DIY Paper Tube Puppets: Easy Craft for Kids

Updated at: 15/05/2025

Unleash your child's creativity with this fun and simple craft project: DIY paper tube puppets! Transform ordinary cardboard tubes into whimsical characters, perfect for imaginative play and storytelling. This engaging activity requires minimal materials, making it an ideal rainy-day project or a fantastic addition to a birthday party. Kids will love designing and decorating their own unique puppets, fostering their artistic skills and developing their fine motor abilities. The possibilities are endless – from ferocious dragons and silly monkeys to graceful ballerinas and brave knights, the only limit is their imagination!

This easy-to-follow guide provides a step-by-step process for creating these adorable paper tube puppets. Get ready to gather your supplies and embark on a crafting adventure filled with laughter, creativity, and the delightful satisfaction of bringing your child's artistic visions to life. Let’s get started!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Toilet paper rolls
  • Scissors
  • Glue stick
  • Markers
  • Colored paper scraps
Safety Guidelines
  • Adult supervision is required at all times, especially when using scissors and glue.
  • Ensure all paper tubes are free of sharp edges before crafting. Sand down any rough spots if necessary.
  • Keep small craft items like beads or buttons away from young children to prevent choking hazards.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Puppet Body

    • Draw two vertical lines 1.5 inches apart and 1 inch deep on a toilet paper roll.
    • Draw a horizontal line across the back of the roll, connecting the two vertical lines.
    • Cut along the lines to create the puppet's face and front.
    • Draw and cut lines on the back of the roll to create arms.
    Draw and cut lines on the back of the roll to create arms.Draw and cut lines on the back of the roll to create arms.Draw and cut lines on the back of the roll to create arms.Draw and cut lines on the back of the roll to create arms.
    Prepare the Puppet Body
    • Trim the corners of the head to make it more rounded.
    Trim the corners of the head to make it more rounded.
    Prepare the Puppet Body

  2. Add Facial Features and Clothing

    • Add facial features (eyes, nose, mouth) and clothing details using markers and colored paper.

  3. Add Hair

    • Cut and glue on hair using colored paper.
    Cut and glue on hair using colored paper.
    Add Hair

Read more: DIY Toilet Paper Roll Rockets: A Fun and Easy Craft Project

Tips

  • If you accidentally cut too far while making the arms, use tape to reattach.
  • Get creative with hairstyles! Use different shapes and add details like bangs or pigtails.
  • For animal puppets, adjust the head shape (e.g., add triangle ears for a cat).
  • Add a tail using a scrap of paper and glue.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using Too Much Glue

Reason: Excess glue can make the paper tubes soggy and weak, leading to a misshapen puppet.
Solution: Apply glue sparingly and only where necessary, allowing it to dry completely before adding more.

2. Cutting the Paper Tubes Too Short

Reason: Short tubes limit the space for decorating and articulation, resulting in a small or stiff puppet.
Solution: Start with longer tubes and trim as needed after decorations and features are added.

3. Ignoring Paper Tube Strength

Reason: Using thin or damaged tubes can make the puppet flimsy and prone to breaking.
Solution: Choose sturdy paper tubes and reinforce weaker areas with additional glue or tape.

FAQs

What kind of cardboard tubes can I use for the puppets?
Toilet paper rolls and paper towel tubes work perfectly! You can also use tubes from wrapping paper or even sturdy cardboard cut into tube shapes.
What kind of materials do I need besides the tubes?
You'll need construction paper, markers, crayons, paint, glue, scissors, and any other decorative items you want to use, like googly eyes, yarn, felt, buttons, etc. Get creative!
My child is very young; can they still participate?
Absolutely! Younger children can help with simpler tasks like gluing on pre-cut shapes or painting large areas. Older kids can take on more intricate designs and cutting.