# Budget-Friendly DIY Toys Free Papercraft Projects to Print and Assemble By Katie Cordrey | Published 2009-02-22 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clever-dyi-toys-free-papercraft-projects-to-print-and-assemble References: [thetoymaker](http://www.thetoymaker.com/) Marilyn Scott-Waters is a designer and illustrator. She’s put up a very fun site called The Toymaker. Here you will find a variety of folding paper toys to make yourself or for adults and children to make together. The projects are colorful. Marilyn’s illustrations are a delight. There are paper toys, wee books, holiday cards, boxes, baskets and bags, origami, and many other transient delights. There’s even a Habitat for Humanity house to make and decorate. This is one of the best free things I’ve come across in awhile. Marilyn also has a book for sale on Amazon: "[The Toymaker](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0975988409?ie=UTF8&tag=gorgetalk-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0975988409): Paper Toys That You Can Make Yourself." She’s also illustrated "[Search For Vile Things](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0439908884?ie=UTF8&tag=gorgetalk-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0439908884): Volume One" and did the paper engineering for "[Fruit](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1581176767?ie=UTF8&tag=gorgetalk-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1581176767)" (Pop and Sniff.) ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.3/10 - Popularity: 69% | Activity: 21% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Budget-friendly DIY Toys:** The rise of budget-friendly DIY toys is an opportunity for retailers to tap into the growing consumer interest in crafting and environmentally sustainable toys. - **Papercraft Projects:** The increasing popularity of papercraft projects represents an opportunity for art suppliers to diversify their offerings and appeal to a wider range of hobbyists. - **Eco-friendly Toys:** The widespread use of eco-friendly materials in toy manufacturing represents an opportunity for environmentally conscious entrepreneurs to break into the toy market. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Toy Manufacturing:** Toy manufacturers can explore the use of eco-friendly materials in the development of new toys to appeal to increasingly environmentally conscious consumers. - **Art Supply Retail:** Art supply retailers can tap into the growing popularity of papercraft by expanding their product lines and offering specialty papers, cardstocks, and embellishments. - **Craft Retail:** Craft retailers can tap into the growing popularity of DIY toys by offering crafting kits and supplies for making eco-friendly and budget-friendly toys. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Eco Paper Crafting Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paper-fx.md) - [3-D Card Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/6-popup-animal-cards-to-make.md) - [Buildable Paper Playsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/castle-playset.md) - [Geometric Design Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-little-toy-by-eames-office.md) - [Two-Sided Paper Dolls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/megadolls.md) - [3D-Printable Toy Ranges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/makerworld-cyberbrick.md) - [3D-Printed Fidget Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jigglets.md) - [Children Storytelling Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/world-traveler-pretend-play.md) - [DIY Music Boxes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/make-your-own-music.md)