This paper flying puppet has a very simple mechanism to make the wings flap up and down so it flies. You can make your puppet any animal you wish- a bird, a butterfly, a dragon. You can research or observe flying animals in your backyard so your animal can blend right in or make it totally different- it's up to you.

Supplies

Card stock paper
Tape
Scissors
Ruler
Markers
Pipe cleaner
Paper straw

Step 1: Make the Torso

Cut 4 rectangles 4" x 1". Use the rectangles to make rings by taping the ends of the rings closed. Each should be slightly smaller than the last so it makes a more realistic tapered body. Cut a 1/2" x 4" strip, use this to attach your 4 rings together.

Step 2: Add the Head & Tail

Make a head & a tail. Use the torso as a template to measure how tall the head needs to be. Draw the head & cut it out. You can make it flat or make it dimensional. Do the same thing with the tail. Attach them to the torso.

Step 3: Add Wings

Use the torso as a template again to make the wings a good size. If you fold your wing paper in half you can cut out both wings at once and then cut them apart. If you want, you can cut slits in your wings so they look like they have feathers. You can curl the feathers with your fingers so they stand out.

Decorate your wings.

Now tape them to the torso- make sure you only connect them to 1 of the torso rings. Tape the top and the bottom together so that it stays on securely as your creature flies.

Step 4: Add the Mechanism

Take your pipe cleaner and cut it in half. Fold the top of the pipe cleaner down like the photo shows & tape the folded down part onto the wing. Do the same with the other wing.

Next add the straw. Draw a line on the straw about 1/2" long and cut along it. Do the same on the opposite side of the straw. Now fold the two sides of the straw down gently, it will tear a bit and that's ok. If one side tears off just cut the straw shorter and try again. Tape the straw onto the torso in between the wings.

Wrap the pipe cleaners around the straw- make sure they are wrapped next to each other.

Step 5: Make It Fly

This will take two hands. Hold the straw with one hand and hold the pipe cleaners where they're wrapped around the straw with the other hand. Pull and push the pipe cleaners up and down to make the wings flap.