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Easy Paper Popper for Kids
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How to Make a Paper Popper

Learn how to make a paper popper with this fun and easy origami craft for kids. Follow our step-by-step instructions to try two simple paper folding activities — including one that makes the loudest POP!
Active Time2 minutes
Total Time2 minutes
Yield: 2 paper poppers
Author: Debbie Chapman
Cost: $1

Materials

Instructions

How to Make a Paper Popper (Version 1):

  • All you need to make a paper popper is one 8-1/2 by 11 inch (letter size) piece of paper.
    Paper Popper Supplies
  • Place the paper with the short edge facing you. Fold 1/3 of the paper over from the right to the left.
    Paper Popper
  • Then fold the right side over to the left again, leaving about 1-1/2 inches from the folded edge to the left edge.
    Paper Popper
  • Flip the paper over, vertically, and fold the paper in half, bringing the bottom edge up to the top.
    Paper Popper
  • Flip the paper again, so that the fold is at the top.
    Paper Popper
  • Hold the narrower bands of paper (the top and bottom layers) and bring the wider center ones over to the left.
    Pull them until there's just a small triangle of paper showing at the right edge.
    Paper Popper
  • This creates 2 curved air pockets in the paper. These parts should be at the top, facing away from you, when you "whip" your paper.
    Paper Popper
  • Your paper popper is complete! Now bring your arm forward quickly.
    Paper Popper
  • This action will force air into the pockets, opening up the paper, and creating the popping noise!
    Paper Popper

Fold an Easy Paper Popper (Version 2: The Winner!)

  • You only need a letter sized piece of paper to make this second style of paper popper.
    This paper popper made the loudest pop out of the ones we tried!
    How to Make a Paper Popper Supplies
  • Place the paper with the short edge facing you. Fold the paper in half, bringing the left edge over to the right.
    How to Make a Paper Popper
  • Then fold in half again, this time bringing the top edge down to the bottom.
    How to Make a Paper Popper
  • There will be 4 corners of paper at the bottom right. Pull the 2 middle layers down and over to the left.
    How to Make a Paper Popper
  • Then hold on to the 2 outside corners.
    How to Make a Paper Popper
  • This creates 2 curved air pockets in the paper. Make sure they're at the top when you "whip" your paper.
    How to Make a Paper Popper
  • Your paper popper is complete! Now whip your arm forward to bring air into the pockets.
    How to Make a Paper Popper
  • As the paper opens up, it creates a loud popping noise!
    How to Make a Paper Popper

Notes

Looking for more fun paper crafts? Here's a few of our favourites:
Origami Fish
Paper Squishy
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