Noah Sinclair
Paper crafts are a fun activity for both children and adults. With a few simple supplies, you can create a variety of paper dinosaurs, from simple cut-outs to intricate origami and paper mache sculptures. In this guide, we will focus on one specific aspect of paper dinosaur crafting: creating paper dinosaur nails or claws. These claws can be attached to your paper dinosaur's legs to give it a more realistic and menacing look. By following a few simple folding steps, you can transform a plain piece of paper into sharp, pointy claws that will bring your prehistoric creation to life. So, let's get started on crafting some fearsome dinosaur nails!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Paper | Any type of paper, but thicker paper for sturdier claws |
| Paper Colour | Any colour, but green for a traditional dinosaur |
| Paper Size | Bigger or smaller pieces of paper for bigger or smaller claws |
| Paper Folding | Multiple folding techniques to create a claw shape |
| Glue | White school glue or glue sticks are recommended |
| Nails | Cut out small rectangles and glue to the bottom of each leg |
| Additional Features | Spikes, eyes, eyebrows, eyelashes, mouth, nose |
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What You'll Learn
Choose paper and fold it diagonally
To make paper dinosaur nails, you can use any type of paper you have lying around the house. If you want sturdier claws, then use thicker paper. Make sure that the paper is unmarked and unfolded, otherwise, your claw will be flimsy.
Now, place the paper on a flat surface in a vertical position (portrait). Take the top right corner of the sheet and fold it down so that the top edge is lined up with the left edge. You should now have a point on the left side of your sheet. This first fold is important as it will form a crease that will be used for the following fold.
Take the top left corner and fold it down to the opposite corner. Your paper should now look like a rectangle with one missing corner. Now, fold the diagonal edge at the top down, aligning the top edge with the diagonal edge. Your paper should now be in the shape of a square.
Position the paper with the right angle of the triangle pointing up or away from you. You can now create a triangle by folding the square along the diagonal line.
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Make a vertical valley fold
To make a vertical valley fold for a paper dinosaur nail, follow these steps:
First, place the paper on a flat surface, positioning it horizontally. You can use any type of paper, but thicker paper will result in sturdier claws.
Now, imagine a vertical line dividing the triangle in half, from the point to the base. Fold the paper along this imaginary line, creating a right triangle. This fold forms a crease that will be important for the next step.
Unfold the new triangle you've created, and then fold the two folded edges directly towards the centre line of the triangle. The outer edge of this fold should be perpendicular to the bottom edge of the triangle, possibly extending below it.
Repeat the previous fold two more times. You should start to see the claw taking shape.
Now, tuck the bottom flap into the end. You may need to open the hole with your finger to make it easier.
Finally, tuck the right tip into the pocket formed by the vertical valley fold. This is where your finger will go when wearing the claw.
Be careful when wearing your paper dinosaur nails, as the claws may be sharp and can scratch or poke you or others.
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Tuck the tip into the pocket
Now that you have made the vertical valley fold, it's time to tuck the tip into the pocket. This is a crucial step in creating the claw shape that will eventually serve as the dinosaur's nails. The "pocket" is the small opening or cavity that was formed when you made the vertical valley fold.
To tuck the tip into the pocket, you will need to carefully insert the tip of the paper into the pocket. It's important to ensure that the tip is folded neatly and securely, so take your time with this step. You may need to use your fingers to gently push the tip into the pocket and ensure it stays in place.
The pocket is where your finger will eventually go, so make sure that the tip is tucked in securely and that there is enough space for your finger to fit comfortably. If the pocket feels too tight or constricted, you can carefully adjust the folds to create more room.
Depending on the size of your fingers and the desired fit, you may need to adjust the size of the pocket. To make the pocket bigger, you can unfold the previous fold slightly and then refold it, creating a larger opening. Conversely, if you need to make the pocket smaller, you can fold the tip over multiple times until you achieve the desired size.
Remember, the key to this step is to ensure that the tip is securely tucked into the pocket and that the claw feels comfortable and stable on your finger. Take your time, and feel free to adjust the folds as needed to achieve the perfect fit for your paper dinosaur nails!
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Make claws bigger or smaller
The size of your paper dinosaur claws depends on the size of your fingers and the proportions of the paper you use. If you want to make your claws bigger or smaller, you can adjust the size of the paper accordingly, ensuring that it has the same proportions. For example, if you have larger fingers, you can use a bigger piece of paper, and if you have smaller fingers, you can use a smaller piece of paper.
Additionally, you can customise the size of your claws by trimming the edges. If your claws turn out larger than expected, you can carefully trim 1/4 inch off two adjacent sides to resize them. This helps the claws conform better to your fingers. It is important to make sharp and exact folds to ensure crisp and well-defined claws.
Another way to make your claws longer is by sticking multiple folded pieces together. You can create a longer claw by folding more pieces of paper and attaching them to each other.
When making smaller claws, you can also adjust the size by rolling the paper. Place the paper in a horizontal position and start from the bottom left corner. Roll the paper towards the right, predicting the size of the claw's base for your finger, and tape the corner when you reach the desired size.
Remember to practice on thin, cheap paper before using more expensive materials, and always be cautious when wearing your paper claws to avoid accidentally scratching yourself or others.
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Glue nails to the bottom of each leg
To attach the nails to the legs of your paper dinosaur, you will need to use glue. It is important to note that hot glue is not recommended for this step as it is too bulky. Instead, opt for white school glue or a glue stick, which will create a strong bond without adding excessive weight or bulk to the legs.
Before gluing, ensure that the nails are properly sized and positioned. The nails should be small rectangles, as mentioned in the previous steps for creating the spikes. Cut out four to five small rectangles from the same colour of paper or cardboard used for the spikes, or use a different colour if desired. These rectangles will serve as the nails for your dinosaur's feet.
Now, take each leg cutout and identify where the nails will be attached. Along the bottom edge of each leg, cut a 1 cm slit on two opposite sides. These slits will hold the nail rectangles in place. Insert one nail rectangle into each slit, ensuring that the nails face forward, just like real dinosaur claws. Adjust the position of the nails so that they extend slightly beyond the edge of the leg cutout, creating a realistic clawed appearance.
Once you are satisfied with the placement, carefully apply a small amount of white school glue or use a glue stick to secure the nails in place. Hold each nail in position for a few seconds to ensure proper adhesion. Allow the glue to dry completely before proceeding to the next steps of assembling your paper dinosaur. Remember to exercise caution when handling the glued nails to avoid any accidental tears or smudges.
By following these steps and allowing adequate drying time, you will successfully attach the nails to the bottom of each leg, giving your paper dinosaur a detailed and authentic appearance.
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