Pine Cone Critters

Rating:

Supervision:

1 adult per 5 children

You will need:

Pine cones
Hot glue or tacky glue
Pipe cleaners
Googly eyes
Bottle cap (soda bottle, apple juice, laundry detergent, etc.)
Decorative items: wine corks, lace, sequins, feathers, puff balls, etc.

Intro:

Evergreen trees and their pinecones are wonderful symbols of nature even in the coldest months of the year. They also make great crafting materials! With their different sizes and shapes, you can make critters of all kinds! Pine trees are common in most woods, so combine this craft with a hike and you've got a fun-filled afternoon.

Step 1:

To start, glue the open side of a flat-topped bottle cap (you will place the glue around the inside rim of the cap) to the bottom of your pine cone. This will provide a sturdy little stand for the pine cone. Rember, if you are using a glue gun, you should always have adult supervision. If you are using tacky glue, you may want to prep the bases ahead of time, allowing 1/2 hour for the tacky glue to dry.

Step 2:

Your pine cone should now be able to sit straight up with its new base.

Step 3:

Next, stick on some googly eyes. You'll soon see your pine cone critter taking life right before your eyes!

Step 4:

Now for the pipe cleaner. This can be used to make a tail, antenna, arms, wings, whatever you choose! Simply wrap the pipe cleaner between the sections of the pine cone to secure it in place.

Step 5:

Your critter's off to a great start! Now you can let your imagination run wild and create any kind of creature you like!

Craft Variations:

At this point, it's up to your imagination with what you would like to add to your pinecone. You can put a hula skirt made out of yarn, whiskers made out of pipe cleaners, or feathers to create a bird. I've also turned a larger pine cone into a fire-breathing monster, and one into a cute elf! Let your imagination run wild!

Rating:

Supervision:

1 adult per 5 children

You will need:

Pine cones
Hot glue or tacky glue
Pipe cleaners
Googly eyes
Bottle cap (soda bottle, apple juice, laundry detergent, etc.)
Decorative items: wine corks, lace, sequins, feathers, puff balls, etc.

Difficulty:

Easy peasy (fun and simple)

Prep Time:

5 minutes or less

Time Length:

5 - 15 minutes

Intro:

Step 1:

Step 2:

Your pine cone should now be able to sit straight up with its new base.

Step 3:

Next, stick on some googly eyes. You'll soon see your pine cone critter taking life right before your eyes!

Step 4:

Now for the pipe cleaner. This can be used to make a tail, antenna, arms, wings, whatever you choose! Simply wrap the pipe cleaner between the sections of the pine cone to secure it in place.

Step 5:

Your critter's off to a great start! Now you can let your imagination run wild and create any kind of creature you like!

Craft Tips:

1. You can use anything flat to make the base for your pine cone: an old CD, a piece of cardboard, a popsicle stick... whatever you have that's flat and can safely accept glue (no thin plastic or foam).
2. Turn your pinecone on its side to make four-legged critters.
3. Let the shape of the pinecone dictate the creature.
4. Use natural items: pebbles, pine needles, dry leaves, seed pods, etc. to make an all-natural critter.

Craft Variations:

Materials:

Pine cones
Hot glue or tacky glue
Pipe cleaners
Googly eyes
Bottle cap (soda bottle, apple juice, laundry detergent, etc.)
Decorative items: wine corks, lace, sequins, feathers, puff balls, etc.

Sophie's Tip of the Week

Just finished a game that left a bit of a mess? Engage the children in another game to do the clean up. See who can pick up the most pieces while you count down....count sloooowly.