Paper snakes are easy and fun to make. It is a perfect project for those who love nature and can also be a great opportunity to learn about snakes. They are also great Halloween decorations. In this article, you will find some simple and fun ways to create a beautiful snake using paper.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Use a Paper Plate
Step 1. Prepare the material
You can make a very simple snake using a paper plate. It will stay flat if you leave it on the table, but it will spiral out if you hang it! Here's what you'll need:
- Paper plate.
- Acrylic or tempera colors.
- Brushes, sponges, etc.
- Pencil or pen.
- Scissors.
- Crayons, markers, or movable plastic eyes.
- Sheet of paper or red ribbon.
- Vinyl glue.
- Thread, thumbtack, and sheet punch (optional).
- Rhinestones, glitter, etc. (optional).
Step 2. Cut off the edge of the plate
Do not remove too much paper, otherwise the disc may not be large enough.
If you don't have a paper plate available, trace the outline of a small plate on a large sheet of paper. Cut out the circle with scissors and use that disc to make the snake
Step 3. Decorate the paper plate
You can paint the snake however you like, using a brush, sponge or even your fingers. Snakes can have many different colors and designs. Here are some ideas to inspire you:
- Paint the plate in one color and let the paint dry. Dip a sponge in another color and press it onto a sheet of absorbent paper to remove excess paint; then dab the paper disc with the sponge. If you want to add another color, wait for the previous layer to dry. You will get an effect that resembles the scales of snakes.
- Wrap a piece of bubble wrap around a rolling pin, placing the side with the bubbles facing out and securing it with tape. Pour two colors on a palette and gently roll the bubble wrap over the paint, then pass it on the paper plate: you will get a scaly effect.
- You can also paint the other side of the plate to make the snake's belly. Most snakes have a light colored, solid colored belly. Wait until the top is dry before coloring the bottom.
Step 4. Draw a spiral on the back of the disc
The circles should be about 1 cm apart. The spiral doesn't have to be perfect, but try to make it as regular as possible. The center of the spiral will be the snake's head, so make it round.
Draw the spiral on the underside of the paper disc, so it doesn't show
Step 5. Cut out the spiral going from the outside to the inside
Try to cut right on the line to prevent it from being visible on the finished product.
Step 6. Add decorations
After you have cut out the spiral you can paint or glue some decorations to make the snake more interesting. Here are some ideas:
- Paint large stripes on the spiral across the width to make a striped snake.
- Draw Xs or diamonds to create a geometric pattern on the snake.
- Glue some colored rhinestones to the paper with the vinyl glue. Don't put too many on or the snake will get too heavy.
- Use glue to draw patterns or squiggles on the spiral and sprinkle them with glitter. Shake the paper to remove excess glitter and let the glue dry.
Step 7. Add the eyes on the top of the head
You can draw them with a marker or crayon or paint them. If you have a pair of movable plastic eyes, you can glue them on the head with vinyl glue.
Remember that the head is the rounded part in the center of the spiral
Step 8. Add the language
Cut a thin rectangle 3-5 cm long from a sheet of red paper (you can also use a piece of thin red tape). Cut away a V-shaped piece from one end of the rectangle to create a forked tongue. Raise the snake's head and glue the tongue to the underside.
Step 9. Make a hole in the snake if you wish to hang it
Use a hole punch to make a hole in the end of the tail, between the eyes or even in the tongue. Thread a thread through the hole and knot it; attach the other end of the wire to a door handle, stick, or even a pushpin stuck in the wall.
Method 2 of 3: Use Cardstock
Step 1. Prepare the material
You can easily make a snake out of cardstock rings. The more you use, the longer the snake will be. Here is a list of the things you will need:
- Cardboard sheets.
- Red sheet of paper.
- Scissors.
- Glue stick, tape or stapler.
- Vinyl glue.
- Markers, crayons, or plastic movable eyes.
Step 2. Get some construction paper
You will need at least 3 sheets. You can choose them all in the same color to make a simple plain snake, or different colors to make a striped snake.
Step 3. Cut the card into 4-5 cm wide strips
You will need at least 16 strips. The more you make, the longer the snake will be.
To save time, you can overlap the sheets to cut multiple strips at once
Step 4. Form a ring with a strip of construction paper
Take one of the card strips and fold it to form a circle. The ends must overlap by 2-3 cm; secure them with glue stick, tape or a stapler.
- Do not use vinyl glue as it does not dry quickly enough and the rings will reopen before it sets.
- If you use a stapler, ask an adult to help you.
Step 5. Slide a strip of construction paper into the first ring and secure the ends
Repeat the process until you have used all the strips, forming a chain. The snake can be plain or multicolored; you can alternate colors in a regular or random way.
Step 6. Add the language
Cut out a thin rectangle from a sheet of red paper and cut off a V-shaped piece from one end to create the forked tongue. Fold the other end about 1 cm to form a tab and glue it to one of the two end links of the chain.
Step 7. Add the eyes above the tongue
You can draw them with a crayon or a marker or stick them with vinyl glue.
Method 3 of 3: Use Toilet Rolls
Step 1. Prepare the material
If you have empty toilet paper rolls lying around the house, you can make them into a nice curvy snake out of cardboard using a little paint and some thread. You will need:
- 3-4 empty toilet paper rolls.
- Acrylic or tempera colors.
- Brushes.
- Scissors.
- Wire.
- Sheet of paper or red ribbon.
- Vinyl glue.
- Markers, crayons, or plastic movable eyes.
- Sheet punch.
Step 2. Take 3-4 empty toilet paper rolls
If you don't have enough, you can also use old kitchen paper rolls.
Step 3. Cut each roll in half with scissors
If you are using kitchen paper rolls, cut them into 3 equal parts.
Step 4. Paint the rolls and let them dry
You can either paint them all the same color or use a different color for each piece. If you want to add a design or decoration, wait for the first coat of paint to dry.
Step 5. Choose the two roll pieces that will become the snake's head and tail and set them aside
They must not mix with the pieces that will make up the body.
Step 6. Make 4 holes in each roll that you will use to create the body
You need to make 2 at each end, facing each other. Make sure they are aligned.
Step 7. Make 2 holes in the rolls that you will use for the head and tail
You only have to pierce one end; the holes must face each other.
Step 8. Cut the yarn into pieces 10-15 cm long
Cut enough of them to attach all the rolls to each other.
Step 9. Tie all the rolls together with the thread
Don't tie them too tightly or the snake won't be able to move; leave some space between one piece and another. Try to hide the knots on the inside.
Step 10. Add the language
Cut out a long, thin rectangle from a sheet of red paper and cut off a V-shaped piece from one end; you can also use a piece of red ribbon. Glue the straight part to the inside of the head, in the center of the mouth.
If you want the snake to have its mouth closed, ask an adult to pin the edges of the roll together, right on the tongue
Step 11. Add the eyes
You can draw them with a crayon or marker or paint them. If you have a pair of movable plastic eyes you can attach them to your head with vinyl glue.
Advice
- Check out photos of real snakes for inspiration.
- Read a book about snakes as you work on your creation to learn more about them.
Warnings
- Handle the snake carefully; paper is fragile and can tear easily.
- Don't let it get wet.
- Adult supervision is required when using scissors or other sharp objects.
