How to Make Papel Picado with Kids ✂️🌈

Ranjani
Sep 10
2 min read

Making papel picado is one of the most fun, colorful crafts you can do with kids — and the best part is, you don’t need fancy supplies. Just a stack of paper, scissors, and string, and you’ll have a fiesta in your own home!

What You’ll Need:

Brightly colored paper (tissue paper, craft paper, or even colored printer paper)
Scissors (kid-safe for little ones)
Pencil
String or ribbon
Glue stick or tape
Optional: hole punch

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Pick Your Paper

Choose vibrant colors — think pink, blue, yellow, green, orange, and purple. Stack 2–3 sheets together if you want to cut multiple designs at once.

2. Fold for Symmetry

Fold your paper in half or quarters. This makes it easier to create symmetrical designs when you cut.

3. Draw Simple Patterns

Lightly sketch shapes with a pencil. Start with easy designs:

Triangles (classic!)
Hearts
Flowers
Circles or stars
Zig-zags

4. Start Cutting

Use your scissors to cut along the folds and patterns. Be careful not to cut all the way across — you want your shapes to stay connected. A hole punch can be used to make neat round cut-outs.

5. Unfold the Surprise!

Here’s the magical moment: open your folded paper and admire your unique pattern. Kids especially love this step — it feels like opening a gift every single time.

6. String It Together

Line up your designs and attach them to a long piece of string or ribbon using glue or tape. Leave some space between each sheet so they flutter.

7. Hang and Celebrate 🎉

Drape your papel picado across windows, bookshelves, or walls. Stand back and enjoy how instantly festive and joyful your room looks!

Easy Templates for Beginners

👉 For kids just starting, keep patterns simple:

Cut triangles along the edge = zig-zag design
Fold in half and cut a heart = mirrored hearts
Cut small squares and circles = confetti effect

As kids grow confident, they can try more detailed patterns like flowers, suns, or even animals.

✨Tip for Parents: You can make papel picado last longer by using craft paper instead of tissue paper, or even laminating a few favorite pieces to reuse every year!