Paper projects offer an accessible and versatile way to explore creativity and develop artistic skills.  With endless possibilities for folding, cutting, layering, and decorating, paper becomes a medium for self-expression and innovation. Whether crafting intricate origami, colorful collages, or textured sculptures, youth can transform a simple sheet into a masterpiece.  

4-H Project Levels and Goals
Beginner
  • Cut and glue colorful paper scraps to create landscapes
  • Learn simple folding techniques to make paper cranes, frogs, or boats
  • Decorate cards with cutouts, stamps, or drawings for holidays
  • Lay colorful tissue paper on wax paper to mimic the look of stained glass
Intermediate
  • Roll thin strips of paper into shapes and arrange them into intricate patterns in a method called paper quilling
  • Design and assemble pop-up elements to create interactive mini books
  • Use paper folding, cutting, and gluing techniques to build small 3D objects or geometric forms
Advanced
  • Design intricate patterns or images and cut them out with precision using a craft knife or laser cutter
  • Use paper strips and glue to create paper maché sculptures, such as masks, bowls, or figures
Put Your Project Into Action

Show Your Skills

  • Report about a favorite paper artist’s work
  • Examples of design elements or art principles using paper as a medium
  • Portfolio of work you have created using clay
  • Photo or digital display of famous art pieces made from paper

Service and Leadership

  • Teach younger members how to create an art piece using paper
  • Make and donate paper artwork to a local nursing home
  • Create paper artwork and donate it to a fundraising event or auction in support of a local cause
  • Volunteer at a local art event or art show
  • Invite an artist to teach a workshop at a 4-H club meeting
  • Volunteer to serve on a local Art Council

Entrepreneurship

  • Create and sell your artwork online or at local shows
  • Design and sell paper ornaments featuring a school mascot or club / organization emblem (with copyright or trademark permission)
  • Teach art classes featuring paper

Technology Connection

  • Digital design tools
  • Laser cutters
  • Cutting machines

Connecting with a Mentor

  • School art teacher
  • Community college art instructor/students
  • Local art museum staff or volunteers/docents
  • Network with artists at community craft/art shows

Events

  • Local and state 4-H workshops or shows
  • Classes offered through local community colleges, park districts, or museums
  • Local, state, and national art competitions
  • Community craft / art shows

Project Manuals & Exhibit Requirements

  • Getting Started in Art (Beginner)     
  • Level 1: Sketchbook Crossroads

Purchase manuals on the Shop Illinois 4-H Store. 

View exhibit requirements and scoresheets on the Illinois State Fair page.

Careers
red tree made of paper
  • Fine artist
  • Illustrator
  • Paper engineer
  • Installation artist
Start a Conversation

What’s your favorite way to use paper in art—cutting, folding, layering, or something else? Have you ever created a piece of paper art that you’re especially proud of? What inspired it? How do you think technology, like cutting machines or digital design tools, has changed the way we create with paper? If you could create anything out of paper with no limits, what would it be and why?

Resources
Getting Started in Art (Beginner)
Level 1: Sketchbook Crossroads
Copyright Guidelines: A Tip Sheet for Preparing Your 4-H Project Exhibit

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