Craft of the Week: Pretty Paper Patterns

Sometimes the best crafts are the made from the most simple items you can almost always find around the house. This project will teach you a simple technique using glue and paper. You can use it to create lush shapes and decor for any occasion. 

See this article's photo gallery for photos of the craft's steps.

What you need:

• Construction paper
• Scissors
• Glue
• Clothes pin or paper clip

Step 1

Cut your construction paper lengthwise to get at least eight stripes that are 1 inch wide.

Step 2

Cut another sheet of construction paper widthwise to get at least eight stripes that are 1 inch wide.

Step 3

Using one short strip, glue the two ends together as shown. You can use a clothes pin or paper clip to hold the glued portion together while it dries. 

Step 4

Using one long strip, glue to two ends of the long strip to the newly glued ends of the short strip. You can use a clothes pin or paper clip to hold the glued portion together while it dries. 

Step 5

Repeat the process until all 16 strips are glued into eight pairs. 

Step 6

Apply glue to the tips of the pairs and begin assembling them into bunches. Again, you can use clips to hold the glued areas together while they dry.

Fun tip: Use different colors and sizes to create unique formations. Bunch them together as an elaborate art piece or use individual ones as fancy place setters. 

Just for kids: You can make this paper pattern with brown construction paper and use it to make a lush turkey tail for your Thanksgiving place settings.