Paper Cone Animals: Easy 3D Animal Crafts with Templates

Paper cone animals are one of the easiest and most versatile paper crafts for kids. With just one basic shape, a paper cone, children can create adorable 3D animal puppets that stand up, invite imaginative play, and work for almost any animal theme.

From pets and farm animals to jungle animals, winter animals, insects, and even dinosaurs, the same simple cone technique becomes the foundation for endless creativity.

In this post, you’ll learn how to use a paper cone as the base for animal crafts and how to turn that cone into fun, sturdy paper animal puppets.

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Why Use a Paper Cone as the Base?

A paper cone isn’t just a stand, it becomes the animal’s entire body.

This makes cone-based crafts especially kid-friendly because they:

• Create instant 3D shape
• Stand up on their own
• Are easy to assemble
• Use minimal supplies
• Work for many different animals

Once the cone is made, everything else, the head, legs, wings, tail, or ears, simply attaches to it.

That’s why paper cone animals are perfect for classrooms, home crafting, parties, and themed units.

How to Make a Paper Cone (The Animal’s Body)

Circle Cone

Trace a large dinner plate onto paper or cardstock. Thicker paper (120–180 gsm) works best and is easier for little hands to handle. For one cone, you’ll need about ⅓ of the paper circle. Leave an extra 1–2 cm overlap for the glue tab.

1. Cut out the circle.
2. Cut one straight line from the edge of the circle to the center.
3. Overlap the cut edges to form a cone shape.
4. Adjust the width of the cone:
   • Wide cone = chubby animal
   • Narrow cone = taller animal
5. Glue the overlap with a glue stick or secure with tape.

Let dry, and your cone base is ready to turn into an animal!

Craft Supplies Needed

• White cardstock or regular printer paper (ideally stronger paper)

• Colored cardstock (if you make it from scratch)

• Coloring tools (crayons, markers, or colored pencils)

• Scissors

• Glue stick (tape can also be used for the cone)

That’s it! Simple supplies you likely already have at home or in the classroom.

Turning the Cone into an Animal Puppet

Once your cone is ready, the fun begins.

1. Attach the animal’s head to the front of the cone
2. Add arms, wings, or front legs overlapping the bottom edge
3. Glue on tails, spikes, or back details
4. Add eyes, cheeks, patterns, or spots

Just like that, the cone transforms into a playful paper animal puppet that kids can hold, display, or play with.

Paper Cone Animal Themes You Can Make

One of the biggest advantages of cone crafts is how easily the same base works across many themes.

Paper Pet Animals

Paper cones are perfect for friendly, familiar animals like:

• Dogs
• Cats
• Bunnies
• Parrots

These are great for beginner crafters and animal-themed lessons.

If you’d like to make these animals using ready-to-print templates, you can find the Paper Cone Pets Bundle on my website, Teachers Pay Teachers, and my Etsy Shop.

Wild, Jungle & Savanna Animals

Cone bodies work beautifully for sitting animals with rounded shapes:

• Lions
• Tigers
• Monkeys
• Giraffes
• Elephants
• Zebras

Perfect for habitat studies, zoo themes, and imaginative play.

If you’d like to make these fun wild animals using ready-to-print templates, you can find the different bundles on my website, Teachers Pay Teachers, and my Etsy Shop.

Paper Cone Farm Animals

Farm animals look adorable as cone puppets:

• Chickens
• Chicks
• Lambs
• Pigs

Ideal for spring themes and early learning activities.

If you’d like to make these farm animals using ready-to-print templates (in color and coloring page), you can find the different bundles on my website, Teachers Pay Teachers, and my Etsy Shop.

Paper Cone Insects

Small cones make great insect bodies:

• Butterflies
• Bees
• Ladybugs

These are especially popular for spring and nature units.

If you’d like to make these paper cone insects using ready-to-print templates (in color and coloring page), you can find the different bundles on my website, Teachers Pay Teachers, and my Etsy Shop.

Winter & Cold-Climate Animals

Cone crafts also work well for seasonal animals:

• Penguins
• Polar bears
• Foxes
• Deer

A fun way to bring winter themes indoors.

If you’d like to make winter animals using ready-to-print templates (in color and coloring page), you can find the different bundles on my website, Teachers Pay Teachers, and my Etsy Shop.

Paper Cone Dinosaurs

Yes, cones work for dinosaurs too!

• T-Rex
• Triceratops

The cone forms the body, while heads, tails, and spikes add personality and structure.

If you’d like to make these paper cone dinosaurs using ready-to-print templates (in color and coloring page), you can find the different bundles on my website, Teachers Pay Teachers, and my Etsy Shop.

Why Kids Love Paper Cone Animal Crafts

Paper cone animals support learning while feeling like play:

• Builds fine motor skills
• Encourages creativity
• Supports following directions
• Promotes imaginative storytelling
• Creates display-worthy finished projects

They’re simple enough for younger children, yet satisfying for older kids who enjoy decorating and customizing.

Tips for Successful Cone Crafts

• Use glue sticks for less mess
• Pre-cut pieces for younger children
• Let kids color before assembling
• Add googly eyes for extra fun
• Encourage personal color choices

Final Thoughts

Paper cone animals prove that one simple shape can unlock endless creative possibilities. By using a cone as the base, children can make pets, wild animals, insects, winter animals, and even dinosaurs, all with the same easy technique.

If you’re looking for ready-to-use paper cone animal templates, themed sets make crafting quick, stress-free, and fun for kids of all ages.

Two of our favorite options are the Spring Animals Paper Cone Bundle, featuring cheerful animals and insects perfect for seasonal crafts, and our BIG Animal Bundle, which includes all animals in both color and coloring pages, ideal for classrooms, creative play, and animal-themed parties.

Happy crafting from Ocean Child Crafts 💙

 

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