Dragon crafts breathe flames that spark joy in the hearts of kids who craft! Dragons are seen as a symbol of luck and power and you’ll often see them as part of a Lunar New Year celebration, especially in the ‘year of the dragon’.
You’ll find them in folklore and storybook tales alongside knights and princesses too, which make them a great option for a fun and interactive craft.
Using the included free printable template, kids of all ages can make this easy fire breathing dragon toilet paper roll craft at home or in school. Let’s get started!
- Table Of Contents:
Materials:
- Toilet paper roll
- Tissue paper (red, orange, and yellow) [also called crepe paper]
- Double sided tape or glue
- Pencil crayons (orange and green)
- Markers
- Green paint
- Paintbrush
- Free printable template
Instructions:
Step 1)
Gather your supplies. Paint the toilet paper roll green and let it dry.
Step 2)
Print the template and color the template pieces with markers or pencil crayons. You can refer to the photo to make it look similar by using orange, green and black. Or choose your own colors to make it your own.
Step 3)
Cut the template pieces out and attach them to the green toilet paper roll to make the top of the head.
Step 4)
Cut long strips of the tissue paper.
Step 5)
Attach the tissue paper strips to the inside of the end of the tube with double-sided tape or glue to create the dragon’s mouth.
When you blow into the back of the paper roll, the tissue paper will move around and look just like real flames!
Video Instructions
Prefer to see video instructions? Check out the YouTube video tutorial for this Fire Breathing Dragon Craft here.
Template Download
Download the free template below the next image for this fun activity. It will supply you with pieces you can print out to help make the dragon’s head. Feel free to print it at home or at your local print shop. Templates are for personal use only, not for commercial use or resale.
Tips & Troubleshooting
Prepare the Workspace:
Before starting to make these toilet paper roll dragons, set up a dedicated crafting area with all the necessary materials. Lay down newspaper or a tablecloth to catch any paint or glue spills, making cleanup easier.
Supervise Younger Kids:
While this craft is suitable for various age groups, younger children may require some assistance, especially with cutting and assembling. Supervise and offer guidance as needed to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Encourage Creative Freedom:
Allow kids to express their creativity by making their design choices. Offer a variety of colors, patterns, and materials, and encourage them to personalize their dragons based on their unique preferences. After all, they’re mythical creatures, so this easy kid’s craft can be any color they want.
Wet Paint Issues:
If the paint is taking too long to dry, consider using a hairdryer on a low setting to speed up the process. Ensure that the paint is completely dry before moving on to the next step
Template Attachment Challenges:
If the template pieces are not sticking well to the painted toilet paper roll, use a stronger adhesive or try some clear tape. Press down firmly and hold the pieces in place until the adhesive sets.
Variation Ideas
Different Dragon Colors:
Encourage kids to explore a variety of dragon colors. Instead of the traditional green, they can experiment with blues, purples, pinks, or even metallic shades. This allows for a rainbow of dragons with distinct personalities.
Texture Play:
Introduce different textures by incorporating materials such as glitter, fabric, or textured paper for the dragon’s body. Experiment with what you find in your supplies at home or at a local craft store!
Dragon Family:
Extend the crafting session by creating an entire dragon family. Kids can craft baby dragons with smaller toilet paper rolls or even create an elaborate dragon landscape using multiple rolls.
Benefits of This Dragon Craft For Kids
Creativity
With markers, pencil crayons, and a free printable template, kids have the freedom to color and design their own dragon. It’s a great way to foster creativity and allows them to bring their unique vision to life.
Fine Motor Skills Development:
Cutting and attaching the template pieces to the toilet paper roll involves precision and coordination, aiding in the development of fine motor skills. The intricate details of the dragon’s features provide an enjoyable challenge for kids, refining their hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity while they enjoy creating a fun project.
Sensory Exploration:
The use of different materials, such as tissue paper, adds a sensory dimension to the craft. Cutting and attaching the tissue paper strips provide a tactile experience, allowing kids to explore different textures and sensations, contributing to their sensory development.
Interactive Play:
Once the little fire-breathing dragon is assembled, the real magic begins. Blowing into the back of the paper roll sets the tissue paper flames in motion, creating a visually stimulating effect. This interactive element is so much fun; it adds excitement to the craft but also allows kids to engage in imaginative play as they bring their fire-breathing dragon to life.
Final Thoughts
This is such a fun craft for celebrating Chinese New Year or to enhance your pretend play on a rainy day! Your very own mythical creature will definitely bring a burst of color and excitement to indoor playtime. You might even find yourself joining in on the dragon drama too—trust me, it’s that much fun.
Stick around Crafty Kids Play for more kids crafts, sensory play ideas and free printables!
