DIY Dragon Parade Float (Free Printable Pattern Download)
I have been getting a lot of requests on how to make this tabletop DIY Dragon Parade Float I created for my Mardi Gras TV segment. This is a small version of a Mardi Gras float that makes a fun decoration for a festive Mardi Gras party.
This DIY Mardi Gras Float Decor is made from reused and inexpensive things from the craft store. I have step-by-step instructions and a free printable pattern download below.
I had to figure out how to transform my hand-drawn design into a printable pattern because it is larger than a standard 8-1/2 x 11 sheet of paper. I decided to make two versions of my dragon parade float design. I made a smaller version that fits on a regular 8-1/2 x 11 sheet of paper and another one that is two sheets of paper that are taped together to make the larger, full-sized version.
If you have any questions or need help with this design, let me know. I will be happy to help!
Click here to watch my Mardi Gras TV segment so you can see how I made the design and other of my DIY Mardi Decorations.
Here are some of the DIY Mardi Gras decorations shown on my Mardi Gras TV segment.
DIY Comedy and Tragedy Mask Decorations
Materials
- White Foam Board
- Bright Colored Acrylic Paint
- Dimensional Paint (I used 3D Fabric paint but it worked)
- Colored Craft Foam Sheets (Green and Purple)
- 1 Long Black Bead (for the eye)
- Fabric Flowers
- Metallic Tissue
- Felt Sheets
- Cardboard Box (for the float stand)
- Craft Knife or X-Acto Knife
- Craft Glue
- Hot Glue Gun
Amazon Associates Disclosure
www.GinaTepper.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
How to Make the DIY Dragon Parade Float
I drew the dragon head and tail on a large piece of freezer paper and transformed it into a printable pattern. You can download my printable dragon pattern below.
Here is the full sized version. Print on 8-1/2 x 11 sheets of paper and fit together to create the full sized dragon pattern.
dragon-pattern-head-top
dragon-pattern-head-bottom
dragon-pattern-tail-topdragon-pattern-tail-bottom
This is a smaller version of the dragon pattern that will print on an 8-1/2 x 11 sheet of paper
dragon-pattern-head-8×11
dragon-pattern-fin-8×11
dragon-pattern-tail-8×11
Trace the pattern on to the white foam board. Cut out the design with a craft or X-Acto knife.
Paint the head and the tail with colorful acrylic paint. I painted the scales freehand and just added extra color on the tail and spine for accent. It doesn’t have to be perfect. The more abstract, the better it looks.
Draw lines of the 3 Dimensional paint to the scales, around the eyes and horn to add texture to your dragon. Glue a black bead to his eye to make him come alive.
It takes several hours for the 3 dimensional paint to dry.
Glue the head and tail to the top of the box with a glue gun. Cover with felt, flowers and metallic tissue.
To create the wing, cut out the pattern and trace it onto craft foam. Paint scales on the wing as show with 3Dimensional paint.
Here it is, your fun and festive Dragon Parade Float. Please contact me if you need any help with this project.