Free Printable Paper Craft Patterns and Templates

For quite some time now I have noticed tons of free printables out there on the internet. Any time I have ever needed a pattern or template I just go to google search. I've always found exactly what I needed at the time. Since it has been such a help to me, I wanted to put together a list of links that hopefully might help someone else out there searching for a specific pattern or template. These are several different types of free printable templates and patterns covering different craft projects that you may be working on or might enjoy doing. When gathering these patterns and templates, I kept thinking about how they can be customized according to different holidays. I kept thinking in particular about the matchbook notepads/notebook templates and how they could be used as party or wedding favors, stocking stuffers and stuff like that. There are lots of great links below.. I hope you enjoy!

Did you think matchbooks were a thing of the past? I did until I ran across these cute little matchbook notebooks at Pumpkin Petunia. There you will the tutorial complete with template to make these darling matchbooks with a notepad inside. I had no idea how popular these were.. they are apparently selling on Etsy.

One of the best places on the net to get free printable templates is MirkWood Designs. Here you will find all kinds of different printable templates like cards, small boxes,envelopes, pillow boxes,heart pockets, CD labels, take out containers and many, many more! How do you like the tiny cubes pictured to the right? Wouldn't these be cute decorated up for Valentine's Day with some goodies inside- given as little Valentine's Day gifts to your friends?

This is one of the best sites for free printable templates I have found so far. Go have a look at her selection of free printable templates. You won't be disappointed!

Look at this lovely DIY Valentine's Day gift box. You can get the free template and instructions at Free Paper Craft Templates. This is another awesome site with lots of different free craft templates. Be sure to check it out.. you don't want to miss anything, do you?

How would you like to make your own party hats? You can! Get printable party hat templates at diyfashion.about.com There are many of them to choose from.. get a hat for any party!

Note: Make sure to use a heavier paper or card stock when making these party hats.

Make this gorgeous 5 point star with the instructions and template at Rubberstamping.About.Com. This is one of those projects that will work best made with a heavy card stock.

I found this jigsaw puzzle template at DLTK's. This is could be a neat project for kids. They can take thier own work of art, coloring sheet or even a photo and make it into a puzzle using this template. The template can be used over and over or you can print a new one.

Look at this cute favor box I found at Creating Keepsakes! Whoever thought to use a french fry box this way? I am picturing some cellophane wrap and a gift bow :0)

If you are interested in getting the free template for this fabulous french fry box, you can find it at Creating Keepsakes along with other cool free stuff including free font friday.

Another great free printable template from miniatures.about.com. Go here to see the instructions and get the template for this layered word book for mom.

A while back I was looking for some printable cross templates and ran across freeapplique.com. She doesn't just have crosses. There is all sorts of different printable shapes that can be used as applique patterns, use for paper crafts, jewelry making or anything really- if she has the shape template it's free for you to print and use.

I really appreciate this site and I think you will too!

Since we are talking about printable patterns and templates for shapes. One of the best free printable sites I have found so far is scrapbookscrapbook.com. This is just an awesome site that has tons of free printable stuff for scrap booking. You could use these shapes not only for scrap booking but for any project that you might need shapes for. There is a huge selection of free scrapbook printables on this site but you can use it for tons of other projects, too! This is one of the best sites out there. Click on the link above to go see the selection of free shapes.

Another awesome site out there and one of my favorites is called Paper Crave. She doesn't have quite as many free printable templates as Mirkwood but she has the one to the right plus other kinds of printables. The thing I really love about her site is just the sheer cuteness of everything! At times when I need some inspiration, her site is the first place I go. I just love it.

Check out the cute Halloween box from Paper Crave to the right. Of course, you don't have to use this box just for Halloween. You can adapt it to use for anything you would like. Click here for the template!

Just a few tips--

• Keep in mind that sometimes it will be better to use a heavier card stock, depending on what you are making. When making the party hats, small boxes and things like that you will want to use a thicker paper or card stock-something that is sturdy and that will hold up.
• If you want your finished products to stand the test of time, it's a good idea to seal your work with something like Mod Podge.
• The possibilities here are endless- don't limit the patterns and shapes to just one project. They can be used in tons of different ways. For example, the treat box pictured above at Paper Crave is for Halloween but you can use the template to make a box for Valentine's Day plus add some heart shapes from scrapbookingscrapbooking.com and fill it with candies! Or you may decide to use the french fry box and fill it with Christmas treats next year- you get the picture!
• Most of all, make sure to have FUN!!

I have shared with you lots of great sites where you can get free printable templates and patterns for things. Please be sure to check out what else is contained in these sites.. you may miss out on some great free printables! It's awesome to have people out there who share such great stuff. I really do hope you have found these links useful and have been inspired with all the free goodies.

Happy Crafting!