to fit the height of each doll! Get the simple instructions at Girl and a Glue Gun

Clean the Fan Blades with a Pillowcase

Homemaker Chic

Old pillowcases work wonders at scooping up fan blade dust and keeping it contained. Get more details at Homemaker Chic.

Use Vinegar and Dish Soap On Tub Stains

Jason Gooljar via flickr

Is your tub looking more Bates Motel than Beverly Wilshire? Use a spray bottle filled half-and-half with cleaning vinegar and Dawn dishwashing liquid to scrub stains away (Hint: Some people say you should warm the vinegar in the microwave if you've got really tough stains). Your tub will be ready for a proper bath in no time. 

Psst: This cleaning solution works on toilet bowls and sinks, too!

Use Microfiber Towels and Tongs to Clean Blinds

Melissa Heckscher

It's tough to get at the dust that inevitably collects on the length of your window blinds. To reach these hard to get slats, just wrap two microfiber towels around a set of tongs and use rubber bands to tie them in place (you can cut the towels in half if they're too big). Then, wipe away! If the dust has really settled in, spray the cloth with cleaning spray before wiping. Get pictures and details at One Crazy House.

Use Rubbing Alcohol To Clean Microfiber Sofas

Melissa Heckscher

According to this article on Herbs and Oils Remedies, rubbing alcohol is the magic potion that will tackle tough stains on your microfiber furniture. Just put it in a spray bottle and spritz the stains until they're saturated. Then scrub with a sponge until the stain disappears. When the area is dry, scrub it with a bristle brush to fluff up the fibers.  

Use Your Washing Machine to Clean Plastic Toys

Gabby Cullen

Let your washing machine do double-duty: Toss all your grimy plastic toys into a mesh bag and throw it all into the wash with some towels or blankets (to prevent the toys from banging into the washer wall). Your toy supply will be squeaky clean! 

Unclog Your Showerhead

Tom Magliery via flickr

Don't go buy a new shower head when your water pressure starts to wane, or you notice a few clogged holes. Instead, head over to The Melrose Family to get the simple step-by-step instructions for how to use vinegar and lemon essential oil to get the gunk out.  

Deep Clean Your Oven

Melissa Heckscher

You don't really see the mess that's being made inside the oven when your casseroles are bubbling, or your baked yams are dripping, but the walls and floor of your oven certainly know what's happening. If you're like most sheet pan dinner-loving mamas, we can bet your cooker needs a good deep clean. Try this cleaning hack from Thekitchn.com, which involves coating the whole inside of the oven with a baking soda/water paste then letting it sit overnight before spraying it all down with vinegar.

Pssst: Your kids will love the way the vinegar and baking soda mixture fizz, so be sure your kids help out with this cleaning project. 

Dust, Clean & Organize Your Bookshelves

Melissa Heckscher

Books are notorious dust-hoarders, so now's a good time to give your bookshelves more than a simple wipe-down. You'll need to remove all of the books and wipe the tops and spines with a magnetic cloth (or a Swiffer sheet!); then wipe the shelves down with a damp microfiber cloth. While you're at it, organize your collection: Get rid of any books you don't think are worthy. Secondhand stores or local and literacy charities (like Books for Soldiers and Books for Africa) are usually happy to take your hand-me-downs. 

Clean the Front of Kitchen Cabinets

Melissa Heckscher

The knobs and doors of your kitchen cabinets are touched so frequently that they're probably covered in grime by the end of a week, let alone a year. Time to scrub the deep-rooted dirt away! Better Homes & Gardens has a great how-to video on getting the ins and outs of your cabinets squeaky clean, including using a paste of baking soda and water to scrub stains away. 

 

— Melissa Heckscher

Feature photo by Jason Leung on Unsplash

 

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Need a few crafts in your arsenal in response to the “I’m bored” chant you’re bound to hear this summer? It doesn’t get simpler than a paper bag and these five crafts are inexpensive, clever and just time-consuming enough to stave off the summer doldrums. Scroll down to get started.

photo: Sophies World 

1. Easy-Peasy Kite
Save this craft from Sophie’s World for a windy day! The best part is that the kids can decorate it however they want whether it’s with markers, feathers, streamers, or stickers. They will be thrilled to see their creation floating in the wind for all the world to see.

 

photo: Easy Preschool Crafts for Kids 

2. Fish on the Fly
While the last craft soars in the sky, this craft from Easy Preschool Crafts for Kids swims in the sea! It smiles, it swims, it’s simple and it’s sparkly! Grab some markets, glitter, glue, and any other fun additions you have lying around your craft box to decorate your fish. What more could a kid ask for?

photo: Creative Jewish Mom

3. Simple Apple Tree
This craft involves a little bit of twist and a little bit of curl. And remember there are many fruits out there that you can jazz the branches up with. Maybe add a bird or a squirrel or two! Check out Creative Jewish Mom for the full low down on how to twist, curl, and create this fun paper bag craft.

photo: Fun Family Crafts

4. Funky Birds 
Your kiddos will love these friendly bird puppets from Fun Family Crafts because they are colorful and exotic. You will love them because they are easy! Plus: who doesn’t like feathers?

5. No-Heat Fireplace
This warm fireplace from Crafts by Amanda is a homey addition to a doll house 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 fire place! Thanks to Crafts by Amanda for this awesome idea!

 

Have you tired any of these cute paper bag crafts? Tell us in a comment below. 

—Parham B.

featured photo: Mark J. Sebastian via flickr