What manual activities with paper?
You can fold, glue, draw… but one of the most creative and satisfying activities is papercutting: a technique that involves cutting shapes out of paper to create decorative patterns. It's both relaxing, precise, and accessible, even without experience.
Why is papercutting ideal for starting a creative hobby?
Because all you need is a cutter, a bit of time, and a printed pattern. No need to draw or have complicated materials. You follow the lines, cut, and the result is always satisfying!
Is papercutting for children or adults?
Both! There are simple patterns for children, and more detailed ones for adults. It's a creative hobby that requires calm, concentration, and patience – perfect for clearing your mind.
Is papercutting difficult?
No. With a good pattern and a bit of patience, even a beginner can achieve a very beautiful result. The technique comes naturally.
Where to find good Papercutting models?
On cardamine-shop.com, you will find various models, already printed on thick paper, well suited for the practice specially designed for beginners. No printer needed, everything is ready.
What better way to discover the practice of Papercutting directly than with this video?
Introduction
Among the many creative activities you can do with paper, Papercutting (or paper cutting) stands out for its simplicity, beauty, and its ability to relax the mind. Unlike origami or collage, it allows you to create true works of art with very little material. In this article, discover why Papercutting is the ideal activity to try right now.
A Papercut model ready to be cut
The same one once finished and assembled
What manual activities with paper?
When you think of creative hobbies with paper, several options come to mind:
origami, for folding without cutting,
collage, often used with children,
card making, which combines drawing, stamping, writing, and cutting,
or even making garlands or ephemeral decorations.
But one activity deserves more attention: Papercutting.
Papercutting consists of cutting a pattern into a sheet of paper using a precision cutter, following a model. It’s a technique both simple to learn and visually spectacular.
Why Papercutting?
Because it allows you to easily create fine and elegant decorations, fully concentrate, and feel real satisfaction once the piece is cut.
Start Papercutting with a tool kit like this one. It includes all the tools necessary for practicing Papercutting!
Why is Papercutting a good manual activity?
Papercutting ticks all the boxes of a good creative hobby:
Accessible: no need to know how to draw. Just follow the lines of a model.
Minimalist equipment: a cutter, a cutting mat, paper… that’s all.
Soothing: cutting requires concentration. It’s a perfect activity to clear your mind.
Rewarding: in 1 to 3 hours, you get a finished object, frameable or giftable.
Progressive: you can start with simple shapes, then move on to more complex or even 3D models.
🎯 Ideal for adults seeking calm and creativity.
Here is a selection of models for Papercutting for beginners
What materials are needed to start Papercutting?
Here is the essentials to get started:
A precision cutter (scalpel type - sold in the shop) with new blades.
A cutting mat to protect your surface and achieve clean cuts.
Thick but flexible paper, generally between 160 g/m² and 250 g/m².
Cut-out models printed with precision.
💡 You can also opt for ready-to-cut kits, already printed on thick paper, like the ones I offer in the shop. This avoids printing errors and guarantees a better result.
Once framed, this Papercutting will find a place in your home.
Who is Papercutting for?
Beginners: no experience in art or creative hobbies needed.
Adults seeking relaxation: perfect for focusing and forgetting the daily routine.
Parents or teachers: some simple models are suitable for family or educational use.
Experienced creatives: you can go very far into detail or even create your own models.
Conclusion:
Papercutting is much more than just a paper hobby. It is a complete, aesthetic, and relaxing activity. If you are looking for a manual activity that allows you both to create and to refocus, Papercutting is an excellent option. Try a first model, test the gesture, and let yourself be surprised by the pleasure of cutting.
Claire Guilpain
creator of Cardamine Papercut
after a degree at the Beaux-Arts, Claire leveraged her passion for painting and plastic arts to develop her brand of models for Papercutting, Cardamine Papercut... Read more
Article index
Introduction What manual activities with paper? What activities can be done with paper? Why is Papercutting a good manual activity? Here is a selection of models for Papercutting for beginners What materials are needed to start Papercutting? Who is Papercutting for? Conclusion: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
what manual activities with paper
