Chinese Paper Dragon Puppets (Printable Head + Moving Body)

template:

• Printed dragon head template (on white or coloured paper/light card)

• Red paper (for body – green or yellow works beautifully too)

• Printer

• Pens, crayons or markers

• Tissue paper (optional – great for texture & flames)

• 1–2 lollipop sticks (recycled ones work perfectly)

• Glue stick

• Scissors

• Stapler or tape (optional for reinforcing joins)

• 
  

Steps

Print & Colour the Dragon Head

• Print the dragon head template onto white paper or coloured paper.

• Children colour the head using markers or crayons.

• Add extra details like scales, whiskers, glitter or patterns.

💡 Tip: Printing onto coloured paper saves colouring time for younger children.

Cut Out the Head

• Carefully cut around the dragon head shape.

• Cut out any interior details (such as the mouth or horns if needed).

Make the Accordion Body

• Cut a long strip of red paper (approx. 6–8 cm wide).

• Fold it back and forward in an accordion (fan) style to create the dragon’s body.

• If one strip isn’t long enough, glue multiple strips together before folding.

Attach the Body

• Glue one end of the accordion strip to the back of the dragon’s head.

• Allow it to dry briefly before moving.

Add Texture (Optional but Looks Amazing!)

• Glue small pieces of tissue paper onto the head for extra detail.

• Add tissue “fire” or whiskers for dramatic effect.

Attach the Popsicle Sticks

• Glue one stick behind the head.

• Glue a second stick to the back end of the accordion body.

• This allows children to wiggle the body like a real dragon!