If you and your kids love animals, then you definitely need to know how to make animal shadow puppets.  By projecting the shadows of flat puppets onto a lighted screen, you can create an entertaining little show.
You can even bring your favorite characters from movies and TV shows to life!
With the arrival of the swashbuckling adventure-comedy series, The Adventures of Puss in Boots on Netflix this week, I was inspired to make a Puss in Boots shadow puppet.
Once I had finished my Puss in Boots shadow puppet pattern, I decided that he needed some friends…lots of friends. So,  I made up a bunch of simple animal patterns that can be printed out and used as templates for a whole menagerie of fun!
Ready to learn how to make animal shadow puppets? Let’s get started!
Supplies:
Animal-shaped templates (see below for my printables)
Black card stock
Wood dowels or popsticle sticks
Scissors
Tape
Directions:
1. Print out any or all of my animal-shaped templates.
Puss in Boots
Duck, Dog, Horse, Cat
Frog, Fish, Giraffe, Salamander
Monkey, Turtle
 2. Tape a template onto a piece of black card stock and cut it out. So easy!
3. Tape wooden dowel onto back of shadow puppet for support.
4. Now you’re ready for a puppet show. Shine a light source behind your puppets and onto a wall or white surface. Have fun!
To get inspiration for your next puppet show, check out this collection of animal shows and movies on Netflix streaming video. Watch your favorites, and then act them out with puppets!
Animal Shows and Movies to Stream on NetflixFor your little kids: |
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For your big kids: |
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1. The Adventures of Puss in Boots
2. Annie 3. Step Dogs 4. Jumanji 5. Hachi: A Dog’s Tale 6. Air Bud 7. Monkey Trouble |
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And for teens and parents: |
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1. Anchorman 2
2. Frasier 3. Family Guy 4. Friends 5. Red Dog 6. Wilfred |
I’m a member of the Netflix #StreamTeam. All opinions are my own.
What’s your favorite movie or TV show about animals?
Uplifting Families says
These are so cute. It would be fun to have a neighborhood puppet show.
Jessica Harlow says
These shadow puppets are adorable and I know my girls would have hours of fun playing with them. I think we even have dowels that will work!
Stefani Tolson says
These are so cute. I ordered a Silouette and waiting for it to arrive. I will be able to make some cute shadow puppets.
Valerie Remy-Milora says
i LOVE these! What a simple genius idea!!! I love just about any show that deals with animals, especially cute cuddly animals 🙂
Debi @ Life Currents says
These shadow puppets are great! I love them. I think I’ll make these to play with for my niece. Easy and fun is right up my alley!
Michele says
I never realized it was that easy to make a shadow puppet! I bet any child’s imagination would get a workout with these!!
Jenn says
These are so cute! They would be much easier than trying to figure out how to get my fingers to make the right shapes.
JulieD says
So much cuteness, I can’t even!! <3
Mel says
These are so cute, Liz. Definitely something my Jaden would love. He’s always making shadow puppets with his hands. Puss in Boots would be a fave. Thanks so much for sharing at Inspire Me Wednesday. Featuring you in this week’s issue.
Kelly @ Mum-bo-Jumbo says
I feel like a kid in a candy shop! What a great post! My toddler son is obsessed with torches and I have been attempting to make shadows in the light but this is a much better alternative and heaps more fun! Pinning! #happinessishomemade
Anne - Mommy Has to Work says
Those are so cute! I want a Puss in Boots for myself.
Kait says
These are so cute and super easy to make! Perfect for a rainy or snowy afternoon. I definitely will remember this for Cohen!
Katie says
that’s so easy I could do it! My daughter loves making hand shadow puppets, this way she could put on a whole show at night!
eliz frank says
Those puppets you created are so cool! I like that you used black stock paper, as it defines the animal forms, and looks terrific with lighting.
OurFamilyWorld says
Shadow puppets were fun when I was little. It’s awesome to see them come to life with characters that I know my children would love.
Becca Wilson says
These are so adorable and simple. My son and daughter would absolutely love these.
HilLesha says
How adorable! My children would love this.
Rosemary says
Looks easy enough for even me and a great craft to make with the older Grands.
Fariha @canadianmomeh.com says
What a great idea! This looks like something the kids would enjoy doing on a rainy day.
TerriAnn @ Cookies & Clogs says
Very cute and creative! When I received this month’s prompt, nothing even remotely close to this popped up in my mind 😛
Crystal says
We had such a blast last night reselling stories. These would make it even more dynamic.
Mistee Dawn says
Aww, my daughter would love these. And we love Netflix, she watches Puss in Boots on Netflix all the time.
Modern Pilgrim says
I love your shadow puppets!! I am already stocking up on crafting supplies for when my 5 month old is into this kind of thing. So cute!
Elaine says
These are so cute! Thanks for sharing!!
Bradley Finnearty says
Our granddaughter would love this. Here is something that we can do the next time we baby sit.
Chelley @ AisForAdelaide says
That’s a great idea- I need to show this to my mother in law! Way better than TV time!
April @ Everyday Fitness and Nutrition says
Those are so cute and so easy to make! I need to find some kids to make those with! Shadow puppets would be a super fun way to celebrate the movie.
Pamela :: Still Dating My Spouse says
What a cute idea…my grandbaby would love this
Debbie L. says
Mine too – Isa would have so much fun with these!
Kristin says
Oh my goodness, what fun! Those are darling!
Marielle Altenor says
What a cute and very fun diy. I don’t think my son has ever seen a shadow puppet show before! I bet he would totally love it!!
Megan @ C'mon Get Crafty says
Oh, thank goodness it was paper puppets, because my fingers are NOT flexible! 🙂
Aisha Kristine Chong says
Oh wow, that is cool – I never thought of that though haha! Makes me want to see a puppet show since its been a while since I did.
Stephanie C. says
What a wonderful idea! My son would absolutely adore this! Thanks for sharing.
Debi says
That is such a cute idea. I will have to do this with my girls
Shell says
What an adorable activity! My boys started watching Puss in Boots this week!
Janeane Davis says
These puppets look like so much fun. I would like to make a set of these to play with my children.
Sharon - Her Organized Chaos says
I CANNOT wait to make these with my kids! This would be great for family fun night! Thanks for sharing! I would love if you linked this up to Totally Terrific Tuesday this week! Hope to see you there!
Sharon
herorganizedchaos.com
Laurie - Steals and Deals for Kids says
Oh, my students would love doing this!! We may have to give it a try! Thanks for the templates!!
Ann Bacciaglia says
My favorite show with animals is Hope for Wildlife. It is all about an animal rescue. These shadow puppets would be a lot of fun with the kids.
the pinterested parent says
These are so cute. My daughter loves the hand ones. I never thought of making cutouts.
Krystal says
That is really adorable. I never would have thought to make them this way! We have tons of those sticks too.
Amy Desrosiers says
What great ideas! My kids love Netflix and all they have to offer! These puppets are perfect for their shows.
Gingermommy says
Oh I love these! My six year old would have fun making them and seeing them in action
Close to Home says
What a fun idea! My kids will love this craft. I am going to go get the supplies.
Cynthia R says
How cute, I love the Puss in Boots one you made, my niece would love these.
Chrystal @ YUM eating says
We saw Puss in Boots when it was in the theater. Good movie and I will happily watch it again on Netflix. These shadow puppets are super cute too!
Lynndee says
Those are just so cute and creative! My son would surely enjoy those puppets.
Barbara Montag says
The grand kids would love this!
Easy to make and you don’t need a lot of things to make it.
thank you
Chrystal @ YUM eating says
That is what I was thinking. We already have everything to make these and with Liz’s printables – presto!
Lisa Rios says
This is absolutely fun & I am sure kids are going to love it & every pet lovers too. Thanks for suggesting the supplies needed & the directions as well to make it all easy. Really cute ideas.
Yona Williams says
This is too cute…my nephew would go bonkers over this. He’d love to make his own and then bug me to play with them all day long. Very cute concept, though.
Esther says
This is such a cute idea! My girls love animals. I know they would love the animal shadows. I am going to try this with peter pan too.
Krista says
What an adorable idea! These shadow puppets seem like a great way to engage your children’s imagination and storytelling skills. So cute!
Shirley Talabock says
My daughter & I play with cutouts.Never thought to do book characters.
My daughters favorite was an Octopus.
Tiffany (A Mom's Take) says
What a cute idea! My kids would really enjoy doing something like this to go with their movie choice.
Amanda Love says
This is awesome Liz, I think I’m going to do this with my toddler. She’ll love it. One thing that she does love is Puss in Boots on Netflix.
Tessa Smith says
These are so cute, my daughters will love them! Thanks, I am totally doing this!
Fi Nà Neachtáin says
Awh this is such a sweet little craft idea. I can imagine little ones have lots of fun with these shadow puppets!
Shell Feis says
My son LOVES playing with shadows! We usually use random household objects but puppets would make storytelling so much easier. Thanks for the tutorial, and for the templates- my son loves Puss in Boots!
Amanda O. says
So, so, so CUTE! My son would be SO EXCITED if I made these!
celebbabylaundry says
That’s a pretty interesting way to make shadow puppets. especially without have to form them with your hands!
vanessa: thequeenofswag says
That’s such a cute and fun idea. I love the Puss shadow puppet. I’ll have to make one for my nephew.
[email protected] says
My boys would totally love this. We try to make shadow puppets with our hands.
Myrabev says
These are some cool shadow puppets, I remember as a kid we prefered puppets and made up stories outside by my uncles than sitting inside and watching movies
Anne | The Chef's Wife @TheSatEvePot says
Those look like fun! Great rainy or snowy day project/activity too!
Censie says
Cute project we watched Puss in Boots this weekend! my son loves it!
Melanie says
What a fun craft to do with the kids! Hours of fun too once made. Thanks for sharing
Chrysa says
Those shadow puppets are so cute! My favorite movie about animals has to be 101 Dalmatians. They are just so darn cute!
Jenni E. {Sweet Pennies from Heaven} says
Dalmation shadow puppets would be cute too! We love 101 Dalmations.
Stefany says
These are so cute. My girls would really enjoy this. They love playing puppets on the wall!
Life As A Convert says
I was hoping this would be how to do them with your hands. I’ve always wondered that. I think this is more my style though.
Debbie L. says
These are so cute. I pinned to make these with Davey. These will work great in a photo I want to take
Karen says
These are just so adorable and look easy enough for even the youngest kids to make.
Theresa says
Cute shadow puppet idea! My favorite movie about animals? Hmmm, I can’t pinpoint one certain one, but I do love anything about dogs!
Heather D. (@GirlGoneMom) says
So cute and much easier that trying to use fingers! lol!
Dede says
My kids have been watching Puss in Boots all weekend. They love that it’s on Netflix now!
Chelley @ AisForAdelaide says
I love this! What an awesome rainy day activity! Pinning!
Maggie says
These would be great for a birthday party! Thanks for sharing!
Jenni E. {Sweet Pennies from Heaven} says
Those are adorable! My kiddo would love them. I’ll have to make some and surprise him with them!
Amber NElson says
We love to watch Wild Kratts! It is such a good learning show and features a lot of animals.
Paula Schuck says
Oh my goodness I love this idea! Used to love making shadows with my hands as a kid and making up stories. These are so cute!
Shop with Me Mama (Kim) says
Oh my goodness those are cute! My kids would have fun with those! Does it take a while to cut them out though?
DignaD says
Very cute. If my son were younger I know he would have enjoyed doing these. Thank you for sharing!
coolchillmom says
What a great idea for a nightly performance. I can just imagine the stories we will invent with these
s.w. says
Love this idea. This would be great to do before bedtime instead of a story. How neat.
Lee says
This is the best Netflix StreamTeam post ever. You did not just write a post with Puss N Boots shadow puppet cut outs. I love it.
Lee
Tammy Litke (@threedifferent) says
Oh my gosh, so cute! I love Puss in Boots and had no idea Netflix was making a series with him. I’m a big fan of the Penguins from the Madagascar franchise too 🙂
Elizabeth O. says
I used to make animal shadows when I was little! Oh technology has really evolved!
Lisa Bristol says
This is such a fantastic idea. The next time my friend is here with her little ones we are going to do this for sure.
Veronica says
I love this idea! very cool! I am sure kids will have fun with this
Nina Say says
This is a super cool idea! Forget making shadow puppets with your hands!
Mama to 5 BLessings says
Love all the different characters. I bet my kids would like these !
Stacey- Travel Blogger says
These are so cute! I think they would make for a cute classroom craft!
Debbie says
I just love these. They are so cute.
Heather says
What a great idea!! My daughter would love this.
Maureen @ A Debt Free Stress Free Life says
Cute, really cute fun activity. Definitely will make these for my grandson
Lauren Harmon says
These little shadow puppets are adorable! I’ll definitely have to make a bunch to play with when my nieces and nephews come over! Such a cool idea. 🙂
Rosey says
Ha! I can’t decide whether to make them in secret and surprise the little one at bed time, or have him help me make them and then play w/them together for fun. Decisions…decisions… 🙂
Helene Cohen Bludman says
What a sweet project! My kids would have loved making these. Someday I’ll have grandchildren and I’ll have to try it with them.
Lois Alter Mark says
Oh, I am so with you, Helene! We can be the cool grandmas!
jenny temcio at dapperhouse says
(Head slap- head slap) Why have I not thought of this before! This is the coolest idea, and especially for kids who need something to keep them in their beds at night when they “cant sleep”. Great craft!
Christie says
The kids would enjoy guessing their fave characters! Fun nighttime activity!
kendall says
I love ideas like this! SO creative and fun for the kids!
Lois Alter Mark says
Okay, those are absolutely adorable! What a great, creative idea!
Avry says
How fun are those!! Seriously too cute. Kids could have fun with the shadows of these up on a wall! Even using a projector 🙂
Donna says
My favorite movie about an animal is any movie about dogs. I guess one of my faves is Shane. I love this idea and need to pick up some black card stock. 🙂
becca says
wow I have never seen a shadow puppet made before. this is too cool and perfect for campfire storytime.
Melissa Pezza says
This looks like a great project to do with the kids. I can’t wait to bust out the crafting supplies!
Mary O'Malley says
i have so many favorite movies about animals, but if I had to pick one and only one, it would be Beethoven.
Tammi @ My Organized Chaos says
That is such a cute idea, my twins would love this!! They love any and all movie about animals, I bet they’ve watched every single one on Netflix!
Regina says
This is cute! A great idea for things to do when camping and you have a flashlight to play with.
Kelly Hutchinson says
What a totally clever idea and so cute for the kids. I used to make these when I was little.
Crystal says
That is so much fun! I can make a bird with my hands, but that’s all. It limits my story telling with shadow puppets.
Sarah Bailey says
I remember shadow puppets from when I was a child! There is something fascinating about them. x
Shauna says
Oh those are just awesome. I totally have to make these with the kids. Thanks so much
Penelope says
Ok, those are totally awesome. Oh my gosh…I’m speechless over your talents, and jealousy that my son would have more fun with you than with me!
Pam says
This is such a cute idea! I would have loved to make these when I was teaching elementary school.
aimee fauci says
Annie!!!!!! My favorite movie! I am loving the shadow puppets !
lisa says
These would be great fun for young children, especially on rainy days or nights before bedtime!
Alissa Apel says
That is a great idea! Isaak sometimes gets behind their easel chalkboard, and makes puppet shows for us. He’d like this!
Pam says
My daughter used to do that for us as well. These would have been perfect for her to play with.
Nancy says
So cute. I totally remember having plays with puppets as a kid. Shadow puppets are even more fun – let the imagination just wander!
Jen says
These are adorable! I am hoping for more snow days so we can use this as an activity. 🙂
Kristen from The Road to Domestication says
Those are cute! And endless fun for the kiddos once they’re made!
Amber Edwards says
We actually just watched the Puss in boots on netflix this weekend and my kids loved it. I think my kids would love to make these shadow puppets!
Nicole says
These are super cute! My kiddo loves shadows of every kind. That giraffe was adorable.
Jeanine says
How cute! My kids love puppets and puppet shows. They put them on all the time. They’d even have more fun making them and enjoy them more if they did I think! Super cute idea and so fun!
Lindsey Silvestrini says
These are really cute! My daughter would love to do something like this. I’ll be sure to save it for a rainy day when we are stuck inside and they need a little entertainment! Thanks for the printables!
CHRISTY KARCH says
what a cute idea I would have never thought of these when you said shadow puppets : )
Colleen says
You have the most creative way of sharing information 🙂 these are adorable and I especially love the Puss and Boots the best!
noelle says
This is so cute… Broxton has been getting into shadow puppets (with his hands) lately… Bet he would love this!
FYI – I had to go and resubscribe to your emails, I hope they start coming now…
Kungphoo says
Seems like a great thing for the kids to do and have fun with! my kids would make something like this for the younger cousins..
Echo says
What a fantastic idea for a movie night activity. I have never made shadow puppets with my kids, but I think I will now!
Mama to 5 BLessings says
What cute ideas – my kids love the New episodes on Netflix, they watched them last night! I bet they would love these puppets!
Cat Davis says
What a fun an inexpensive idea. I bet my girls would love playing with these at bedtime. Although I’m not sure I’d get them to actually go to sleep. lol
Courtney says
Omg these are too cute!!! My daughter would have a blast playing with these!!!
Crystal says
Those are really cute. Very fun!
Megan Elford says
We always do shadow puppets when we’re out camping. So much fun! It really allows the kids to be creative and exercise their imagination!
Robin Gagnon says
These are so cute. My daughter would like them, I bet… especially with the lighting effect.
Brenda Haines says
My 2 year old is going to love these! Thanks!
Ben says
What a cool idea! I’ll bet I could probably do this with Transformers, too. Booyah!
Chrissy says
Aw, that’s cheating! haha! I kid, that’s actually pretty genius because I have no idea how people actually make shadows with just their hands!
Jennifer says
What a great craft to do with kids. Unfortunately, my fur babies would just eat them. =/
Kungphoo says
Cute idea.. my kids would make these for the littlier kids so they can hang around them..
Krystal says
What a great idea! I’ll definitely be doing this with my sons. Thanks!
heather meads says
Ok, I have to show this to my Son when we wakes up, it looks like it would be a great after school thing to do and I have all the supplies too! Thanks!!
Arica says
This sounds like something my son would have so much fun doing! 🙂
brian miller says
ha. ok this could be fun….lets see if the boys get bored today….
Jaime says
This is so perfect for a snow day. My son loves Curious George and Clifford. (He also has his own channel set up on Netflix.) 😉
Catherine S says
These are really cute. This would be a lot of fun to do with my niece.
Samantha Angell says
Oh, what a fun activity! I’m not sure if I really have a favorite movie or show with animals- I think most of the shows I watch revolve around people!
Felicia says
I love this idea. This is way better than me trying to create them out of hand puppets!!
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
LOL same here. It’s much easier. I am totally using this idea!
April Decheine says
That is an adorable project. My daughter, Aerial’s little boy is about 4 months, this would be fun for her and Dallas. She is coming to town next week, this would be fun for us to do together!
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
That is such a fun idea. Why have I never thought of that. I am going to do this with the kids over their February vacation next month!