How to Make Paper Claws

One claw takes one piece of paper. No glue, no scissors, no tape. Turn the sheet lengthwise in front of you. Printer paper works, though slightly heavier paper holds its shape better once the claw is on your finger.

Take the top corner and bring it across until the short edge lines up with the long edge. Follow the lines of the paper to keep it straight. You get a triangle with a leftover strip along the bottom - leave that strip where it is for now.

Fold the triangle down, then fold it again toward the point, keeping everything lined up. If the layers bunch and refuse to sit flat, push a finger inside and flatten it out. You should end up with a small triangle, a straight edge, then another triangle.

Take the corner and fold it over so the shape becomes a square. This is the base the whole claw is built on, so check the edges actually meet before you crease it down.

Turn the square slowly and fold it in half. Then fold it in half once more. The piece gets small and thick. Press each crease hard, because these are the folds that give the claw its curve later.

Open the paper back out. You will see a line running across it. Fold the triangle up to meet that line, then fold it into the middle. The claw starts to look pointed here rather than blocky.

Fold the piece over again so it takes on a shape like the letter A, angling off to one side. Bend it back and press to leave a crease mark you can find again. That mark is your guide for the tuck coming next.

Rotate the piece so the point faces down toward you, then fold that section down. Make the edge line up with the top and run straight down, matching the other side. A crooked fold here shows up as a lopsided claw.

Slide a finger inside to open the little pouch in the paper. Feed the tip into that hole and keep pushing it in until it seats fully. Press the outside so it stays put. That tuck is the only thing holding the claw together, so push it further than feels necessary.

Work a thumb into the open end to widen it, then push it onto your fingertip. It feels tight the first few times and loosens with use. Make nine more and you have a full set.

Plain white claws take marker and colored pencil well. Draw a line down the spine and dot along it, or match the colors to a costume. This is where a generic paper cone starts looking like an actual dragon claw.