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Make a Big Dragon!

Make a Big Dragon!
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Construct a large cardboard dragon using recycled boxes, paint, tape, and simple arm joints; decorate scales and practice storytelling with your dragon.

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Step-by-step guide to make a big cardboard dragon

What you need
Adult supervision required, brass paper fasteners, glue or glue stick, markers or colouring materials, paint, paintbrushes or sponges, recycled boxes, scissors, scrap cardboard, string, tape

Step 1

Pick a large recycled box to be the dragon's body.

Step 2

Cut one side of the large box with scissors so it opens into a flat sheet.

Step 3

Roll the flat sheet into a long cylinder to form the dragon's body.

Step 4

Tape along the cylinder seam to secure the body shape.

Step 5

Pick a smaller box to be the dragon's head.

Step 6

Cut the smaller box to make a snout and a mouth opening.

Step 7

Tape the head to the front of the body so it stays in place.

Step 8

Cut four limb shapes from scrap cardboard for legs and arms.

Step 9

Punch holes in the limb ends and in the body where you want the joints.

Step 10

Fasten each limb to the body using brass paper fasteners to make simple movable joints.

Step 11

Cut a tail shape from scrap cardboard.

Step 12

Tape the tail to the back of the body so it points out behind the dragon.

Step 13

Paint and decorate the dragon with base colors scales eyes and other details using paint markers crayons or stickers.

Step 14

Practice a short story or song using your dragon as the main character.

Step 15

Share your finished creation on DIY.org

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

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Help!?

What can we use if we don't have brass paper fasteners or a large recycled box?

If you don't have brass paper fasteners, make movable joints by threading strong yarn or twine through the punched holes and knotting it (or use brads/small bolts), and if you lack a large box roll two smaller cardboard sheets taped along the seam to form the dragon's body.

My dragon's body won't stay rolled or the head keeps drooping—what should I try?

If the cylinder won't hold or the head droops, reinforce the seam with extra tape and a taped cardboard strip inside the roll and stiffen the head by packing it with rolled-up newspaper before taping the head to the front of the body.

How can I adapt this activity for younger or older kids?

For younger kids have an adult pre-cut the box, limb shapes and punch the holes so they can tape, stuff, and decorate with crayons and stickers, while older kids can punch their own holes, fasten limbs with brass paper fasteners for movable joints, and add detailed paint marker designs or mechanical features.

What are simple ways to enhance or personalize our dragon after decorating?

Add layered scrap-cardboard scales taped to the body, movable wings attached with extra brass paper fasteners, bottle-cap or LED eyes glued to the head, and then use your dragon as the star of the short story or song to record and share on DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to make a big cardboard dragon

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How to Make a Paper Dragon Puppet 🐉 | Easy DIY Craft for Kids

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Facts about cardboard crafts and recycled materials

♻️ Upcycling old boxes into a dragon keeps materials out of the trash and saves energy compared with making new cardboard.

📦 Corrugated fiberboard (cardboard) is one of the most recycled materials and can be reused about 5–7 times.

🐉 Dragons show up in myths from Europe to Asia to the Americas—each culture gives dragons a different personality!

🎭 Making simple arm joints turns your cardboard dragon into a puppet you can perform with—puppetry is an art thousands of years old.

🎨 Papier-mâché (paper and glue) makes lightweight, sturdy shapes—great for big dragon heads and scales.

How do I make a Big Dragon out of recycled cardboard boxes?

Start by collecting large recycled boxes and sketching the dragon's size and shape. Cut body segments, head, wings and tail from boxes; join segments with tape or hot glue, leaving space for simple arm joints. Create movable arms using brads, split pins, or tape loops. Reinforce seams with extra cardboard strips, paint a base coat, then add cardboard or paper scales, eyes and teeth. Let everything dry, add straps if wearable, and practice storytelling with the dragon's movements.

What materials do I need to make a large cardboard dragon?

You’ll need large recycled cardboard boxes, a utility knife or strong scissors (adults handle cutting), masking tape, duct tape, hot glue gun, paints and brushes, markers, pencil and ruler, split pins or brads for movable joints, string or elastic for straps, scrap cardboard for scales, safety gloves and a protective surface. Optional items: sequins, tissue paper, stickers, and clear sealer. Substitute craft glue and strong tape if you don’t have a hot glue gun.

What ages is the Big Dragon cardboard craft suitable for?

This craft suits ages four to twelve with varying supervision: toddlers (two to three) can decorate scales with stickers while supervised; ages four to six need close adult help for cutting and assembly; seven to ten can build most of the dragon with guidance on joints and painting; eleven to fourteen can design more complex mechanisms and lead group builds. Always supervise sharp tools, small parts and paint, and adjust complexity to each child’s skills.

What are the benefits of making a Big Dragon with my child?

Building a big cardboard dragon boosts creativity, problem-solving and fine motor skills as kids design, cut and assemble parts. It encourages teamwork, planning and storytelling when children act out adventures with their dragon. Using recycled boxes teaches eco-awareness and resourcefulness. The project builds confidence, can be adapted for sensory play or drama, and painting plus decorating strengthen hand-eye coordination while giving children a proud, long-lasting play prop.
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