Picture handing someone a pencil and the pencil has the cutest folded paper puppy face on top, with big googly eyes, little pink ears, and a red tongue peeking out. That tiny detail turns a regular pencil into something people will stop and squeal over. This paper dog pencil topper is so charming, it looks like something from a boutique gift shop.
You do not need any experience with origami, paper crafts, or art to make this. If you have ever folded a piece of paper in half, you already know the hardest part. We will walk through every fold together, one step at a time, and you will end up with something you are genuinely proud of.
For this paper dog pencil topper, you need pink and red cardstock, a straw or pencil, a pair of scissors, googly eyes, glue, and a black marker. The whole project takes about 10–15 minutes. Take your time, grab your supplies, and let’s get started!
WHY YOU WI[LL LOVE THIS PROJECT
This paper dog pencil topper looks like it costs a lot but every single material you need probably costs less than $3 total. It is the kind of craft that surprises people, because the finished result looks so polished and intentional. Beginners love this project because every step has a clear visual payoff. You can actually watch the puppy face take shape fold by fold. It is also perfect for gifting, back-to-school season, birthday party favors, and Valentine’s Day (the heart on top seals the deal!).
WHAT YOU WILL NEED
- 1 sheet of Pink Cardstock (standard 8.5″ x 11″) [Budget alternative: pink construction paper]
- 1 small piece of Red Cardstock (for the tongue and heart) [Budget alternative: red craft foam sheet]
- 1 small piece of Brown or Dark Paper (for the nose circle) [Budget alternative: brown cardstock scrap]
- 2 Googly Eyes (medium, approx. 12–15mm each) [Budget alternative: draw eyes with black marker and white paint pen]
- 1 Pink Drinking Straw (or a pink/plain pencil) [Budget alternative: any pencil or chopstick]
- White craft glue or a glue stick
- Black marker (fine or medium tip, for drawing eyelashes and pupils)
- Scissors
- Optional: White cardstock scrap for the bone decoration on the stick
Total estimated cost: $1–$3 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: Fold Your Pink Paper Diagonally to Make a Triangle
Take your pink cardstock and fold it in half corner-to-corner, creating a large triangle. Line up the corners as closely as you can before pressing down the fold this makes the whole dog face come out even. Run your fingernail or a ruler along the fold to make a sharp, clean crease. Take your time here; a neat first fold means a neater puppy face later.
💡 Pro Tip: If your paper keeps slipping, hold it down with one hand flat on the table while you fold with the other.
Step 2: Fold the Two Side Corners Down to Make the Ears
Hold the triangle with the long flat edge at the top, then fold each of the two side corners downward and slightly outward to create the dog’s floppy ears. These two folds form the ear shape they should hang down from the middle of the face like a real puppy’s ears. Do not press them all the way to the edge; aim for a gentle downward angle. It is okay if both ears are not perfectly identical, real dogs have slightly different ears too!
💡 Pro Tip: Fold one ear at a time and compare them in front of you before pressing the crease firmly. Adjust before you commit to the fold.
Step 3: Fold the Bottom Point Up to Create the Snout
Fold the bottom point of the shape up and toward the center this flap becomes the dog’s snout and lower face. You do not fold it all the way up to the top; stop about halfway so it creates a rounded muzzle shape. Press the crease firmly. When you look at the shape now, you should start to see a little dog face coming together. This is an exciting moment!
💡 Pro Tip: The snout flap forms a small triangle pointing up. If yours looks more like a rectangle, your fold may be a little too high, gently unfold and try again just a touch lower.
Step 4: Cut and Attach the Red Tongue
Cut a small rectangle from your red cardstock about the size of your thumbnail and tuck it under the bottom edge of the snout flap so it peeks out like a tongue. Add a small dab of glue to hold it in place. The tongue is one of the details that makes this puppy look instantly playful and full of life. No rush, let the glue set for a moment before moving on.
💡 Pro Tip: Round the bottom corners of the tongue piece with your scissors to give it that soft, natural shape. It takes five seconds and makes a big difference.
Step 5: Add the Nose and Glue On the Googly Eyes
Cut a small circle from your brown or dark paper scrap this is the nose and glue it to the center of the snout area. Then press your two googly eyes onto the upper face, one on each side of the center. Hold each eye down for a few seconds so the glue grabs. Stand back and look at your puppy. You will feel a little rush of joy when the face suddenly looks alive.
💡 Pro Tip: Place the googly eyes slightly higher and wider apart for a puppy-dog expression. Placing them too low makes the face look worried instead of cute.
Step 6: Draw the Eyelashes with a Black Marker
Pick up your black marker and draw short, curved eyelashes above each googly eye. Draw three or four small lines fanning upward from the top of each eye they should look like little lashes flicking outward. Hold the paper steady with your other hand. Do not worry about making them perfect; even slightly wobbly lashes look adorable on a paper puppy.
💡 Pro Tip: Draw the lashes on a scrap piece of paper first to get a feel for the size and angle before you mark your dog. Confidence strokes look better than hesitant ones.
Step 7: Insert the Straw Through the Bottom of the Dog Face
Slide your pink drinking straw up through the bottom fold of the dog face so it sticks out below like a handle. The straw goes between the layers of the folded paper, pushing it gently until it sits snugly. If it feels loose, add a small strip of tape or a dab of glue inside the fold to hold the straw securely. This is your pencil topper handle!
💡 Pro Tip: If you want to attach this to an actual pencil instead of a straw, wrap a small strip of tape around the eraser end of the pencil before inserting it creates friction so the topper stays put.
Step 8: Cut Out a Red Heart and a White Bone for Decoration
Cut a small heart from red cardstock and glue it to the top of the dog’s head, and cut a small bone shape from white paper to attach to the straw below the face. The heart can sit right on top between the ears. It adds a sweet finishing touch that works beautifully for Valentine’s Day or gifting. The bone on the stick ties the whole “dog” theme together perfectly.
💡 Pro Tip: To cut a heart without a template, fold a small rectangle of red paper in half and cut a half-heart shape along the folded edge when you open it, both sides will match.
TIPS & TRICKS
1. Use cardstock, not regular copy paper. Regular printer paper is too thin and floppy for this project the folds will not hold their shape. Cardstock gives the dog face a sturdy, satisfying structure that stays crisp.
2. If your glue is taking too long to dry, try a hot glue gun. A low-temperature hot glue gun bonds instantly and holds the googly eyes and tongue firmly in place. Ask an adult to help if kids are making this one.
3. What to do if your fold is uneven. Unfold it completely, hold the paper up to a window to see the crease lines, then re-fold using those lines as guides. Paper can be re-folded multiple times without damage.
4. Make the ears slightly bigger for a floppier look. If you want a different dog breed feel, fold the ears just a bit further down and outward. A slightly bigger ear fold gives a Cocker Spaniel look; a smaller, tighter fold looks more like a Beagle.
5. Make a whole set in different colors. Once you learn the folds, this goes very fast. Try yellow for a Labrador, brown for a Chocolate Lab, or white and grey for a Husky. A set of six makes the most impressive party favor spread.
WAYS TO USE THIS CRAFT
As Home Décor: Stand several paper dog pencil toppers in a small vase or cup on a desk or shelf they make the most charming, conversation-starting display. Mix colors for an eclectic, playful vibe that looks thoughtfully curated. Check out our Fun Paper Cup Dinosaur Puppet for Beginners for more paper friends to add to the collection!
As a Handmade Gift: Slide this onto a real pencil, wrap it in cellophane, and tie it with a ribbon instant gift for a dog lover, a child, a teacher, or anyone who appreciates something made with care. It pairs beautifully with a handwritten card or a small notebook. Explore our Pop-Up Paper Flower Card Tutorial for Beginners for more ideas that ship beautifully.
For Seasonal Moments: Add the red heart and this becomes a Valentine’s Day gift your recipient will keep forever. Swap in orange paper for Halloween, or use white and red for Christmas. This craft adapts to every season and celebration with just a color change.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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How long does this paper dog pencil topper take to make?
Most people finish their first one in 10 to 15 minutes. Once you have done it once and feel comfortable with the folds, you can make a second one in about 7 minutes. It is a great project for a quiet afternoon, a craft night, or a classroom activity.
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What if I mess up a fold or the glue goes in the wrong place?
Paper is very forgiving! You can unfold and re-fold as many times as you need the crease lines to actually help guide you on the second try. For glue mistakes, let it dry completely and then gently peel it away. It is okay if it’s not perfect; handmade always has character.
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Where can I buy the materials if I can’t find them locally?
All of these supplies, cardstock, googly eyes, glue sticks, and straws are available at craft stores like Michaels, Hobby Lobby, or Walmart. You can also order them through Amazon with next-day delivery. A cardstock variety pack is your best value if you want to make multiple colors.
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Can I make this without googly eyes?
Absolutely! Draw two circles with a black marker, fill them in leaving a small white reflection dot, and they look just as expressive as the googly version. You can also cut small circles from white cardstock and draw pupils on them. That is exactly what the creator does in the video for the nose detail.
CLOSING
You made it and we are so proud of you for trying something new! Your paper dog pencil topper is proof that beautiful, thoughtful crafts do not need a long supply list or years of practice. You did that with paper, glue, and your own two hands. That is worth celebrating. Whether you are keeping it for yourself or gifting it to someone who needs a smile today, know that handmade always carries something extra. Ready for your next project? Try: How to Make a Paper Bookmark Beginner Friendly! next!
Happy crafting! LOUVADECORES
