Earth Day is the perfect time to teach students about the importance of the 3 R’s (Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle), but we also must not forget about the amazing wildlife that inhabits this wonderful planet! Did you know that Kunin felts and fabrics are made from recycled post-consumer plastic bottles? Isn’t that awesome? Recycling is just one way that we can maintain a healthier habitat for wildlife — and for us!
Today I am excited to share with you this DIY giraffe puppet craft and free printable tag that will make your students “Wild About Earth Day”! Let’s get crafting!
You Will Need:
- 9″ x 12” craft cuts Kunin Classicfelt™ in Yellow, Orange, and Walnut Brown
- Sizzix Bigz Die – Giraffe
- Ellison SuperStar Machine
- Popsicle Sticks
- Googly Eyes
- Adhesive (felt glue)
- TULIP Fabric Markers (brown)
- 1-hole Punch
- Baker’s Twine
- Printer
- Cardstock
- “I am Wild About Earth Day” Free Printable Tag (below)
Here’s How to Make it:
Step 1:
Use an Ellison Superstar Machine to die cut a Sizzix Bigz Die – Giraffe die in 9” x 12” craft cuts of Kunin Classicfelt™ in yellow, orange, and walnut brown. Use the Ellison Superstar Machine to die cut another giraffe onto cardstock. This cardstock giraffe will be used as the base of the puppet and to provide support. In this tutorial we will cut portions of each color of felt to create this DIY giraffe puppet craft
Step 2:
Glue the yellow felt giraffe on top of the cardstock giraffe cutout. I recommend using a kid-friendly felt glue, but Elmer’s glue will work too. Just make sure your giraffe puppet has plenty of time to dry before being played with.
Step 3:
Cut the tail, feet, and ears from the brown felt cutout of the giraffe. Adhere each piece onto the base of the yellow giraffe cutout. Cut the mane of the giraffe from the orange felt cutout. Adhere to the base of the yellow giraffe cutout.
Step 4:
Adhere googly eyes and add spots to the giraffe using a brown TULIP fabric marker.
Step 5:
Adhere a popsicle stick to the back of the giraffe and set aside to dry. Print out the free “I am Wild About Earth Day” printable tag onto cardstock. Use a 1-hole punch to add a hole to the top of your tag. Tie the tag to your puppet giraffe using baker’s twine or jute cord.
This craft will make your students excited to learn about all wild animals and the importance of taking care of the earth! You can now find an expanded color line of Kunin® Classicfelt; Kunin® Premiumfelt and Corduroy non-wovens fabrics in cut by the yard at your local Walmart; please inquire as to what is available in your area. Happy Earth Day!
Go Green,
Chad Boender