20 Incredible Creations You Won’t Believe Are Made Of Paper

1. This bird that surely must be real

Credit: Diana Beltran Herrera

We've been reliably informed that this is actually a paper sculpture by artist Diana Beltran Herrera. We're not convinced though. It looks pretty real.

2. This guy riding a unicorn

Now don't tell me this can't be real because unicorns don't exist - we all know that's not true. This incredible piece was apparently created by Japanese sculptor Odani Motohiko. Or the White Walkers are finally invading.

3. This vortex to a colourful alternative dimension

Credit: Jen Stark

The amount of work that has gone into this artwork is amazing. The Miami-born artist, Jen Stark, likes to explore the ideas of infinity and replication in her paper art - as you might be able to tell.

4. This adorable bunny rabbit

Credit: realistic creatures

Most of us could manage a simple origami swan or crane, but if you're particularly talented, you can create realistic creatures like this. Either that, or there's a bunny here doing a very good origami impression.

5. This newspaper dress that needs to be made waterproof right now

Credit: showstopping gown

Why spend money on a new frock when you can make one out of all the old newspapers in your garage? This showstopping gown may not fare too well in the rain but is pretty incredible.

6. This teeny tiny radio

Credit: paper replica

Why is it that things look cuter in miniature? This is not in fact a stylish radio for you to listen to your tunes on, but a tiny paper replica. Why? Well, why not?

7. These amazing kangaroos

Credit: Anna-Wili Highfield

Who let three kangaroos loose in an art museum? These realistic roos were created by talented Australian artist, Anna-Wili Highfield, who specialises in paper animals.

8. These beautifully delicate ballet shoes

Credit: Susan Cutts

At first glance, you would be forgiven for thinking that these were real ballet shoes - not an unreasonable assumption considering how realistic they are. But they are actually delicate paper sculptures created by British artist, Susan Cutts. We wouldn't recommend dancing in them.

9. This lovely lady

Credit: Vally Nomidou

How amazing is this work of paper art? Capturing the human form is not an easy thing to do, but Greek artist, Vally Nomidou, has done it using paper and cardboard. Oh, and it's life-size too.

10. This sleepy bear

Credit: Calvin Nicholls

It's hard to believe that this bear and its beautiful fur are made of paper. But it's true! Artist Calvin Nicholls specialises in paper sculptures of animals and landscapes. This bear is just one of his spectacular creations.

11. This sushi that looks good enough to eat

Credit: Ira Carella Wijaya

This yummy-looking meal might not be so delicious when you put it in your mouth. Designed by Ira Carella Wijaya, these morsels are just paper, not actually sumptuous fish and rice. What a let-down.

12. This chameleon catching a fly

Credit: Calvin Nicholls

This is another piece by Calvin Nicholls. The embossed effect on the paper makes the chameleon's skin look truly realistic. Why not give this technique a go yourself using our Crafty Guide to Dry Embossing?

13. These stylish shoes that are maybe not so practical

It's probably not a good idea to wear these brogues outside. They may look like the real deal, but they're made from recycled paper, including old envelopes and letters. They might not be practical, but they're very cute.

14. This 3D paper dress

Created by Bosnian fashion designer, Amila Hrustic, this fancy frock is made up of lots of paper tetrahedrons. Are you feeling brave with your wardrobe right now? You can see more of the collection here.

15. These meerkats who are on look-out for what's made of paper here

Paperwolf (also known as designer, Wolfram Kampffmeyer) creates a range of fun papercraft kits, which are available to buy here. They come flat-packed, ready for you to fold, assemble and enjoy. The meerkats are a personal fave.

16. These autumn leaves

By this point in the article, you know that everything you see is made of paper. But otherwise, you would really think these were genuine leaves! This scene was created by origami street artist Mademoiselle Maurice, who has decorated cities across the world.

17. This amazing papercraft castle

Credit: Umo no Ue no Oshiro

The name of this piece is Umo no Ue no Oshiro - loosely translated as 'A Castle on the Ocean'. Crafted by Wataru Itou, it's made from lots of heavy sheets of paper. We like to think there are tiny paper people inside too.

18. This fierce dragon

Credit: fearsome creature

If you're a fan of Smaug, Drogon or even the Soup Dragon, you're sure to love this fearsome creature. It's incredible to think that this is made of paper. It is possible of course that someone actually found a real dragon and got it to pose on a lovely blue backdrop. It seems more likely.

19. These gentlemen playing a civilised game of chess

Everything here is made of paper, from the flamboyantly-clad people to the tiny chess pieces, and even including the flooring! You can see some of the steps from the creation process here. You may need to see them to believe it.

20. This fluffy dog

Credit: Nancy Winn

Man's best friend now comes in paper form! This pooch was created by Nancy Winn, who makes animals out of salvaged newspapers, telephone books, maps and more. Paper bone not included.