Create Paper Crawlies
Make moving paper crawlies by cutting, folding, and attaching simple legs and pull-tabs; decorate each creature and test motion on a flat surface.
Step-by-step guide to make moving paper crawlies
Creative Paper Craft Ideas for Kids | Fun and Easy Step by Step Craft Projects
Step 1
Gather all your Materials Needed and clear a flat workspace so you have room to build.
Step 2
Use your pencil and ruler to draw a bug body shape (oval or rectangle about 8â12 cm long) on the paper.
Step 3
Cut out the body shape carefully with scissors.
Step 4
Cut four to six thin strips of paper about 1 cm wide and 4â6 cm long for legs.
Step 5
Cut one longer strip about 1.5â2 cm wide and 6â8 cm long for the pull-tab.
Step 6
Fold each leg strip into a small accordion or zig-zag so the legs can bend and spring.
Step 7
Tape or glue the folded legs to the underside of the body, spacing them evenly toward the front and back.
Step 8
Attach the pull-tab to the back center of the body by taping or gluing one end so the other end sticks out to pull.
Step 9
Bend each attached leg slightly backward so the edges touch the table at an angle.
Step 10
Decorate your creature with eyes and colors using your colouring materials.
Step 11
Place your creature on a flat surface and pull the tab gently to see it crawl; watch how the bent legs push and release.
Step 12
If the creature doesnât move well adjust the leg angles or fold tightness and test again.
Step 13
Share a photo or video of your finished crawling paper creature on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use if we donât have a ruler, tape, or glue?
Use the straight edge of a hardcover book or a credit card to draw the 8â12 cm body, staple or secure folded leg strips and the pull-tab with a small paperclip instead of tape or glue, and use torn colored paper if you donât have colouring materials.
My paper creature isnât crawling well â what should I try?
Tighten the accordion folds on the leg strips, bend each attached leg so its edge touches the table at an angle, and check that the pull-tab is taped or glued at the back center so it can be pulled freely.
How can I adapt this activity for different ages?
For preschoolers have an adult pre-cut the body and leg strips and let the child fold, tape, and decorate with stickers, while older kids can use stiffer cardstock, 1.5â2 cm pull-tabs, extra leg pairs, or add brads for movable joints.
How can we make the crawler more advanced or unique?
Personalize the decorated body with googly eyes and colored patterns, experiment with different leg strip lengths and fold tightness to change crawling speed, or attach two bodies with a paper hinge to create a multi-segment crawler.
Watch videos on how to make moving paper crawlies
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Facts about paper crafts for kids
âď¸ Kirigami (cut-and-fold) tricks are used by engineers to design foldable solar panels and tiny medical stents.
đ¤ Automataâmechanical moving toysâhave delighted people since ancient Greece and China with clever motion designs.
𧝠In 2002 a student proved you can fold paper 12 times if you use a very long sheet â folding has surprising limits!
đ Paper engineering is the art behind pop-up books and moving scenes that combine folding, cutting, and tabs.
đ Simple pull-tabs and offset paper legs can turn a straight tug into a wiggly walkâclever cuts + physics = motion!
How do I make moving paper crawlies?
What materials do I need for paper crawlies?
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