In a world that can sometimes be overwhelming, fidget toys have emerged as simple yet effective tools to help ease anxiety and improve focus.
The satisfying sensation of manipulating these tactile gadgets can bring a sense of calm and concentration to both children and adults.
What’s even more satisfying is that you can create your very own fidget toys using something as readily available as paper.
In this guide, we will embark on a creative journey to describe how to make fidget toys out of paper. Whether you’re looking for a calming outlet, an engaging craft project, or a fun DIY gift idea, paper fidget toys can be an excellent choice.
With just a few sheets of paper, some basic materials, and a touch of creativity, you’ll discover how to fashion paper into delightful fidget toys that provide relaxation and amusement.
How to Make Fidget Toys Out of Paper?
Creating fidget toys out of paper is a fun and budget-friendly way to make your own calming and stress-relieving gadgets. Here’s how to make some popular paper fidget toys:
Making a Paper Spinner
Creating a paper spinner is a fun and easy project. Here’s how to make a basic paper spinner:
Materials Needed
- Square piece of paper (you can trim regular paper into a square)
- Colored markers or colored pencils (optional for decoration)
- A pencil with an eraser
Decorate the Paper (Optional)
Use colored markers or pencils to decorate one side of the paper as desired. You can create colorful patterns, draw pictures, or simply add some vibrant colors.
Fold the Paper Diagonally
Place the paper with the decorated side down. Fold the paper in half diagonally to form a triangle. Ensure that your folds are precise and the corners align.
Unfold and Fold Again
Unfold the paper back into a square. Now, fold it diagonally in the opposite direction, forming another triangle.
Create Folds for Cutting
Unfold the paper once more to reveal two diagonal creases that intersect in the center of the square. This intersection point is your cutting guide.
Cut Along the Lines
Carefully cut along each of the four creases starting from the center and stopping about 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the edge. You should have four cuts that create four flaps.
Fold the Flaps Up
Lift each flap and fold it upward, aligning it with the center of the square. You’ll end up with four triangular flaps pointing upwards.
Add the Pencil
Hold the spinner by the center where all the flaps meet. Take the pencil with the eraser and insert it into the center hole formed by the folds. Push the eraser firmly onto the paper spinner to secure it in place.
Test and Spin
Now that your paper spinner is assembled, give it a gentle flick to make it spin. You can use your finger or the eraser of the pencil to get it started. Your paper spinner is complete!
Feel free to experiment with different designs and colors to create unique spinners. This simple project can provide hours of entertainment and is a great way to explore the principles of physics and motion.
Making a Paper Clicker
Creating a paper clicker is only a matter of minutes. Here are the easy steps you need to follow:
Materials Needed
- 2 strips of paper
- Glue
- Stapler
Roll the First Strip
Take one strip of paper and roll it tightly to form a cylinder. Secure the end with glue. Make sure the strip is properly placed.
Create the Clicker Part
Flatten the cylinder slightly and staple one end. This will act as the clicker part. Take the second strip of paper and roll it loosely around the clicker, securing both ends with glue.
Test the Clicking Sound
Squeeze and release the clicker part to create a satisfying clicking sound. Adjust the tightness of the second roll to control the clicker’s resistance and sound.
Optional Decoration
Decorate the outer roll for added visual appeal if desired. Your homemade paper clicker is ready to use! Squeeze the clicker part to enjoy the satisfying clicking sound it produces.
Making Origami Worry Stones Out of Paper
To make origami worry stones, all you need is square origami paper or a square-shaped piece from regular paper. Below are the necessary steps:
Fold the Paper
Start with a square piece of origami paper or cut regular paper into a square. If you’re using plain paper, you can decorate it first with colors or patterns if desired.
Create Diagonal Folds
Fold the square in half diagonally to form a triangle. Ensure that your folds are precise, with the edges aligning perfectly.
Unfold and Fold Again
Unfold the paper back into a square. Now, fold it diagonally in the opposite direction, forming another triangle.
Diagonal Fold Lines
Unfold the paper once more to reveal two diagonal creases that intersect in the center of the square. This intersection point is your reference.
Fold the Top Flap Down
Fold the top flap of the square down, aligning it with the center point where the two diagonal creases meet.
Fold the Bottom Flap Up
Fold the bottom flap of the square up, again aligning it with the center point. You’ll have a smaller square with flaps at the top and bottom.
Fold the Top Flap Back Up
Fold the top flap back up, but this time, only fold it about halfway up. This fold should not reach the center point.
Fold the Bottom Flap Back Down
Fold the bottom flap back down, aligning it with the previous fold of the top flap. You’ll have a smaller square shape with two flaps on top.
Fold the Top Flap Back Again
Fold the top flap back down once more, aligning it with the previous fold. The two flaps should be on top, creating a layered effect. Carefully flip the paper over, so the flaps are now on the bottom.
Fold the Right Flap to the Left
Take the right flap and fold it to the left, aligning it with the center of the square. You’ll have a rectangular shape with a single flap on the left side.
Fold the Left Flap to the Right
Fold the left flap to the right, aligning it with the center. Your origami worry stone is now complete. Hold the worry stone between your thumb and forefinger, and rub the textured sides gently to experience a soothing sensation.
These tactile objects can be used to relieve stress and anxiety. Now you have your own origami worry stone, a simple yet effective tool for relaxation and mindfulness.
What Other Fidget Toys Can I Make Out of Paper?
You can create various fidget toys out of paper, offering endless possibilities for creativity and sensory engagement. Here are a few more paper-based fidget toy ideas:
Paper Fidget Spinner
Design your own paper fidget spinner with multiple arms. Attach a paperclip to the center as a weight and spin it between your fingers for a satisfying whirl.
Foldable Paper Puzzle
Create an origami puzzle by folding a sheet of paper into smaller sections. Challenge yourself to fold and unfold it repeatedly to reveal different patterns or images.
Accordion Mini-Book
Fold a long strip of paper into an accordion-style mini-book. Decorate the pages with doodles, colors, or calming patterns. Flip through it for a calming and repetitive motion.
Paper Chain Fidget
Make a chain of paper loops by connecting strips of paper with glue or tape. Manipulate the chain by twisting, bending, or pulling the loops to keep your hands busy.
Spiral Coil Toy
Cut a long, narrow strip of paper and roll it into a tight coil. It can be stretched, coiled, and twisted, offering a satisfying tactile experience.
Origami Flexagon
Create an origami flexagon, also known as a fortune teller or chatterbox. Decorate it with colors or numbers and manipulate it to reveal hidden messages or patterns.
Paper Tangle Toy
Roll a sheet of paper into a cylinder and cut it into rings. Interlock the rings to create a flexible, bendable tangle toy that you can twist and fidget with.
Paper Bead Fidget Bracelet
Make paper beads by rolling strips of paper into small cylinders and string them on a piece of string or elastic cord to create a fidget bracelet.
Paper Stress Ball
Craft a small stress ball by crumpling a sheet of paper into a tight ball and wrapping it with layers of more paper. Squeeze and knead it for stress relief.
Paper Pecking Bird
Fold a small piece of paper into a pecking bird shape. Place it on a table and gently push its beak to make it “peck” repeatedly, providing a rhythmic motion.
Origami Water Bomb
Fold an origami water bomb (water balloon) and use it as a squishy fidget toy. It can be repeatedly squeezed and reshaped.
Paper Popping Toy
Create a simple popping toy by folding a strip of paper into a zigzag shape. Press the folds to make it “pop” back and forth.
Remember to customize these paper fidget toys with colors, patterns, or decorations to make them more visually appealing and enjoyable.
These DIY creations are not only fun to make but also provide a tactile and engaging way to manage stress and anxiety.
FAQs
Paper fidget toys are generally not as durable as their plastic or metal counterparts. However, their lifespan can be extended with careful handling. Consider using thicker paper or reinforcing them with clear tape for added durability.
Absolutely! Decorating your paper fidget toys can make them more visually appealing and enjoyable to use. Use colored markers, stickers, or even washi tape to personalize your creations.
Paper fidget toys can be suitable for children, but it depends on their age and level of dexterity. Some paper fidget toys, like origami worry stones, may require more intricate folding, making them better suited for older kids.
Yes, you can scale up the size of your paper fidget toys for better tactile feedback. Using larger sheets of paper or creating oversized versions can make them more comfortable and satisfying to fidget with.
Thicker paper, such as cardstock or construction paper, tends to work better for paper fidget toys as it provides more stability and durability. However, you can experiment with different types of paper to achieve various textures and sensations.
Conclusion
Crafting fidget toys out of paper offers a wonderful blend of creativity and relaxation. Through this guide, you’ve learned how to transform simple sheets of paper into engaging and soothing fidget toys.
Paper fidget toys have the advantage of being cost-effective, customizable, and readily available, making them an ideal choice for those seeking a creative outlet or a means to manage stress and anxiety.
Whether you’re making paper spinners, origami fidgets, or any other imaginative design, the process is not only enjoyable but also therapeutic.
As you continue to explore the realm of paper crafting, remember that the beauty of fidget toys lies not just in their playful functionality but also in their ability to offer moments of tranquility in a busy world.
Whether you’re crafting these toys for personal use, as gifts for loved ones, or as a calming activity for children, the joy of making and using them is boundless.
Leave a Reply