◷ 40 minutes◎ Ages 7–12✦ Crafts
Quick start

Build a character from separate paper parts, then rearrange the pieces into different poses. It is a simple introduction to animation puppets.

Finished example for Make a movable paper character
Inspiration image: one possible finished result. Your artwork should be your own.
Your creative mission

What you will learn

Separate shapes can become a movable character.

Skills: Shape planning, simple joints and storytelling

Jump to picture steps ↓

What you’ll need

  • Card paper
  • Colour pencils
  • Safety scissors
  • Paper fasteners or small paper loops

Get ready: Pre-cut pieces and use only adult-approved, age-appropriate fasteners.

Six-frame visual journey for Make a movable paper character, ending in a colourful creative variation
Visual journey: use the numbered guide below for complete instructions. The final inspiration image is one imaginative variation, not a required result.
Follow along

Make it, one picture at a time.

Look at the picture, try that step on your paper, then move to the next. Follow the numbered stages, then choose your own colours and details.

  1. Stage 1 of 5: Draw a large body and a separate head, arms and legs on card.
    STEP 01

    Draw a large body and a separate head, arms and legs on card.

  2. Stage 2 of 5: Colour each piece before cutting, so small sections are easier to handle.
    STEP 02

    Colour each piece before cutting, so small sections are easier to handle.

  3. Stage 3 of 5: Ask an adult to cut out the parts and prepare safe connection points.
    STEP 03

    Ask an adult to cut out the parts and prepare safe connection points.

  4. Stage 4 of 5: Connect the limbs with suitable paper fasteners, or use folded paper loops as simple joints.
    STEP 04

    Connect the limbs with suitable paper fasteners, or use folded paper loops as simple joints.

  5. Stage 5 of 5: Pose the character in three different actions and make a short story about one pose.
    STEP 05

    Pose the character in three different actions and make a short story about one pose.

Make it your own

You can create a non-jointed version by laying pieces on a table. Avoid small fasteners with young children.

Talk about it: How do the arm positions change what your character is doing?

Help a young artist learn

These practical notes are for parents, carers and teachers. Children can follow the picture steps above.

For parents and carers — teach together

Start together

Pre-cut pieces and use only adult-approved, age-appropriate fasteners.

During the activity

Model how to move one arm slowly, then let the child try.

Afterwards

Ask: How do the arm positions change what your character is doing?

For teachers — classroom adaptation

Learning focus

Shape planning, simple joints and storytelling

Demonstrate and guide

Prepare a no-fastener alternative and a safe cutting station.

Observe, do not grade the artwork

Ask learners to describe one choice they made and one thing they would try differently.

Make it easier or take it further

Make it easier

Draw a single unjointed character on paper.

Extra challenge

Create three character poses for a short animation.

Keep creating

Create a paper stop-motion scene

Make paper characters appear to move with a series of photographs.

Build a colourful paper-collage city

Use cut-out shapes to invent a street full of imaginative buildings.

Activities are suggestions, not assessments. Adapt materials and supervise as needed.