Air-Powered Moving Cardboard Models: "Walking Dog" and "Barking Dog"

I like making 3D paper figures and found many great templates at https://www.supercoloring.com/paper-crafts/3d-papercraft.

Rather than just make simple stationary models, I wanted to create 3D paper figures that could move without electricity. I had some old air-powered toys like the ones here: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804088292579.html. Maybe I could use this method to power my cardboard models!

• Brown Cardstock craft paper (80lb+)
• Corrugated paper (from packaging box)
• 1/8” Ultra-Thin double-sided tape
• (Optional) Brown tissue paper
• Toy air pumps
• Mod Podge

Tools:

• Staples
• Craft cutting knife and scissors
• (Optional) Paper creaser

We made several prototypes to test our design with many different 3D models. We discovered that we need our 3D model to meet a couple of criteria:

1. The front and rear parts must be balanced to allow for easy movement.
2. It must be easy to cut the 3D model into two sections (front and rear).

To make the prototype, print out the attached pdf (which is also at https://www.supercoloring.com/paper-crafts/3d-papercraft) onto heavy weight print paper. The pdf also contains assembly instructions for the parts.

Cut out the parts of the model.

Use a paper creaser to mark the paper along the crease lines.

Use double-sided tape to connect the parts. The numbers are printed on one side of the paper. Make sure the printed part is on the side.

Print out the template onto paper. Staple the template onto cardboard.

Using a craft knife, score along the dotted lines on the template. Make sure not to cut completely through the cardboard.

Cut out the parts. Cut along the orange lines as well; this will separate the dog into front and rear sections.

Right now, the top side of the cardboard will be the outside of the model. Flip over each piece of cardboard, exposing what will be the the inside of the model, and copy the numbers on the template to the cardboard. 

Use double-sided tape to assemble both the front and rear sections of the dog model. Leave out the part labeled with the large number 6.

Apply Mod Podge to the exterior of the model to make the figure sturdier.

Print and cut out “Wolf-pump-mechanism.jpg” on cardboard.

For the top shape (front box), fold A to A’ and glue. Drill a hole at A”.

For the bottom shape (rear box), fold B to B' and glue. Drill a hole at B".

The hand squeeze pump connects to a clear inflatable structure that extends when inflated. Thread the clear inflatable structure through the hole of the rear box at B" and connect the hand squeeze pump and pipe. Secure the rear box to the rear part of the wolf figure as shown with glue. Trim to fit if needed.

Secure the tip of the clear inflatable structure to the front box at A” with glue. Apply glue and secure with clips until the glue dries. Add a piece of tape across the top of the front and rear boxes so that they can still rotate up and down like a hinge.

The long front box should fit perfectly into the front part of the walking dog figure. If not, trim to fit as needed. Secure the front box to the front part of the wolf figure with glue.

Connect the front and rear part of the wolf figure with double-sided tape.

Print out the template.

Staple the template to the cardstock.

Carve along the dotted lines.

Cut out the parts and cut along the orange lines.

Fold and glue the structure into shape, leaving out the part labeled with the large number 4.

Secure the figure by applying Mod Podge to the exterior.

Print and cut out both boxes in the image. Fold and glue E to E’ and F to F'.  Drill a hole at O1. For the other shape, glue H to H’ and I to I'. Drill holes at O2/O3 (which should be at the same position), and O4.

Secure the end of the clear inflatable structure that does not connect to the tube to O1. Apply double-sided tape to secure the top box to the top of the barking dog figure.

Secure the end of the clear inflatable structure that connects to the tube to O2/O3 and thread the tube through O4. Secure the bottom box to the bottom of the dog figure as shown. 

Tape the top and bottom box together so that they can still rotate up and down like a hinge.

Cut tissue paper into rectangles as shown. Apply a thin strip of double sided tape along one side and cut into the paper as shown. Gradually adhere the fake fur to the dog figure from the bottom up.

Curl and trim the fur to your liking.

And we're done! Hopefully you've enjoyed this process!