Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Grab 1 or 2 pipe cleaners. For a distinguished little head, take one pipe cleaner and fold it about an inch from one end to create a small bump. This will be where the eyes go!
- Step 2: Start threading your pony beads onto the pipe cleaner(s) to make the segments of your caterpillar's body. It's a good idea to leave a little space at each end so you can curl them later.
- Step 3: Take the ends of the pipe cleaner(s) and curl them into little spirals or loops. These are their cute antennae! This also helps keep everything in place.
- Step 4: If you prefer a softer, fuzzier caterpillar, you can skip the beads! Instead, simply glue pom-poms all along the length of a pipe cleaner. They look so cuddly!
- Step 5: Using glue dots or your hot glue gun, attach those googly eyes to the head you created. Hold them in place for a moment until the glue sets. Voila! Your caterpillar has a face!
- Step 6: Want to take your caterpillar to the next level? You can glue them onto a foam leaf for a garden critter vibe, attach them to a craft stick to make a puppet, or even use a mini clothespin to clip them onto something! You can also use markers or tiny stickers to add details like stripes or spots.
Notes
Some pipe cleaners are fluffier and easier to bend than others. If yours are a bit stiff, ask a grown-up for help curling the ends. If using a hot glue gun, make sure the glue is fully cooled before handling. If using glue dots, press firmly to ensure a good stick. You can pre-cut pipe cleaners and gather all the beads and eyes before you start, which makes the actual crafting process super smooth, especially if you're doing this with a group. Make sure your beads have holes large enough to easily slide onto the pipe cleaners. Experiment with different ways to form the head. A simple loop or a more intricate twist can create unique looks! If you're having trouble with the head, just a simple fold is perfectly fine too.