Maker Monday: Paper Puppets

Maker Monday visits the art of origami to create fun Paper Puppets. Moms will likely remember the basic folds from their younger days making Fortune Tellers or Cootie Catchers.

Here, we add eyes and mouths to make all sorts of creatures. We went with a green iguana for our puppet, but expect lots more ideas from creative kids. Add a fin to make a shark. Depending on the size and shape of the ears, build a dog, cat or bunny. Or create more fanciful creatures, like a dragon. Dig into your maker box and use googly eyes, beads or buttons as accessories.

Once you assemble your Paper Puppets, it’s time for play and storytelling to begin!

Supplies:

Paper

Scissors

School glue or glue stick

Begin with a sheet of paper, cut into a true square. Fold the paper in half lengthwise, then open and fold sideways. Open and fold each corner into the center crease. Flip over and fold each corner into the center crease. This will be the inside of the mouth of your puppet.

Cut out an oval mouth and crease in half before gluing in. Add teeth — or even a tongue! — to the mouth.

Flip the square over and add eyes and other details.

Crease again along the lines and puff out the corners so your fingers can fit inside, and your Paper Puppets are ready for play.

For more Maker Monday projects and other fun stuff for kids, visit the Kidsburgh Activities page.