3-d-Papercraft

Written and Created by PaperCraftCentral Susan

3-d-papercraft projects (or paper art projects) are everywhere these days. They are a lot of fun to make and the variety and uses for them is endless. They can be practical, great for gifts and home decor, or made just for fun. I loved making the paper hyacinths shown below, for example, and they are still decorating my home.

Paper can be made into 3-d-papercraft items so easily if you have a good plan and are capable of a few deft folds. Don't be afraid to experiment too and discover your own versions of off-the-page stunners.

3-d-Papercraft Ideas

I have a few projects in mind to show you here and will be adding to this page as I discover more ways to make things. Here are some ideas I have road tested already:

• Find out how to make folded Paper Butterflies and how to use them for a party. They really are adorable!

Anzac Day Wreath

Commemorate the fallen soldiers of WWII with a poppy flower wreath made with your paper craft supplies

Valentines Day Ideas

• Make a Chocolate Favor Box for Valentines Day or for any other special occasion - weddings, birthdays, thank you gifts etc

Christmas Projects for the Home

Psst! Remember to make some 3-d-Papercraft Projects for Christmas! Start early and you will have time to make some beautiful dimensional items. If you don't have time to create all the elements for a wreath, Stampin' Up! often has beautiful kits available with all the hard work done for you. All you have to do is assemble your kit wreath, your way! Check out SusanSalutations to see the current kits.

• If you want a Wow gift or personalised scene to display, why not make an Illuminated Shadow Box?

• You can make beautiful Christmas Banners with your punches and stamps. See how here!
  

• Make a Curled Paper Wreath to dress your house for any occasion. Here I have used Christmas papers but think of it in pinks for Valentines Day, spring colours for the beginning of summer, orange and black for Hallowe'en. The process is the same. Just choose your theme!

• Sometimes you want a treat to put in a 3-d papercraft box or bag. Last minute Easy Chocolate Puddings are lovely little Christmas treats to make and dress in paper and cellophane, even if you aren't a cook. (I did hear that Allen's has stopped making spearmint leaves, so substitute green gel icing instead for the leaves).

• Here's how to score and fold a 3-d-Christmas Star that is so versatile

• Decorating Candles

• Make a Paper Chain Tree!

Birthdays and Other Occasions for Gift Giving - Weddings, Parties, Gatherings....

• Make a customised Decorative Box when you want to impress someone with a special gift.

• Here's a Paper Wallet to make as an alternative to a wedding card or to dress up any other event you wish in a 3-d papercraft way. It can hold gift cards, gift certificates etc and make the occasion much more memorable.

• Make some small Chocolate Party Favors to dress up the tables at your next event, or simply to give to someone who needs a little lift:

• Try making a special Footlocker to hold a graduation card for a military event.

• On the theme of gratitude, how about making some Hard Candy Thank You Favours for a wedding or birthday party?

• Or make an Artificial Topiary Trees decked out in your wedding or party colours

• Another great home decor element is a Giant Paper Flower or three. I have step-by-step instructions for you on this page.

Here are some more 3-d papercraft ideas to try:

• Candy Bar Favors

Make a special package for whole chocolate bar!

• Explosion Box Album

• Gift Boxes

Who doesn't need a special gift box for those very important people and occasions?

• Make a box to hold handmade cards as a gift for a friend

• A Blessing Box

• Paper Balls

These 3-d papercraft items could be used as Christmas decorations or to add some charm to any event or room.

• Paper Chains

Remember that Stampin' Up! has a Gift Bag Board, a Gift Box Board and am Envelope Punch Board to help you make your own. Check the catalogue in the right hand column to see if the boards are still available. See more details about them in Papercraft Tools.

If you have made a 3-d-papercraft project, do become an inspiration to me and to others by sharing it with me here.