Egg Carton Caterpillars

This project is a classic.  I remember making them as a kid, too.  The concept is simple and easy for any age.  You just adjust your decorating objects according to the age and ability of your child. I've posted a picture here for you to see one of our recent examples. 

Supplies

• Egg carton - preferable cardboard  (if you re-use styrofoam, it doesn't colour/paint properly but glue works great)
• paints, crayons, felts (any or all)
• glue stick
• bits of feathers, paper, scraps of material, pompoms, string, buttons, beans, pasta - anything you can glue on
• stickers if your child is a bit small for easily using glue
• pipe cleaner (a twist tie will work if you don't have a pipe cleaner)
• scissors (for you to cut out the egg carton - safety scissors for older children to cut bits and pieces)

Cut the egg carton lengthwise to create a body.  Poke two small holes at one end at the top. Cut your pipecleaner in half, fold a little 'knot' at one end and thread through from underneath to create an antenna.  Repeat for the second hole.  (see picture for placement)

Let your child use their imagination to decorate their caterpillar.  There are no limits to how fancy they can be.   This little project is a great way to use up all kinds of recycled objects.

If you have a few children and only one carton, make the caterpillars little by cutting the long pieces in half - a three 'cup' caterpillar instead of a 6 'cup' one.  Just tell them they are baby caterpillars.