How to make a paper popper (banger)
Paper Popper (Banger): try all 9 steps in the 3D player. Turn and replay every move. Print the complete diagram sheet or save it as PDF.
The traditional single-pocket paper popper: fold a long rectangle into a triangle that pops when snapped downward.
- You need
- One 10 × 5 in rectangle of thin paper. No glue or scissors.
- Start
- Start white side up so the finished pocket shows the color, with the long edges at the top and bottom. Use a rectangle twice as wide as it is tall.
- Tips
- Line up the two end points before closing the diamond into a triangle.
- Hold just the loose points so the pocket can open when you snap it.
Your model is ready
The popper is folded. Open the pocket a little, hold the two loose points together, and snap downward so the hidden paper pops out. Tuck it back inside to use it again. The finished popper, still pressed flat, for a closer look.
Step-by-step diagrams
- 1
Crease lengthwise
Fold the top edge down to the bottom edge, press, and open again.
- 2
Fold the top left corner in
Fold the top left corner to the middle crease, so the left edge lies along it.
- 3
Fold the top right corner in
Fold the top right corner to the middle crease the same way.
- 4
Fold the bottom left corner in
Fold the bottom left corner up to meet the folded corner on the middle crease.
- 5
Fold the bottom right corner in
Fold the bottom right corner up to meet its partner on the middle crease.
- 6
Fold lengthwise
Fold the upper half down along the middle crease, taking the corner flaps with it.
- 7
Fold the left end down
Fold the whole left end down along the slanted line. Its point comes below the bottom edge.
- 8
Fold the right end down
Fold the whole right end down to meet the first point, making a diamond.
- 9
Close the triangle
Fold the left half of the diamond over the right half, bringing the side corners together. Press flat.
- ✓
Finish
The popper is folded. Open the pocket a little, hold the two loose points together, and snap downward so the hidden paper pops out. Tuck it back inside to use it again. The finished popper, still pressed flat, for a closer look.
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King's crown ↗
The traditional four-point paper crown, with a square band.
Five-point star with one cut ↗
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Paper star garland ↗
Accordion-fold a paper strip into six panels and cut one star through all of them. The side points stay joined at the folds, and the strip opens into a garland of six stars to hang on the tree or across a window.