[For Kids] Simple Papercutting Ideas
When it comes to activities using scissors, “kirie” (paper-cutting art) comes to mind.
It’s a really fun activity where you fold a sheet of paper in half, draw a line, cut along that line, and open it up to create all kinds of shapes.
It’s also perfect for kids to practice using scissors.
In this article, we’ll introduce kirie ideas for children.
We’ve gathered a variety of ideas, from vehicles and animals kids love to stars and trees you can use for events.
All of them use simple lines, so give them a try!
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[For Kids] Simple Papercutting Ideas (1–10)
butterfly
Butterfly-shaped origami is also very handy to know how to make.
All you need is origami paper, scissors, and a pen or pencil.
First, fold the origami paper in half and draw half of a butterfly shape on it.
It’s good to include the antennae and two wings.
Imagining what it will look like when you unfold it is a nice workout for your brain.
Once you’ve drawn it, cut along the lines with scissors.
Be careful not to tear the antennae, as they are thin.
Open the folded edge, and in no time you’ll have a butterfly paper cutout.
star
Star motifs can be used in many situations, but many people may find it difficult to make a star with a perfectly neat pentagonal shape.
Here, I’ll show you an easy way to make a clean, five-pointed star.
All you need is origami paper and scissors.
Start by dividing the paper into five equal sections.
Fold it in half diagonally, then fold it diagonally in half again and open it.
Fold the right-angled corner toward the center to about one quarter.
Using the corner you just folded into a triangle as a guide, fold the bottom edge up from the center toward the left.
At the position of the right edge, fold the left side to the right.
Do the same on the right side.
Once it’s folded into five sections, cut diagonally—and you’re done.
ribbon
Ribbon papercuts are not only great on their own, but they also pair well with other papercuts—like bouquets or gift motifs—making them very versatile.
Give it a try! First, fold a sheet of origami paper in half in your preferred color, and sketch half of your desired ribbon silhouette as a guide.
Once drawn, simply cut it out and unfold—done.
There are many possible ribbon shapes, so keep cutting and experimenting to discover a design you love.
This fold-and-unfold style of papercutting is also good brain training.
[For Kids] Simple Paper-Cutting Ideas (11–20)
Papercut school backpack
This is a paper-cutting craft where you fold origami in half and draw half of a school backpack (randoseru), then cut it out.
You can simply cut out the basic shape and the shoulder straps, but if you add some decorative patterns with a bit of care, it will look even nicer.
It’s easy to make, yet it’s a handy idea you can use in many situations, such as adding a creative touch to projects or making wall decorations.
Try making it with your favorite origami paper.
Writing a congratulatory message on the flap of the backpack is also recommended!
cherry blossom
Cherry blossoms, a symbol of spring, are also highly recommended.
From the outside, it looks like you fold paper, make a few cuts with scissors, and when you open it, it takes the shape of a cherry blossom.
It can spark curiosity and make you wonder, “Why does it turn out that way?” If you take the time to understand the process and try it yourself, you’ll likely discover a deeper charm in paper cutting.
Another appeal of cherry blossoms is how well they fit works that represent various events like graduation and entrance ceremonies.
You could even make many pieces to create a cherry blossom tree—there are plenty of fun ways to enjoy it.
Apple
Apples are one of the cutest and most picturesque fruits.
They come in colorful shades like red, green, and yellow.
Despite being cute, their shape is simple and easy to make, so try creating several.
First, fold your origami paper in half in the color of your choice, and draw half of an apple shape as a guide.
Note that the stem part will end up twice as thick, so be careful.
When you unfold the apple shape, it may look different from what you imagined, so unfold, refold, and adjust the shape until it matches your image.
Halloween
One major event in autumn is Halloween.
Here are some papercutting ideas that are perfect for the occasion.
The first is bats.
The cutting method is simple, so they’re ideal when you want to make a lot and display them in a row.
Another recommendation, if you want to enjoy Halloween’s slightly spooky vibe, is spiderwebs.
These are a bit more intricate, but that makes them all the more satisfying to complete.
In addition to these two, it’s also nice to combine classic Halloween motifs like pumpkins and candy.