A paper firecracker is perfect for scaring or pranking friends and siblings. By folding the sheet correctly, you can trap air pockets inside it that generate a very loud bang when you throw it with the appropriate technique. All you need is a piece of paper, a little wrist strength and soon you will have your very own paper firecracker!
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Build a Normal Paper Firecracker
Step 1. Use a regular printer sheet (21.5x28cm)
If you don't have it, you can also tear a page out of the notebook.
- The standard A4 sheet of printer paper (216 x 280 mm) is the one that gives the best results, but you can use a larger or smaller one if you wish; just make sure it's rectangular.
- Notebook paper isn't as strong as printer paper and doesn't make a loud noise, but you can still use it.
- It is not necessary for the sheet to have these precise dimensions, even if they are the simplest ones to start with and to fold.
- Lay the paper on a flat surface so that the longer sides are at the top and bottom.
Step 2. Fold the bottom edge up one quarter of the way
Bring it about 65 mm up, creating a horizontal crease that you then need to define strongly.
- Fold the paper away from you, facing up.
- Run a finger along the bottom edge to secure the crease and hold it in place.
Step 3. Fold the sheet once again up and 65 mm
Eventually, you should have a free top flap about 65mm wide.
If the flap is smaller, don't worry because that's okay; as long as its width is not less than 25mm, the firecracker keeps a correct shape
Step 4. Turn the paper over so you don't see the crease lines
At this point, the free flap is down, close to you; fold the paper in half widthwise creating a vertical line.
- When you do this, the folded part, or bar, should be visible again.
- You should get a square shape with the folds facing out.
Step 5. Grab the firecracker by the rear tip of the bent bar
Find the folded edge of the top bar (the one you folded earlier) and grab it with one hand; hold the lower corner with the other hand. Pull the bar up and in, while pushing the free flap in and down, in the opposite direction.
You may notice that two open loops, or pockets, have formed from the folded bar; grab the corners at their base
Step 6. Be careful not to pinch any portion of the unfolded paper
You shouldn't grab the firecracker too hard; do not take it by the flap not folded in the center, otherwise you will not be able to snap it. Imagine holding a paper airplane upside down.
- Look at the inside of the firecracker from the outside edge. You should have created two diamond-shaped air pockets.
- When you snap the firecracker to open it, you need to release the unfolded section of the paper. Make sure you are not holding the bottom edge and that it moves freely.
- To get a louder noise, you can try to pull and open the bags a little, to let in as much air as possible.
Step 7. Snap the firecracker down
Lift your arm and then quickly bring it down, as if you want to crack a whip or bounce a ball.
- The air pockets should pop open. You can pop the firecracker on the counter or just in the air.
- As you lower your arm, snap your wrist for more force.
Method 2 of 3: Making a Firecracker with the Origami Technique
Step 1. Get a sheet of 21.5x28cm printer paper
To make this firecracker you need a rectangular sheet; any standard printer sheet is fine.
- A4 sheets are the most suitable, but you can also use smaller or larger ones, according to your preferences; just check that they are rectangular.
- You can also use a sheet of notebook. This type of paper does not create a loud noise because it is not heavy, but it is still fine.
- Place the paper on the table so that the longer sides are at the top and bottom.
Step 2. Create creases as reference points
Fold the paper in half, lengthwise, creating a horizontal line. Open the sheet and repeat the operation for the width direction, obtaining a vertical line.
At this point, you should have four folds, both vertical and horizontal, that form a kind of cross
Step 3. Fold each corner inward
The edge should line up with the horizontal crease.
- When you are done with this, you should see two triangles on each side of the paper.
- Fold each corner as you would to make a paper airplane.
- You can notice a vertical, open section of paper in the center of the folds.
Step 4. Fold the firecracker in half to give it a trapezoid shape
At this point, the sheet should be folded in half along the horizontal line.
The firecracker should resemble a trapezoid or triangle with the tip cut off
Step 5. Fold the left and right corners down
Position the paper so that the shorter flat edge is facing down, next to you. Take the two upper corners (left and right) and bring them down.
- Make sure the top edges line up with the vertical crease.
- This should create two triangular flaps that meet in the center and form a rhombus.
Step 6. Finish the firecracker
Turn the paper over and fold it in half along the vertical line.
The firecracker should now have a triangular shape with two outer flaps
Step 7. Snap it
Keep the lower corners between your thumb and forefinger; raise your arm and quickly lower it with a sudden movement, to make a snap.
- If the paper is a bit stiff, you may need to pull the inside folds outward a little to make the firecracker "pop" for the first time.
- Tuck back the flap that came out to make noise again.
Method 3 of 3: Make an Alternative Paper Firecracker
Step 1. Get a sheet of 21.5x28cm printer paper
Lay it on the table so that the long sides are horizontal.
- A4 sheets are the most suitable, but you can also use smaller or larger ones, according to your preferences; just check that they are rectangular.
- A sheet of notebook is fine, but does not produce a loud noise, as it is thinner than printer paper.
Step 2. Fold the paper in half lengthwise to create a horizontal line
Take the bottom edge of the paper and bring it up, matching it to the top.
Run a finger along the crease to create a sharp line
Step 3. Fold it in half again
This time you have to do it for the width sense and get a vertical line.
- Take the right edge and bring it over the left one.
- Run your finger along the crease to secure it.
Step 4. Grab the two inner flaps at the base of the paper, using two fingers of one hand
At the base you should have four flaps that were formed by folding the paper, you have to take the two insides.
The top of the sheet has two edges formed by the folds, while at the bottom there are two inner and two outer flaps
Step 5. Pinch the two outer flaps with the other hand
Pull the inner ones up, while holding the outer flaps.
- At this point, you should see two rings or two conical pouches that have formed by pushing the inner flaps upward.
- Hold the latter steady, bringing the outer ones towards the center of the firecracker.
- Make sure you don't pinch any part of the inside flaps, as the cones must open when you throw the firecracker to make a noise.
Step 6. Pop the firecracker
Raise your arm and lower it quickly, as if you want to crack a whip or bounce a ball on the ground.
Snap your wrist as you lower your arm to snap the inner flaps outward
Advice
- Try using different types of paper, such as colored cardstock, or papers with different textures to see if you can get a louder noise.
- Quickly move your wrist down as you throw the firecracker to make even more noise.
- Feel free to decorate the firecracker however you like to personalize it.
Warnings
- Don't pop the firecracker in front of cats and dogs.
- Do not use it in the classroom to disturb the teacher, you could get in trouble.
- The sound of a paper firecracker is very loud, it could resemble that of a gunshot. Don't use it in a quiet place, as it may scare people you don't know.
