lion costume diy paper

DIY Paper Lion Costume Tutorial

By Andrew RobinsonMarch 10, 2026

Transform your child's playtime into an African safari adventure with a DIY lion costume made from paper. This fun and creative project is not only budget-friendly but also eco-friendly, using materials you likely have at home. Plus, it's a fantastic way to spend quality time with your little ones while fostering their imagination and crafting skills.

Before we dive into the step-by-step guide, let's talk about why a paper lion costume is an excellent choice. Paper crafts are versatile, allowing for endless customization. They're also lightweight, perfect for little ones who might otherwise feel uncomfortable in heavy costumes. And the best part? You can create a stunning lion costume that's sure to be a hit at parties, Halloween, or just for everyday play.

Gather Your Materials

To create your DIY paper lion costume, you'll need a few simple materials. Here's a list to get you started:

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Cardstock or construction paper (orange, yellow, white, and black)
Scissors
Glue stick or craft glue
Tape or stapler
Pencil and ruler
String or ribbon (for the mane)
Googly eyes (optional)

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three paper masks with different shapes and sizes of animals'heads, one in the shape of a lion or bear

Design Your Lion Template

First, you'll need to create a lion template. You can find printable templates online or draw your own using a pencil and ruler. Remember to make it large enough for your child. Here are the main parts you'll need: body, head, ears, and mane.

For the body, trace a large oval. For the head, draw a smaller oval with a slightly larger one around it for the muzzle. The ears can be simple triangles, and the mane can be a series of semicircles or waves.

Cut Out Your Lion Pieces

Once you have your template, trace it onto your cardstock or construction paper. You'll need two of each piece for the body and ears, and one for the head and mane. Cut them out carefully, ensuring they're symmetrical.

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For the mane, you can either cut out individual semicircles or waves, or create a continuous strip that you can later cut into sections. This will make it easier to attach to the head.

Assemble Your Lion Costume

Now that you have all your pieces, it's time to assemble your lion costume. Start with the body. Glue or tape the two body pieces together, leaving the top open for your child's head and arms.

Next, attach the head to the body. You can do this by gluing or taping it to the top of the body, or by creating a hole in the body and threading a string or ribbon through it to attach the head. This will allow the head to move more freely.

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the lion mask is shown with instructions to make it look like he's smiling

Add the Mane

For the mane, you can either glue the individual semicircles or waves around the head, or attach the continuous strip and then cut it into sections. If you're using string or ribbon, you can glue it to the head and then tie it in a bow at the back for a fuller mane.

If you'd like, you can also add googly eyes to your lion's face for an extra touch of fun.

Create the Ears

Finally, create the ears. Glue or tape the two ear pieces together, and then attach them to the top of the lion's head. You can either place them on the sides of the head for a more natural look, or on top for a more playful appearance.

Once your lion costume is complete, help your child put it on. They'll love their new DIY lion costume and can't wait to roar and play!

Creating a DIY paper lion costume is a wonderful way to spend quality time with your children while fostering their creativity and imagination. Plus, it's a great opportunity to teach them about recycling and upcycling, as you can use old paper and cardstock to create something new and exciting. So, what are you waiting for? Get crafting and let the lion roars begin!