Making your own shadow puppets is a really fun way to create your own characters and tell stories by casting shadows onto a wall.
Click on the image to download a printable shadow puppet!
What you need:
- Printable shadow puppets
- Paper
- Printer
- Cardboard
- Straws, craft sticks or skewers
- Tape
- A glue stick
- Scissors or a craft knife
- Light source (sun, lamp or flashlight)
Print out a shadow puppet design onto a piece of paper.
Glue your shadow puppet onto a piece of cardboard.
Pro Tip
Make sure to cover the whole shadow puppet (not just the edges) with glue before sticking it down to the cardboard. This will ensure that your puppet doesn’t fall apart after you cut it out.
Secure a straw, craft sticUse the scissors (or craft knife) to cut around the shape of the shadow puppets.
Warning
Ask an adult to help you cut out the shadow puppets. Especially if you are using a craft knife.
Pro Tip
Use a black marker to colour in any parts where the white of the paper may be showing.
Secure a straw, craft stick or skewer to the back of the puppet using tape.
Shine your light source against a wall to bring your puppet to life!
This article first appeared in Supernova Volume 10.1
Activity by Candice Robertson & Josh Neilson
