I've been working on a good process to create nice looking paper tokens for a while.
I recently got a Cricut Explore Air 2 and MAN it takes paper tokens to a whole new level. Check out the precision cuts on the ettin on the left. It's really amazing.
Process:
1. Find images you want for your tokens. You want to make sure you have images that have a white background.
2. Paste them into the Cricut design board and scale appropriately.
3. Copy, paste and flip all images so that you have mirrored items.
4. Print on matte photo cardstock. I'm using Canon Matte Photo Paper which is 45lbs or 170g/m2
5. Apply a self adhesive laminate sheet to the printout. I use the cheap stuff from the dollar store.
6. Put into cutter and have the machine cut out the figures. (note: laminate front before cutting)
7. Pop out the cutouts and run a black marker around the exposed edges.
8. Use a paint brush to apply white glue to the backs and stick the backs of the images together.
9. I have a little wooden roller that I run over them once they are glue together.
The paper minis are really, really good and very tough.