How to Make Nutshell Creatures

Nutshell creatures are cute and very easy to make. Ask your mom and dad to keep the shells from nuts so that you can make endless creations. Or, make your creatures using whole nutshells with the nut still inside - it makes a lovely sound and is interesting to roll back and forth.

• Decide what type of creature you would like to turn your nut into. There are many choices and some examples are:
  
  • Bunny (white, black and white)
  • Penguin (you might need to upend it) (black and white)
  • Mouse or rat (gray, white, or brown)
  • Ladybug (ladybird)(red and black)
  • Beetle (rainbow colors)
  • Hedgehog or porcupine
  • Pretend creature - an alien, a funny person etc.
• Paint the shell. See the colors suggested above for ideas on good color choices. If you are painting a multi-colored creature, let the first color dry before adding the next etc. And don't forget patches, spots and other identifying marks as needed.
• Let the painted shells dry. Coat the dried paint with nail varnish or a clear lacquer coat. This will protect the paintwork.
• Use string, ribbon, embroidery thread etc. to make whiskers, eyebrows, tongues and tails. Pipe cleaners or small coated floral wire pieces make great antennae. Glue the features into place on the dried painted creature. Allow the glue to set.
• Make some ears using felt or fabric, cardboard pieces, or foil. Cut the ears into a shape that fits the creature you are making. Some creatures won't need this step, like the ladybug. Glue on the ears and leave to set.
• Add teeth for mice, bunnies, beaver etc. creatures. Use felt or fabric, preferably white colored felt, and glue into place.
• Add the eyes. These can either be made from small round pieces of felt, fabric, ribbon etc., or you can simply paint them on.
• Add a tail or a mane where proper. Tails can be long (plaited twine or yarn), or fluffy (cotton wool), or tiny and round (curled up twine circle). Glue tails on and leave to set. Do not add a tail if the creature is not meant to have one.
• Display and play. Your creature is now ready for showing off to others and for playing with.