You can make your own paper puppets very easily, as well as fun. To get started, all you need is construction paper (craft paper with many color options) and glue. Fold and glue the paper with glue so that it can be attached to the hand, then decorate as you like. You can make dolls in the shape of people, dogs, and even monsters. If you want an easy option, you can also make a doll out of a paper bag. When you're done, show off your work to a family member or friend. Good luck!
Step
Method 1 of 2: Making a Hand Puppet out of Folded Paper
Step 1. Fold one sheet of construction paper in 3 lengthwise
Use construction paper with a size of 30 x 46 cm. The first step, fold the long side of the paper by a third. Next, repeat folding it on the other long side. Fold the paper until you have 3 equal parts.
It doesn't matter if the fold widths are not exactly the same. One fold will be used as the base of the doll. So no one notices if the ends are of unequal width
Step 2. Glue the top bend of the paper down so that the fold doesn't come off
Unfold the top, then apply glue all over the inside. After that, press down on the third crease so it doesn't come off. Now, the paper will be in the shape of a long, narrow rectangle.
- Apply glue in thin lines or dots along the paper. Don't use too much glue or apply it too thickly, as this can wet the paper.
- To make these paper dolls, you can use regular paper glue or hot glue gun.
Step 3. Rotate this rectangular paper so that it is in a vertical position
After turning, the short side will be on top and bottom. Keep the paper in this position when you fold it.
Step 4. Fold the paper rectangle in half, joining the two short sides together
Bend the bottom short edge up so it's parallel to the other short edge. Fold the paper in this crease so that the shape does not change.
To prevent visible creases, bend the paper so that the glued edge is on the inside of the fold, not the outside
Step 5. Bend each fold down so that the edges align with the center crease
Once the rectangle is folded in half, bend one of the folds down. Align the edges with the bottom crease, then bend the crease so the paper stays so that the paper stays down. Repeat this on the other side.
Try to align all the ends as best you can so the doll doesn't bend
Tip:
To make sure the folds are correct, look at the folds of the paper from the side. The paper should form the letter "M" or "W."
Step 6. Glue the 2 outer folds down
Apply glue lightly around the inside of the crease you just made. Once the glue is applied, press the crease firmly to attach it. Now the folded paper will form a "V" when viewed from the side.
- Continue to hold the paper for about 20 seconds until it dries before you release it.
- Leave the crease in the center unglued as it will be used as the doll's mouth.
Step 7. Decorate the doll as you wish
For example, you can color your doll using markers, crayons, or paint. You can also add 3D decorations, such as paper, ribbon, or moving eyes.
If you want to add heavy embellishments, such as gems or ice sticks, attach them using hot glue instead of regular glue. Glue gun can stick things more firmly
Step 8. Insert your finger into the 2 holes to move the doll
Step one, place your thumb in one of the holes along the outside of the center crease. Next, insert the remaining finger into the other hole next to it. The thumb should be placed in the bottom hole, while the other finger should be placed in the top hole. The doll's mouth can be opened and closed by opening and closing the finger inside the paper.
Remember, dolls are easier to move with your dominant hand. For example, if you are right-handed, you should use the doll with your right
Method 2 of 2: Making Puppets from Paper Bags
Step 1. Prepare a paper bag as a doll material
You can use any color of the bag (because you can color it later, if you want). Make sure the pocket is big enough for your hand to fit in, but not too big so it doesn't get loose in your hand.
If you use a paper bag, you don't need to fold and cut anything to make the doll. Just put your hand in the pocket and use your fingers to move the bottom of the bag up and down like the mouth is talking
Step 2. Paint the pouch with acrylic paint to give it another color
Use a brush to apply 1 or 2 coats of acrylic paint. Apply paint all over the bag (including the bottom) lightly so the bag doesn't get wet.
- Allow the paint to dry for at least 30 minutes before you add decorations. Glue will not stick to paint that is still wet.
- You can also use spray paint instead of applying paint with a brush.
Step 3. Use movable eyes and knitting yarn if you want to make a doll in the shape of a person
Turn a paper bag into a person doll by attaching movable eyes to the top of the doll (this means at the bottom of the bag) and knitting strands of yarn to make hair. You can also draw lips and nose, add paper ears on the sides, or draw clothes on the bottom.
- If you don't have yarn for knitting, you can use fabric or ribbon for hair. If you want to make a braid, cut a piece of fabric into small pieces and tie it together like you would braid your hair.
- To add clothes, stick some things, such as strips of cloth, buttons, or paper bow ties. Add jewelry (eg necklaces) made of string and beads.
Step 4. Make a stuffed cat or dog if you like animals
Use tapered construction paper for cat ears, or drooping shapes for dog ears. Attach it to the top of the doll along with the nose and eyes. Next, attach the tail to the back of the doll. You can make a tail out of paper or pipe cleaner.
- You can also draw the belly of the animal by making a big white circle.
- You can make an animal neck tie out of beaded ribbon, or draw it with a marker.
Tip:
You can make any animal you want, such as an alligator, rabbit or owl. Start by creating the ears, eyes, and tail before you add the teeth or beak.
Step 5. Make a stuffed monster if you want something silly or spooky
Decorate the front of the bag using markers or paint in a bright color or pattern, such as stripes and polka dots. Next, glue the big eyes and pointed fangs out of construction paper. You can also add horns, ears or a long tongue.
