Caterpillar on a Leaf

What better way to say goodbye to summer than creating your own little caterpillar to keep around? Follow the steps below to make this with your little ones.  You will love how simple and fun it can be.

Here's what you will need to get started.

• One sheet of colored construction paper
• One sheet of white construction paper
• Washable finger paint
• Glue stick
• Tape
• Scissors
• A big leaf
• Brown crayon with the paper removed

Step one:  Pick a leaf

Pick a leaf, any leaf! Part of the fun is letting each child pick their own leaf, especially if you have multiple children, each one will be unique. 

Step two: Leaf rubbing

While your leaf is face down cover it with your white sheet of paper and tape it down. This will keep it steady while your little ones are doing their rubbing. 

Next, lay your brown crayon sideways and rub. Make sure to apply enough pressure to the crayon so the outline of your leaf is clearly visable when you finish. After your rubbing is complete cut out your leaf and sit aside. If your children are old enough you can let them do this part with safety scissors. 

Step 3: Making the caterpillar

To make your caterpillar you'll want to sit your little one down and grab a wet rag. Take your washable paint (any color) and dab it on the bottom of each toe of one foot. 

Fold your white paper in half and press the paper to all five toes. Grab that wet rag and wipe off any excess paint. Set the paper aside until it dries. When your caterpillar is dry go ahead and draw your antennas, eyes, smile, and feet on the caterpillar, then cut it out. Let the kids get involved In this part. 

Step 4: Putting it all together

Grab your sheet of colored construction paper (any color) and let your little one glue their leaf to it. After the leaf is secured to the paper apply glue to your cut out caterpillar and attach it to the leaf. Congratulations you're finished! You have a little caterpillar on a leaf that will look perfect on anyone's refrigerator! 

I hope you enjoyed this project with your little ones! Next weeks craft will be on finger painting with canvases and tape. It will be loads of messy fun!