How long does it take to complete?

You can finish this dinosaur in about 15 to 20 minutes once your materials are gathered.

What if I mess up the cut on the cup?

It is okay if it isn't perfect! You can usually cover uneven cuts with the cardstock "teeth" or simply use a new cup since they are very affordable.

Where can I buy these specific cups?

Most grocery stores or party supply shops carry colored paper cups. If you can't find green, you can paint white cups with acrylic paint.

Can I use glue sticks for the heavy pieces?

A glue stick works for the paper teeth, but for the tail and spikes, a drop of liquid glue or double-sided tape provides a stronger hold.

Fun Paper Cup Dinosaur Puppet for Beginners

Imagine a vibrant, lime-green dinosaur that actually opens its mouth to “roar” at your command. This paper cup puppet is more than a craft; it is a moving toy that brings a splash of prehistoric fun to your shelf or playroom. You will love how the simple mechanics of a string make this creature come to life right in your hands.

You do not need any experience to make this project a success. We focus on basic cutting and assembly techniques that anyone can master. If your lines aren’t perfectly straight or your glue is a little messy, don’t worry that only gives your dinosaur more personality!

We will use two paper cups, some colorful cardstock scraps, and a bit of string to build this little guy. Set aside about 15 to 20 minutes for this activity. Let’s get started and bring this dinosaur to life together!

Table of Contents

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS PROJECT

This project looks like a clever store-bought toy, but it costs almost nothing to create using recycled materials. It is a fantastic way to practice fine motor skills while making something functional and fun. Since it uses paper cups as the base, it is sturdy enough for hours of imaginative play.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

2 Lime Green Paper Cups — [Any colored paper cups]
1 sheet White Cardstock — [White printer paper]
1 sheet Orange Cardstock — [Construction paper]
1 sheet Green Cardstock — [Green foam sheets]
Red String (approx. 12 inches) — [Embroidery floss or yarn]
1 Wooden Skewer — [A sharpened pencil or large needle]
Black and Yellow Markers — [Paint pens or stickers]
Craft Scissors — [Safety scissors for kids]
Glue Stick or Hot Glue — [Double-sided tape]

Total estimated cost: $2–$5

All materials can be found at your local craft store or ordered online.

VIDEO TUTORIAL

Watch the full tutorial above before reading the written steps. The steps below match the video exactly.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Create the Dinosaur Jaw

Cut a wide “V” shape into the side of your first lime green cup. Start from the rim and cut upward toward the base, stopping about halfway. Mirror this on the opposite side so a large triangular piece of the cup wall remains. This opening creates the mouth that will house the dinosaur’s teeth later.

Cutting a V-shape into a green paper cup for a dinosaur mouth.

Pro Tip: Take your time with the scissors to keep the edges smooth so the “jaw” looks clean.

Step 2: Prepare the Body Base

Cut a vertical slit down the side of your second lime green cup. Hold the cup upside down and make one straight cut from the rim all the way to the base. This allows the cup to expand slightly so the “head” cup can sit comfortably on top.

Making a vertical slit in a paper cup for the puppet body.

Pro Tip: If the cup feels too stiff, wiggle the scissors slightly to widen the slit.

Step 3: Pierce the Control Hole

Use a wooden skewer to poke a small hole in the center of the cup’s bottom. Place the cup face down on a flat surface and apply steady pressure until the skewer pops through. This hole acts as the guide for the string that moves the jaw.

Piercing a hole in the bottom of a paper cup with a skewer.

Pro Tip: Place a piece of scrap cardboard under the cup to protect your table while poking the hole.

Step 4: Thread the Pull String

Thread your red string through the hole you just created. Push the end of the string from the outside of the cup through to the inside. Tie a large knot or attach a small piece of wood/matchstick to the end inside the cup so the string cannot pull back through.

Threading red string through a hole in a green paper cup.

Pro Tip: Double-knot the string to ensure it stays secure during heavy “roaring” sessions.

Step 5: Connect the Head and Body

Slide the “head” cup over the top of the “body” cup. Ensure the string from the bottom cup is positioned so it can pull the top cup’s jaw. The slit you made in Step 2 helps the two cups nestle together securely.

Assembling the head and body cups for the dinosaur puppet.

Pro Tip: Adjust the tension of the string now to make sure the movement feels fluid.

Step 6: Add the Prehistoric Details

Glue on the eyes, teeth, and spikes to finish your dinosaur. Cut zig-zag “teeth” from white cardstock and orange triangles for the back spikes. Attach the tiny green arms to the sides and a tail to the back to complete the look.

Completed paper cup dinosaur puppet with teeth and spikes.

Pro Tip: Use a black marker to add a “pupil” to the yellow eye circles for an extra expressive look.

TIPS & TRICKS

Fixing a Loose Jaw: If the head feels too wobbly, add a small dab of glue to the back where the two cups meet, leaving the front free to move.
Better Grip: Tie a small bead or a loop at the bottom of the red string to make it easier for small hands to pull.
Sturdier Spikes: Use slightly thicker cardstock for the back spikes so they stay upright and don’t flop over.
Color Variations: Don’t feel limited to green! A purple or blue dinosaur looks just as prehistoric and fun.

WAYS TO USE THIS CRAFT

This dinosaur makes a wonderful addition to a bookshelf as Home Decor or a fun desk companion. If you are looking for Gifting ideas, pair this puppet with a dinosaur-themed storybook for a thoughtful birthday present. For more interactive paper projects, check out our Beautiful Paper Daisy Flower Tutorial DIY for Beginners

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long does it take to complete?

You can finish this dinosaur in about 15 to 20 minutes once your materials are gathered.
What if I mess up the cut on the cup?

It is okay if it isn’t perfect! You can usually cover uneven cuts with the cardstock “teeth” or simply use a new cup since they are very affordable.
Where can I buy these specific cups?

Most grocery stores or party supply shops carry colored paper cups. If you can’t find green, you can paint white cups with acrylic paint.
Can I use glue sticks for the heavy pieces?

A glue stick works for the paper teeth, but for the tail and spikes, a drop of liquid glue or double-sided tape provides a stronger hold.

CLOSING

You did it! You turned a couple of ordinary paper cups into a roaring masterpiece. Crafting is all about the joy of creating something from nothing, and your new dinosaur friend is proof of your creativity. Take a moment to show off that moving jaw you earned it!

Ready for your next project? Try our Paper Flower Wall Decoration Easy DIY for Beginners next!

Happy crafting! — LOUVADECORES