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Puppets Around the World

Fables from around the world

Puppets Around the World

Fables from around the world
 
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Puppets Around the World

Dragon Finger Puppets

Puppet that breathes fire!
Dragon Finger Puppet made using toilet paper tube
What you will make:

In this project, use an empty toilet paper tube to make a dragon finger puppet that breathes fire! Once you make the dragon puppet in this project, use your creativity to make other puppets of your own design. The tube can be used upright or horizontally to make a variety of puppet shapes—animals, people, or vehicles. Cover the tube with decorated paper, or paint it, and add cut-outs.

Here's what you need:
  • White computer paper
  • Empty toilet paper tubes
  • Scissors
  • Red or orange paper or cardstock
  • Glue
  • Crayons, colored pencils or markers
  • Optional: Paint and paintbrush

This project is rated EASY to do.

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Before you start
  • Make a place to work.
  • Read all of the directions.
  • Gather everything you need to do the project.
  • Think about the project. Imagine how it will look and what you will do with it.
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How to Make Dragon Finger Puppets from Toilet Paper Tubes

Read all of the steps before starting.
Step 1: Choose a Pattern and Print It

The dragon puppet pattern includes blank and colored versions of the puppet. The blank tube covers may be used to draw your own version of the dragon puppet. You could also use the tube cover as a traceable pattern to make a dragon with scales using one of the Animal Scales digital papers.

Patterns are Adobe PDF files. The Adobe Reader is available for free.

All of Aunt Annie's project patterns are designed to be printed on standard letter-size paper (8.5"x11" or A4). When printing from Adobe Reader, you may need to select Auto-Rotate and Center or Choose paper source by PDF page size to ensure the best fit.

Step 2: Color (optional)

Each puppet pattern includes colored and black & white versions of the tube cover and puppet cutouts. For the most creativity, use the black & white patterns and color the puppet cover and cutouts any way you like—use your imagination. Tip: Instead of using a tube cover, you may paint the toilet paper tube. In that case, you will only need the cutouts.

Step 3: Cut

Cut the tube cover and cutouts for the dragon puppet. The cutouts include a ridge tail, two front legs, and two back legs. So the dragon can stand on its legs, glue the legs to white cardstock and cut out. For a more rigid tail, also glue it to white cardstock and cut out. Color the back of the ridge tail.

Cut out the dragon's tube cover, eyes, tail and legs
Step 4: Glue

Wrap the cover around the toilet paper tube to see how it fits. Toilet paper tubes in the U.S. are generally 4½ inches long and 5 to 5½ inches around. Trim the paper if needed, or cut strips of paper for any uncovered sections.

Glue the cover on the tube. Glue on the cut outs.  Glue the legs to the locations marked with x's. Run a line of white glue down the dragon's back and set the ridge tail in place. Hold until it sets.

Glue the dragon legs and ridge tail
Step 5: Finish

Cut away the tube where the mouth is marked, and cut a finger hole in the bottom as marked. Cut flames from red or orange paper and glue inside the mouth. To operate the puppet, place your index finger in the finger hole and support the puppet with the thumb.

Create a play of your own centered around the dragon puppet. Checkout the other puppet making projects for characters to use in your play.

That's it! Your dragon finger puppet is done!
Dragon Finger Puppet

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