How to Make a Paper Starship

How about some imaginary interplanetary travel? Make a paper starship. This paper craft is good for use as a toy or a cool conversation piece that hangs from the ceiling. Use these instructions as a guideline to add your own variations. There’s no real world model for starships. The sky is the limit.

Things You'll Need

• Construction paper
• Scissors
• Tape
• Glue
• Paper clips, optional

Instructions

1. Make angled cuts into both sides of a sheet of construction paper. Start the cuts at the center of the length and cut about a third of the way across the width.

2. Make straight cuts a third of the way in, 2 inches down from the angular cuts. This outlines the wings.

3. Cut squares out from behind the wings to make into engines. Follow by cutting all the way across the back edge of the wings.

4. Fold the front end into a rectangular hull. Tape it to hold the shape.

5. Cut an inch down the four corners of the front folds. Peel out the sides.

6. Pinch the top and bottom of the front end together and tape closed.

7. Cut the sides into triangles that conform to the forward pinch. These do not need taping.

8. Cut 1 inch strips of red paper the length of your square cut outs from behind the wings. Cut curved shark tooth shapes out from one side to create flames.

9. Tape the red strips to the squares with the flames out. Roll around a marker and tape into a closed tube.

10. Make pivoting engines for straight up take off. Cut a vertical slot into the side of the engine tube with a paring knife. Slip a paper clip into the slot lengthwise. Cut a curved slot into the side of the hull. Attach the engine’s paper clip and pivot the engine from vertical to horizontal.

11. Cut four points into the front of the engine tubes. Pinch together into a point and roll a strip of tape around the outside to hold the shape. Glue an ominous windshield shape on the front. Now turn the engines upward and take off in your paper starship.

12. Cut four points into the front of the engine tubes. Pinch together into a point and roll a strip of tape around the outside to hold the shape. Tape the engines to the sides of the hull with the flames flowing out the rear. Now take off.