Maker Monday: Kids can make these easy, adorable pencil topper creatures

Want a special treat for the final weeks of school? Kids can make ordinary school supplies just a little bit more fun with this Maker Monday craft: Pencil Topper Creatures. It’s an easy project for little fingers. Each creature can be personalized by kids using their own imaginations.

As with all Maker Monday projects, your family can make Pencil Topper Creatures with items you may have around the house or can pick up at a dollar store. A note to kid makers: Please work with a parent or caregiver on this Maker Monday project and always be very careful when using tools of any kind.

Maker Monday materials you’ll need:

• pencils
• pipe cleaners
• glue
• googly eyes

Step 1: Holding one end of a pipe cleaner flat against a tabletop, twist the pipe cleaner into a flat, tight spiral to form the head of your creature (see above).

Step 2: Glue one eye to each side of the head. Allow a few minutes for it to dry before moving on to the next step. (During these minutes, you can make up a story with your child about who this creature is, what it’s called and what it likes to do!)

Step 3: Hold the pipe cleaner against the pencil, with the head located an inch or two above the top of the eraser. Then wind the pipe cleaner around the pencil in a tight downward spiral.

Step 4: Add twisted pieces of additional pipe cleaner to create wings, arms or any other features to add to your fantastic beast.

Want more at-home fun creating cool stuff and making beautiful things? Check out more Maker Monday projects right here.

Do you have an idea for a Maker Monday craft project? If so, please share it with Kidsburgh! Send your maker activities to info@kidsburgh.org.