How to Make a Chinese Popper From Paper

You can make a Chinese popper out of paper.

Pop! It's the sound that children love to hear and make. With a sheet of paper and a pair of scissors, you can quickly make a Chinese popper that will pop just as loud as any child would want; not to mention, you're guaranteed to get a kick out of it too. And with a little creativity, you may also construct a decorative and exciting popper that will have everyone playing with it pleasantly entertained. Whether you're on the road, waiting in line, inside from a storm or just plain bored, a Chinese popper is a simple way to make that popping sound that all children love and giggle at.

Things You'll Need

• 8 ½ by 11 sheet of paper
• Scissors
• Crayons, markers, stickers, or glitter (optional)

Instructions

1. Fold the sheet of paper in half endwise (not lengthwise).

2. Fold that again in half endwise.

3. 

   Cut off about half a centimeter of the creased corner (at the center of the paper if it were unfolded) with a pair of scissors. Make sure you don't cut the corner that has the open flaps.

4. Unfold the paper all the way and refold it to resemble a folded letter --- in three even sections.

5. Flip the paper so that the hole is face down, and fold it endwise once again, but instead of folding it all the way from one edge to the other, fold it an inch and a half to two inches from the edge of the paper. Fold the extra inches of paper over this flap and crease it.

6. Unfold partially these two flaps and insert the larger one into the smaller one's innermost flap, refolding it as you do.

7. Turn the completed popper over and blow into the hole to inflate it; smash it against your hands to pop it.

Tips & Warnings

• Decorate the sheet of paper with crayons, markers, stickers, or glitter before making any folds into it to make it more decorative and colorful.

• Do not cut too large a hole; if you do, too much air will escape and the popping sound won't be as loud.

• If little children are making the popper, help them with the cutting step to ensure that they do not cut themselves.

References

• Youtube: How to Make a Chinese Popper

Resources

• Youtube: Chinese Popper