DIY: Elephant Puppet from Playful

By Gabrielle. Images by Nicole Hill Gerulat for Playful.

I’ve got such a sweet little project for you and your kids today. It’s an Elephant! The most charming paper elephant you’ve ever seen. And it’s one of the many adorable projects in the Merrilee Liddiard’s fantastic new book, Playful. You can find the full instructions, plus a free downloadable template below.

Have you seen the book? Everything about it is scrumptious. Every project, every photo, all the little details. Buy it so you can make fun, imaginative, totally do-able projects with your kids. And buy it because the attention to detail will inspire you!

I’m a huge fan of Merrilee. Such a fan that I sought her out to work on our Olive Us movie titles and illustrations (see examples here and here). She’s endlessly creative and her ideas spark more creativity in everyone around her.

This simple elephant would be terrific to make with your kids. Hang it on the wall, add sticks to make it a puppet. Or make tiny ones as cupcake toppers. Yay!

ELEPHANT

1 Photocopy or scan and print the elephant template at 200%. Cut out the pattern pieces.

2 Trace the body and head onto light blue poster board and cut out.

3 Trace the ear onto red cardstock and cut out.

4 Trace the tail onto dark blue cardstock and cut out.

5 Trace the eye onto blue cardstock and cut out.

6 Trace the cheek and toenails onto hot pink cardstock and cut out.

7 Glue the eye and cheek onto the elephant’s face.

8 Punch or poke small holes into the elephant pieces where indicated on the template.

9 Using brads, attach the head, ear, and tail to the elephant body.

10 Play with the elephant as is, or tape two wooden dowels onto the back of the elephant body, one toward the front and one toward the back, for a puppet parade!

Find instructions for the horse, the bear, the fox and the bird in the Playful book!

P.S. — Like to make things? Find lots of fun projects here.