Crayon Critters

crayola supplies

Crayons
No-Run School Glue
Blunt-Tip Scissors
Construction Paper

household supplies

chenille sticks
decorative craft items

Why

Where do you find interesting creatures? You can find them in nature, in your imagination—or even waiting inside a box of crayons.

Steps

1. Where have you found interesting creatures? Under rocks? Flying by your ear? Or in your imagination? Now you can almost make them come to life.
2. Pick a Crayola® Crayon for the body of your creature. Cut chenille stems (long enough to wrap around the crayon) with Crayola Scissors for legs and antennae. Bend and shape chenille stems to support the crayon creature’s body.
3. Cut out shapes from construction paper for wings or other parts. Decorate with Crayola Crayons. Stick to chenille stems with Crayola School Glue. Air-dry before twisting chenille stems around crayon.
4. Make eyes and other body parts from paper, crayons, and other craft items.

When & Where

"My children’s critters are crawling all over my desk. Their art is a great icebreaker for my clients."
- Brandon S., dad of twin 8-year-olds.

"I volunteer with children who have special needs. This project really appealed to their imaginations and sense of touch."
- Newala R., artist.

Interesting Info

Critter comes from the word creature. Children’s author Mercer Mayer created a character named Little Critter. It is difficult to tell what kind of animal it is or even if it’s a boy or a girl. Maybe that’s why the author called it a critter. Little Critter does things that Mayer remembered doing as a child.

Safety Guidelines

Scissors—ATTENTION: The cutting edges of scissors are sharp and care should be taken whenever cutting or handling. Blunt-tip scissors should be used only by children 4 years and older. Pointed-tip scissors should be used only by children 6 years and older.