How to Make a Paper Ninja

Make paper ninjas for staging battles.

Ninjas were the secret agents of the Japanese Feudal System. In the art of war, they used espionage, assassination and sabotage. Their unorthodox fighting style and black outfits with hoods are a stark contrast to the Samurai (traditional Japanese warriors). It is difficult to hear or see a ninja as they move stealthily. Often the ninjas would fight individually but sometimes fought in groups. Paper ninjas are fun crafts for kids to create a puppet show or battle scene.

Things You'll Need

• White paper
• Markers
• Scissors
• Cardboard
• Glue
• Popsicle stick

Instructions

1. Draw a ninja and weapon on a white piece of paper. Ninjas usually wear all black with a tie on their waist. Look at some of the sites in the resource section for detailed ninja images.

2. Color in the images with markers and cut them out around the edges.

3. Glue the ninja and weapons to a piece of cardboard. Wait about five to 10 minutes for it to dry completely.

4. Cut the images and cardboard out together around the edges of the drawings.

5. Turn the ninja pieces over and glue a Popsicle stick to the back. Place the stick low on the ninja so it doesn't stick out from the top of the image. Leave enough of the stick coming out from the bottom of the image that you can hold onto it comfortably.

References

• "The Paper Crafter's Bible"; Elizabeth Moad; 2004

Resources

• Iga-Ryu Ninja Museum
• Illuminated Lantern: Ninja
• Enter the Ninja