Unicorn Puppet Craft (Easy Kids’ Paper Puppet!)
If you’re looking for a simple, magical craft that kids absolutely love, this Unicorn Puppet is it! ✨
It’s low-prep, uses basic supplies, and it’s perfect for rainy days, birthday parties, classroom fun, or a cozy afternoon at home.
Kids can put on a little puppet show when they’re done — and you’ll sneak in fine motor practice with cutting, gluing, and decorating. 🌿
Why We Love This Craft
-
Encourages creativity & imaginative play
-
Builds fine motor skills (cutting, gluing, drawing)
-
Easy to customize with colors, stickers, or glitter
-
Great for ages 3–8+ (with help as needed)
Supply List (What You’ll Need)
Main Materials
-
1 paper lunch bag (white or brown is fine)
-
1 jumbo craft stick (or popsicle stick)
-
White paper (construction paper or cardstock works best)
-
Yellow paper (for mane/hair)
-
Pink paper (for inner ears)
-
Ribbon or tulle (pink looks adorable!)
-
Glue stick or school glue
-
Scissors
Decorating Options (Pick your favorites!)
-
Markers or crayons
-
Stickers (stars, hearts, rainbow, etc.)
-
Glitter glue (optional)
-
Googly eyes (optional — you can also draw eyes)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Paper Bag
Lay your paper bag flat with the bottom flap facing up (this flap becomes the unicorn’s “mouth” area).
This is where you’ll create the face.
Step 2: Create the Unicorn Face
On a white piece of paper (or directly on the bag), draw:
-
Closed sleepy eyes (curved lashes)
-
Pink cheeks (light circles)
-
Two small nostrils (little lines or dots)
Glue the face onto the front of the bag if you made it separately.
Step 3: Make the Ears
Cut:
-
2 ear shapes from white paper
-
2 smaller ear shapes from pink paper
Glue the pink pieces inside the white ears.
Attach the ears at the top sides of the bag (one on each side).
Step 4: Create the Mane (Fringe Hair)
Cut a rectangle of yellow paper, about the width of the bag’s top.
Then:
-
Snip vertical strips (like fringe) about halfway down the rectangle
-
Glue the uncut top edge of the fringe along the top of the bag’s face
This gives your unicorn a cute “bangs” look!
Step 5: Make the Unicorn Horn
Cut a horn shape from white paper (a tall oval/triangle cone shape).
Let kids decorate it with:
-
Stickers
-
Little stars
-
Rainbow stripes
-
Glitter glue
Then roll it slightly so it looks rounded like a horn and glue it near the top center of the bag, above the mane.
Step 6: Add Ribbon or Tulle
Glue a few strands of ribbon or tulle along one side of the horn (or behind the mane).
This creates the flowing “unicorn hair” effect — and it looks SO cute when kids move the puppet!
Step 7: Attach the Popsicle Stick Handle
Flip the bag over and glue a jumbo craft stick to the bottom center of the bag.
Tip: For extra strength, add a strip of tape over the stick or glue it with hot glue (adult only).
Step 8: Puppet Time!
Once it’s dry, kids can slip their hand inside the bag and use the stick to help hold it steady.
Encourage them to make up a story:
-
What’s your unicorn’s name?
-
Where does she live?
-
What magical power does she have?
Helpful Tips
✅ For younger kids: Pre-cut the ears and horn, then let them decorate and glue.
✅ For sturdier puppets: Use cardstock instead of plain paper.
✅ For a group activity: Set out “decor stations” (stickers, markers, ribbon, glitter).
Easy Variations
-
Make a rainbow mane using multiple colors of paper
-
Add a little crown for a “Unicorn Princess”
-
Turn it into a story-time puppet for reading together
Wrap-Up
This Unicorn Puppet Craft is the perfect mix of simple and magical — and it encourages creativity, play, and skill-building all at once.
If you make one, I’d love to see it! Tag Acorn to Tree: Learn & Grow so we can celebrate your unicorn creations 🌿✨