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Paper Art, Painted Paper: 9 Paper Crafts to Try

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Painted paper, paper crafts, painted paper collages, and more.

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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.

45 artists, 127 original paintings…

Welcome to the magic of the Gond world!

We wish you a wonderful trip there.

Thank you from the heart,

Nadette and Richie

Technical details…

Most of the works are in A3 format. They are mounted with care, with mat and support on the back, both in quality cardboard ensuring the gond painting protection and longevity of the work.

Each of the works is signed in Hindi by the artist, and the phonetic translation of their name appears on the back as well as on the attached card.

Each work is sold at the same price, shipping included, in the interests of fairness for all the artists who have put their hope and confidence in the project.

Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any other questions or suggestions!

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