Origami Lion Cootie Catcher Template
- Jessie
- Apr 14, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 18
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Get ready for a roaring good time with this Origami Lion Cootie Catcher Template! This fun and easy animal paper craft for kids combines the excitement of origami folding with the creativity of imaginative play. With just a single sheet of paper and a few folds, your kids can create their very own lion puppet that opens and closes its mouth—ready to roar, play, and tell jokes! Perfect for classrooms, birthday parties, or family craft time, this project brings the king of the jungle right to your fingertips.
This printable lion cootie catcher is designed to be simple enough for young children to fold while still being tons of fun for older kids. Once assembled, kids can color their lion’s golden mane, friendly face, and sharp teeth—or get creative and give their lion a rainbow mane or silly expression! The finished puppet doubles as both a toy and a craft, offering hours of imaginative play as kids bring their lions to life through storytelling and pretend adventures.
Parents and teachers love this origami animal craft because it’s low-prep, screen-free, and full of creative learning opportunities. Kids practice following directions, improve their fine motor skills, and get hands-on experience with basic origami folds. All you need is the Origami Lion Cootie Catcher Template, a printer, scissors, and some coloring supplies—no glue, no mess, just pure crafting fun! It’s a wonderful project for art class, animal-themed lessons, or just a quiet afternoon at home.
The lion cootie catcher is more than just a paper toy—it’s also a great conversation starter about wildlife and habitats. Teachers can use it as part of a unit on African animals, or parents can pair it with a storybook about jungle adventures. Kids will love acting out playful scenes with their paper lions, roaring as loud as they can and pretending to be the rulers of the savanna. It’s a perfect blend of learning, play, and creativity that kids can enjoy again and again.
This Origami Lion Cootie Catcher is part of the larger Animal Cootie Catcher Collection on the blog, which includes a whole herd of wild friends! Be sure to check out the Zebra, Giraffe, Gazelle, Gorilla, Elephant, and Hippo Cootie Catchera—each one features its own unique design, colors, and personality. Together, they make a fun zoo or safari set that kids can collect, color, and play with. Whether used for classroom displays, storytelling games, or just for fun, these animal cootie catchers turn paper folding into an unforgettable adventure.
Parents and teachers often tell us that cootie catchers are one of their favorite crafts because they’re quick, inexpensive, and endlessly entertaining. They can be used as puppets, conversation starters, or even as playful fortune tellers. The Lion Cootie Catcher Template brings that same excitement to the animal world—kids can make their lions talk, chomp, or roar with every fold. It’s a perfect activity for kids who love hands-on crafts that move, fold, and play!
The beauty of this DIY paper lion craft is in its simplicity—no glue, paint, or complicated steps required. Kids can color, fold, and play in just minutes. And since it’s printable, you can make as many as you want for classrooms, birthday parties, or family crafting sessions. It’s a great screen-free activity that encourages imagination, storytelling, and laughter. Plus, kids will feel a great sense of accomplishment when they see their flat paper turn into a roaring 3D lion right in their hands!
Whether you’re planning a jungle-themed classroom craft, an afternoon of fun at home, or a creative animal activity for kids, this Origami Lion Cootie Catcher Template is the perfect choice. It’s easy, educational, and full of personality. Download your template, grab your coloring tools, and get ready to fold, roar, and play—the king of the jungle is ready to make your day wildly fun!
Origami Lion Cootie Catcher Template
Begin by downloading the Origami Lion Cootie Catcher Template and printing it on 8.5x11 white paper. For best results, use regular printer paper—it folds easily and holds its shape perfectly for this project. Make sure your printer settings are set to “Actual Size” or “100%” so the template prints correctly. Once printed, let the ink dry for a few seconds before moving on to the next step. Seeing the bold outlines of your lion’s face and mane come to life on the page is always an exciting start to this fun animal craft!
Cut out the pieces.
Pro Tip: Absolutely, precise cutting is key to a successful origami project. It ensures that the template aligns accurately during the folding process, resulting in a cleaner and more polished final product. So, take your time, follow the cut lines carefully, and enjoy the origami journey!
Fold the cootie catcher in half both horizontally and unfold. Then fold the cootie catcher vertically and unfold.
Flip it over so the printed side is facing down. Take the bottom right corner and fold the point into the center. Repeat step on each corner until all four corners are folded.
Flip the cootie catcher again so the printed side is facing down. Take the four corners and fold them into the center again.
Fold the cootie catcher in half vertically and undo the fold. Then fold horizontally and unfold.
Slip your fingers under the flaps and open the cootie catcher.
Glue the top sides together and then the bottom sides together. You will no longer be able to open the cootie catcher if you do this but it will help the puppet stay together for kids to play with.
Glue the mane to the top of the cootie catcher's head.
Glue the arms to the two sides of the cootie catcher.
Glue the legs to the bottom of the lion.
Glue the tail to a side of the cootie catcher underneath one of the arms.
Exciting news! Your Origami Lion Cootie Catcher is now fully crafted and ready for some thrilling entertainment! Prepare to engage in imaginative games or even orchestrate an enthralling puppet show with this delightful creation. And for an extra dose of excitement, why not invite the lion's companion, the zebra, to join in on the fun? Let your creativity soar as you dive into the fascinating realm of origami animals!
How Do I Download the Lion Cootie Catcher Template?
You can purchase the Lion Cootie Catcher Template directly from Artsy Kids Zone. After purchase, you’ll receive an instant digital download—no waiting, no shipping costs. Simply download the PDF, print at home, and start crafting! By purchasing, you’ll not only enjoy this fun project, but you’ll also be supporting Artsy Kids Zone so we can continue creating more creative activities for kids.
***These printables are intended for personal and school use exclusively. Unauthorized copying, uploading, republishing, distributing or alteration of these files in any manner is strictly prohibited. If you plan to showcase these printables, please ensure to include a link back to artsykidszone.com.
At Artsy Kids Zone, the crafting adventure extends far beyond the savanna! While our collection of safari animal cootie catchers is certainly a hit, there's a whole world of creativity waiting to be explored. Set sail with our pirate-themed crafts, where young buccaneers can craft their own treasure maps and pirate hats. For those enchanted by mythical creatures, our unicorn-themed projects offer a touch of magic and whimsy. And why not add a splash of green to your crafting repertoire with our adorable cactus creations? From pirates to unicorns to prickly pals, Artsy Kids Zone has something for every imagination to thrive and flourish!
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