Looking for a fun, screen-free project to enjoy with your kids? This DIY mini paper pistol is the perfect craft! It’s quick, exciting, and only requires paper, thick paperboard, and things you already have at home. Best of all, the finished toy really works. It fires soft paper “bullets” for hours of safe fun.
This craft is easy enough for kids to help with and teaches them fine motor skills, patience, and a little science too. Ready to make your own? Let’s get started!
What You’ll Need
- Paper (easier with grid paper)
- A pencil (for rolling the paper)
- Thick paperboard
- Scissors ✂️
- Glue or tape
- Sticky notes (optional, for decoration and strength)
- A small hair tie or rubber band
Step-by-Step Instructions
(To see exactly how it’s done, check out the video here)
1. Roll & Cut: Roll a sheet of paper tightly around a pencil to make a tube. Slide it off and cut it into three short pieces and one long piece.
2. Make the Handle: Glue the three short tubes together and attach them under the long one using thick paperboard as support. This becomes your pistol’s handle.
3. Cut the Slot: Hold the long tube steady and carefully snip a small square hole on the top side. This will be the catch for the firing pin.
4. Create the Firing Pin: Roll another thin paper stick. Hook a small hair tie or rubber band around one end, then secure it with sticky notes and glue.
5. Insert the Pin: Slide the stick into the back of the long tube, and loop the rubber band over the small hole you cut earlier.
6. Strengthen & Decorate: Wrap the edges of the pistol with sticky notes. This makes the toy tougher and gives it a colorful finish.
7. Make the Trigger: Glue a small piece of thick paperboard to another stick and attach it beside the square hole. This will hold the firing pin in place until you’re ready to fire.
8. Load & Fire: Push a small paper “bullet” into the front of the tube, pull back the pin so it catches the trigger, and… fire! 💥
👉 Safety tip: Only use soft paper balls as ammo and never aim at faces or animals.
What Kids Will Learn
This simple toy is more than just fun. Kids will discover how the rubber band stores energy and releases it to launch the paper bullet—a great introduction to force and motion. They’ll also practice:
- Fine motor skills (rolling, cutting, gluing)
- Problem-solving and patience
- Creativity and design
Make It a Family Activity
This craft is even better when done together. Parents can help with tricky steps like cutting and gluing, while kids can decorate the handle with colors, stickers, or their name. Turn it into a challenge: who can design the coolest pistol?
Watch the Full Video
Want to see each step in action? Watch our full video tutorial below and follow along with your kids. Then, share your creations on social media with #EasyMomHack. We can’t wait to see your mini paper pistols in action!