www.craftsforkids.com

Hands on Crafts For Kids is the resource for kids craft projects and instructions for kids 6-12 and parents, teachers and other group leaders. It includes school and curriculum based projects,  multi cultural projects, and every day, holiday and seasonal ideas.

It is  the online home of the public television program Hands On Crafts for Kids.

	When you see the “helping hand” symbol on a project, it means you may need adult supervision to do the project.
	Always cover your work surface with a mat or some type of protective covering like wax paper or plastic.                                                      Always use care when using tools or a heat source. Be careful and safe!

Age Range: 7 to 12

Grade Range: 2 to 6

Skill Level: Easy

Appropriate for These Special Events:
Every Day, Pretend Play and Rainy Days

Supports Subject Areas of:
Language Arts – e.g. step by step instructions
Mathematics - measuring
Visual Arts

Time needed for project:
1 hour

Pool Noodle Llama
Designed by Lisa Galvin

Materials:
Elmer’s® Permanent thin medium glue spots
Pepperell® Braiding Company:  29” Fuzzy Stems, Cobalt Blue or Red
One 2 ½” diameter foam pool noodle, neon green
One ¾” x 2 ½” piece felt, neon green
Five 6mm x 12” chenille stems, cobalt blue or Red
Two 2mm wiggle eyes
Wire cutters
Scissors
Ruler
Needle-nose pliers (or round nose jewelry pliers)
Serrated kitchen knife
Pencil

Directions:
1.  Measure, then cut a 3” section of neon green foam pool noodle using serrated knife (Note: Adult assistance recommended).  On side edge, about 1” from each end, press pencil through foam to make leg holes.  Repeat on the other side, directly opposite of the first holes.   (TIP:  For a multi-color body, cut three 1” sections of foam pool noodle from an assortment of colors found in stores.)
2.  With wire cutters, cut fuzzy stems into two 9” lengths for legs, and one 11” length for head and tail.  Use needle-nose pliers to bend all stem ends over 1/4”.  Push a 9” leg stem completely through both holes on one foam end.  Pull roping through so that an equal amount extends beyond each side of foam, then bend downward for back legs.  Repeat with remaining 9” length for front legs.   
3.   Slide 11” section of fuzzy stems through center of foam noodle until a 1-2” length extends out of opposite end for tail.  Bend the longer portion of stem upward for llama’s long neck, then make another bend 1 ½” from end to create head.  Use scissors to trim some of the fur around nose and ankle areas. 
4.   Feet – Bend the end of one 12” length of cobalt blue chenille stem down ½”.  Place on back side of one foot, wrap twice around the trimmed ankle section, then make two “V” shaped bends for llama’s two-toed foot.  Wrap remaining end of stem around ankle 2-3 times.  Cut excess stem with scissors.  Repeat for all remaining feet.
5.  Head.  Fold the neon green felt piece in half lengthwise.  With folded end squeezed between fingers, cut side edges of felt beginning at folded end and cutting toward center of the narrow opposite end (See Fig. 1).  Insert a 5” length cobalt blue chenille stem through felt fold, bring ends together and twist chenille stem tightly to make curved ear shapes.  With fingers, brush fur away from nose and face, wrap chenille stem ends around neck and twist ends under neck to secure the ears on top of head.  Trim excess chenille stem with scissors.  Apply wiggle eyes to head using glue spots.

Figures

Fig. 1