Paper Art, Painted Paper: 9 Paper Crafts to Try
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Paper is such an everyday object that you may not have ever thought about its potential as an
artistic medium. Certainly, it’s used as a canvas for drawing, painting, and other art on paper. But it
can also be so much more. Painted, folded, cut, layered, glued… there are almost endless
possibilities for paper art.
Ready to get started with your Canvas painting first paper craft? Read on for ideas, inspiration, and class suggestions.
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What Is Paper Art?
9 Examples of Papercrafts and Paper Art (and Classes!)
What Is Paper Art?
swirly paper art
Quilling is one example of paper art.
Paper art is any craft that uses paper as its main medium. However, that doesn’t mean that any art
on paper is paper art. Paper is a crucial element in painting or drawing, for example, but it’s the
surface, not the main focus. Paper art, on the other hand, wouldn’t and couldn’t be what it is
without paper.
There’s a lot of variety within paper art. Some common paper craft forms include:
Painted paper collage
Decoupage
Papier mache
Paper marbling
Origami
Kirigami
Quilling
Paper flowers
…and more! If you can imagine a craft with paper, you can (probably) make it!
Flowers You Don’t Have to Water!
Crepe Paper Flowers—Cheerful Sunflowers
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History of Paper Art
origami
Source: Instagram
Origami is a centuries-old Japanese paper craft.
Paper, as we more or less know it today, was invented in China sometime between 200 B.C.E. and
105 C.E. The Chinese used their paper not only as a writing surface, but for many of the uses that we
are familiar with today: wrapping, padding, teabags, money, and more. They closely guarded their
paper-making secrets, but the material and its associated technology spread from China across East
Asia, along the Silk Route, and to Europe in the 12th century with the Crusades.
Various paper arts have developed in cultures and societies throughout the centuries. For example,
there’s evidence of paper cutting art in China from the 4th century. Origami is thought to have been
taken to Japan from China in the 6th century. Other paper crafts developed as the accompanying
media, such as glue and inks, were introduced.
9 Examples of Papercrafts and Paper Art (and Classes!)
1. Hand Painted Paper
hand painted paper
Susan Hurwitch hand paints and prints her own art paper.
Hand-painted art paper can be used in a variety of ways, from a work of art in itself to gift wrapping,
collage making, and as a surface for other arts and crafts. The hand-painted papers above were
made using Gelli Plate printing, which is just one way you can create painted paper art.
2. Collage
landscapes made of paper
Student work by Sarah Shaw for Beginning Collage Techniques: Cut & Paste a Place!
Collage is the art of sticking pieces of paper onto a surface to create a pattern, picture, or design.
Collages can be abstract or figurative. You can use premade paper right out of the packet, upcycle
scrap paper, or decorate your own paper for use in collage and painted paper art.
3. Decoupage
decoupage drawer
Source: Instagram
A decoupage chest of drawers that uses paper clip art.
Decoupage is similar to collage in that it requires sticking pieces of paper onto a surface. However,
decoupage usually uses pre-printed cutouts (like images from magazines or paper clip art) to
decorate a surface, such as a box or piece of furniture. It’s then lacquered over to create a smooth
and durable finish. You can even make painted paper countertops using decoupage.
4. Paper Marbling
marble paper
Student work by Chris Heath for The Art of Paper Marbling: Explore Monotype on Water.
Paper marbling is the art of dropping and swirling ink or paint on the surface of water and then
lifting it off onto paper. It was traditionally used in Europe in bookbinding, and the Japanese version,
Suminagashi, was used for interior decoration.
5. Papier Mache
really intricate design bowl
Source: Instagram
Papier mache is an advanced art form in Kashmir, India.
Papier mache is a mixture of paper or paper pulp and glue, or a flour and water mixture, that dries
hard and can be painted onto. Many kids experiment with papier mache, as it’s a fun and safe way
for little ones to get creative, but it can also be a highly advanced art form. The Kashmir region of
South Asia is known for its exquisitely painted and lacquered papier mache boxes, eggs, ornaments,
and platters.
6. Origami
paper boxes
Student work by Cassie Leicester for Papercraft: Origami Boxes for Gifts & Trinkets.
Origami is the Japanese art of paper folding (although it’s thought to have been taken to Japan from
China many centuries ago). The word literally means “folding paper” in Japanese. Without the use of
glue or scissors, origami artists form elaborate creations, including cranes, other birds and animals,
and useful items like boxes and purses. Washi paper made from wood pulp is traditionally used for
origami. Projects can range from simple shapes suitable for kids and beginners to incredibly complex
creations.
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