CatERpillar

I've always had a difficult time spelling caterpillar. Still to this day I have to say it in my head, “cat-ER-pillar”… anyone with me?

Anyway, using some common crafting supplies, we’ve mixed up the traditional paper and glue caterpillars and have created a ‘Hanging Paper Clip Caterpillar”… I know, the name needs some work (but this caterpillar is CUTE!).

       1. Supplies: craft foam, paperclips, scissors, something circular, google eyes, marker, pipecleaner. 

       2. Trace circle onto the foam. Cut the circles out of the foam.

      3. Connect the foam circles with paperclips until you have a chain.

      4. Glue on google eyes and draw on a smile.

     5. Cut pipecleaners. Take two, curl, and glue or tape on the back of the caterpillar's 'head.'

     6. Take the other pipecleaners and glue along the sides for 'legs'.

     7. Display your caterpillar proudly on a door handle, back of a chair, window, etc.

You can’t talk about and craft about caterpillars without talking about and crafting about butterflies so of course we have to make a butterfly craft too! The following is a tutorial for the traditional toilet paper roll butterful.

      1. Supplies: toilet paper roll, paint (or markers), stapler (and staples), google eyes, marker, construction paper, scissors.

    

     2. Paint your toilet paper roll

     3. While the roll is drying, cut your paper into two different sizes of hearts.

 

     4. Staple 'wings' to the roll.

       5. Glue on your google eyes and glue or tape your antennas on.

*Remember to talk with your child as you make these crafts. Talk about the different shapes (the circles on the caterpillar, hearts on the butterfly). Talk about the different colors in the craft. If your children are older, talk about the transformation that takes place from a caterpillar to a butterfly. If they are interested, you could hop on the computer and find more info or even an educational movie to watch.

Here are some fun caterpillar books to read with your crafts!

*Click on book image for more details