Gather cardboard, foam, fabric, glue, tape, scissors, paint, markers, wooden dowels, string, and elastic
Sketch the dragon body, head, wings, tail, legs, and jaw on paper
Cut the body parts from cardboard or foam
Build a lightweight body frame and tape or glue the pieces together
Shape the head with a movable lower jaw
Attach the neck to the body with a flexible joint
Cut and attach wings to the body
Make the tail from foam, fabric, or a flexible tube
Add legs or use a hanging body design
Cover the structure with fabric, paper, or painted foam
Paint the dragon in the desired colors
Add scales, horns, teeth, claws, and eyes
Attach control rods to the head, jaw, wings, or tail
Add strings or elastic for movement points if needed
Test the movement and adjust the joints
Reinforce weak areas with extra tape or glue
Hold the puppet by the rods and practice the motions