Make these fun, jolly giraffes with paper tubes and pipe cleaners.
Giraffes live in the grasslands of the African savannas. They are the tallest animals on earth!
Follow the directions below to make your own fun, jolly giraffes.
Supplies you will need for one yellow giraffe (you can change it up, though, and use any color you like):
1 Paper tube
2 Orange wiggle eyes
1 Yellow pom, about 1/2 inch
4 Yellow pipe cleaners
1 Orange pipe cleaner
1 Bottle cap to trace for the round spots
Yellow construction paper
Orange acrylic paint
Sponge brush
Pencil
Hole-punch
Scissors
Glue
Scotch tape
Directions:
First, use the sponge brush to paint the paper tube with the orange acrylic paint and set aside to dry.
Next, use the bottle cap to trace a circle onto the yellow construction paper and cut out at least four circles. Glue the circles onto the painted tube to represent the spots on a giraffe’s fur.
Next, use the hole-punch to make two holes at each end of the tube where the legs will go. Then punch a hole on each end of the opposite side for the neck and tail. See picture or watch the video below for guidance.
Next, thread a yellow pipe cleaner through the holes at one end of the tube to form the front legs. Turn the ends forward to form the feet. Repeat for the hind legs.
Next, thread another yellow pipe cleaner through the holes on the top side of the tube to form the neck and tail. Be sure to wrap it so that it covers the pipe cleaners that were inserted for the legs. This will help keep them all in place. Use scotch tape on the inside of the tube for reinforcement. Be sure that the side for the neck and head is longer than the side for the tail. Curve the end of the long side to form a small loop for the head.
Next, glue the yellow pom to the small loop you made for the head. Use glue to add the wiggle eyes.
Next, take the last yellow pipe cleaner and cut off about six inches. Form a loop at each end to represent the ears of the giraffe. Then take the orange pipe cleaner, cut off about two inches, and wrap it around the middle of the ears. These will be the horns at the top of the giraffe’s head.
Finally, wrap the ears and horns around the neck of the giraffe near the head.
I hope you enjoy making these fun giraffes with your kids!
Tools I Use
Here are a few basic supplies I used in this craft. Click on the images to find out more. You can also visit my Tools I Use Page to find more resources I use for crafts, writing, and blogging.
Giraffes and other fun animals are featured in my book, Frogs Eat Spaghetti…Right? Watch the book trailer below. You can also find lesson plans, puzzles and crafts here.
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