[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!
- [Easy!] Flower paper-cut art you can make using just scissors
- [Easy] Stylish Paper-Cutting Craft Ideas Collection
- Cute Origami Ideas for Girls
- Origami ideas boys will want to make!
- Kids will love it! Easy origami ideas—great as gifts too!
- Simple origami that can be folded from a single sheet
- [Origami] Have fun with kids! A collection of easy snowman origami ideas
- Let's make it with origami! A collection of ways to fold “dinosaurs”
- Let's make it with origami! Ideas for simple 3D creations
- [Kids] Let’s Make Origami! A Collection of Easy Goldfish Folding Methods
- [For Kids] Spins in the wind! A collection of recommended DIY pinwheel ideas
- Cool origami that boys will love and want to fold
- Craft ideas using plastic bottle caps [for boys]
[For Kids] Simple Paper-Cutting Ideas (11–20)
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.
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.
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.
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.
strawberry
Strawberries are hugely popular whether you eat them as they are or use them as toppings for cakes and parfaits.
Let’s try making one with paper cutting.
Fold a piece of red origami paper in half and draw an outline of half a strawberry.
Fold it with the red side on the inside, and draw the design on the white side of the paper for a cleaner finish.
Imagining the finished piece while drawing only half of the outline is a great mental exercise and a very good experience.
You can also make just the calyx from green origami paper and paste it on, or add the seeds with a felt-tip pen.
banana
Let’s try making a banana with kirie paper-cutting—bananas are hugely popular with everyone from kids to adults, and even animals.
Fold a sheet of yellow origami paper in half, then cut out two bananas connected in a symmetrical shape.
It will be even more fun if you make other fruits too, like apples, mandarins, or pineapples.
You could also have a chimpanzee hold them, for example.
By carefully observing the shapes of real fruits while you cut, you can create designs that look more realistic.
Have fun with the project!
Quickly create autumn leaves!
The way a big maple leaf and a small maple leaf are connected looks so cute! Here’s an idea for making autumn leaves in a snap.
What comes to mind when you think of autumn traditions? You might imagine insect chirps, moon viewing, and colorful fall foliage.
This time, why not make maple leaves using scissors and origami? You’ll need red or orange origami paper, scissors, and a pen.
Fold the origami in advance with the colored side facing inward.
Then sketch your outline with a pen and cut it out with scissors, and you’ll have a connected maple leaf motif ready to go!
One sheet of origami! How to cut fallen leaves
Make it with a single sheet of origami paper! Here are some ideas for cutting out fallen leaves.
In autumn, the paths get nice and soft with fallen leaves, don’t they? Many people feel the season when they see large and small leaves blown about by the wind.
This time, why not try making fallen leaves using origami paper, scissors, and a pen? The method is kid-friendly, so it’s great to make and play together with children.
You can freely choose the colors of the origami, too—perfect for nurturing creativity.
Take this opportunity to give it a try.
Maple leaf made from a single sheet of origami paper
Try paper cutting! Here are ideas for making autumn leaves with a single sheet of origami paper.
How about creating a motif of cute, connected maple leaves to decorate your room? This time, two folding methods are introduced, so choose based on the age of the maker and how easy they are to do.
It’ll be fun to pick origami colors that match your image of maple leaves, such as red, orange, yellow, or brown.
When sketching with a pen, it’s also good to incorporate the distinctive features of maple leaves.
Easy Cat
Four connected cats look adorable! Here’s an easy-to-make cat idea.
Autumn is shedding season for cats.
This simple cat-motif craft is recommended for people who have cats at home or those who love cat motifs.
Prepare origami paper, scissors, and a pen for sketching, and give it a try.
You can use any color of origami you like.
If you make it with black or orange origami, it could also work well as a Halloween decoration.
Be sure to try it out!