Make a 3D Paper Cactus: Easy Step-by-Step Art Lesson for Kids
Learn how to make a 3D paper cactus sculpture. The mini size makes for a very cute decoration or gift.
Mini Paper Craft Cactus
Here’s a cute, low-maintenance way to surround yourself with colorful “plants” without the upkeep of real ones. When you make mini cactus out of paper, they can brighten up desks, shelves, or classrooms with a quirky, handmade touch.
You might find some simpler versions of this craft around on the internet, but the added lines, and spikes, and bright flower on top really make this version extra fun to look at.
I love how the card stock comes in multiple shades of green so you can mix things up a bit. Dark spikes on light green, and visa versa. So much more interesting than if they were all the same.
MATERIALS
• Miniature clay pot, about 2″ tall*
• Model Magic (leftovers or any brown color)
• Craft paper punch, 3″ circle*
• Star paper punch*
• Recollections cardstock green paper*
• Red card stock paper
• Green markers, various shades
• Scissors
• Glue stick
• Craft glue
• Small stick (Michaels has matchsticks)
DIRECTIONS
1. Fill the pot to the top with Model Magic. This is a good time to use up leftovers to may have around.
2. Students get six circles of their choice of green paper. To make the cactus, they fold each in half and crease. Each half circle is glued in a sandwich fashion, and lastly the two ends are glued together to make a complete fan shape. I recommend a minimum of six circles, but more (to a point) would look even better.
3. Draw cactus lines on all sides with a marker.
4. Cut tiny spikes from leftover green paper and glued around the sides with a glue stick.
5. Place the match stick in the pot, and the cactus slides on top.
6. The flower is made from two red stars and a bit of yellow Model Magic that is glued together with craft glue.
