DLTK's Crafts for Kids
Cheerleader 3D Paper Model

I'm not going to lie -- this is a pretty complicated craft for my website. It is, however, a fairly easy example of a 3D paper model and suits pre-teens who have patience.

If you have a crafter who'd like a bit more of a challenge, then this 3d cheerleader is great fun. If you have a less patient crafter, I'd recommend the cheerleader cardboard tube craft instead.

Materials:

• paper,
• printer,
• scissors,
• glue,
• tape,
• something to colour with (B&W version)

Instructions:

• Print out the craft template of choice.
• Color the pieces if using the B&W version of the template.
• Cut out the template pieces.

• Piece 1 - the bottom: 

Put a dab of glue on the tab and roll into a cylinder shape.  Hold it for a second until it's dry enough to stay together on its own. The photos are from the Chinese New Year girl craft that works the exact same way.

• Piece 2 - the body: 

Put a dab of glue on the tab and roll into a cone shape.  Hold it for a second until it's dry enough to stay together on its own.

• Piece 3 - the head: 

Fold on each of the dotted lines and put a dab of glue on the tabs.  Push all the pieces together.

It's important to fold everything carefully first, then dab glue on every tab before you start pushing the pieces together!

• Piece 4 - the arms: 

Fold the arms in half and glue together.

Fold the pom poms in half and glue together.

Glue one pom pom to each arm.

Use tape to attach one to each side of the body.  Attach them at least halfway down the body so they don't interfere with the head.

• Final Assembly: 

Put a bead of glue around the bottom and set the body on top. This is optional. I usually just leave the pieces unglued and put them back together if they fall apart.

Balance the head on top of the cone giving the craft a bobble head effect.  You can put a dab of glue on the tip of the cone, but I prefer not to so the head moves around.

Templates:

• Close the template window after printing to return to this screen.
• Set page margins to zero if you have trouble fitting the template on one page (FILE, PAGE SETUP or FILE, PRINTER SETUP in most browsers).

Template 1:    (color)   or   (B&W)

Template 2:    (color)   or   (B&W)

Print friendly version of these instructions