How to Make Egg Cartons Insects - a Child's Craft

School is out and parents will be looking for ways and projects to keep their young children entertained and busy through the long summer months ahead. While the weather is nice, children can participate in many outdoor activities. However, when the weather turns to rain and forces children indoors, activities may be limited. One craft activity that is sure to hold a child's fascination, engage their creativity and help them pass the time is making insects from egg cartons. All that is needed to make these creatures are a few craft items and some egg cartons.

Items Needed to Make Egg Carton Insects

-Two to three empty egg cartons
-Scissors
-Glue
-Assorted pipe cleaners
-Googly eyes (optional)
-Markers
-Tin foil (optional)
-One to two Sheets of Velum

Egg Carton Ant

To make an egg carton ant cut three egg sections out of an egg carton. Poke two small holes on both sides of the middle and hind egg sections. Bend eight pipe cleaners to resemble the legs of ants, and stick the tips through the holes and bend downward on the inside to hold in place. To make the ants antennae, poke two small holes in the top of the section without legs. Cut a pipe cleaner in half and stick each half through a hole. Bend on the inside to hold in place. Glue googly eyes on section without legs (or draw eyes on) and draw a mouth.

Egg Carton Spider

To make an egg carton spider cut one egg section out of an egg carton. Poke four small holes on both sides of the egg section. Bend eight pipe cleaners to resemble a spider's legs, and stick the tips through the holes and bend downward on the inside to hold in place. Glue on googly eyes (or draw eyes on) and draw a mouth.

Egg Carton Caterpillar

To make an egg carton caterpillar cut six egg sections out of an egg carton. Poke two small holes on both sides of all the egg sections except one end (the head). Bend twelve pipe cleaners to resemble the legs of a caterpillar, and stick the tips through the holes and bend downward on the inside to hold in place. To make the caterpillar antennae, poke two small holes in the top of the section without legs. Cut a pipe cleaner in half and stick each half through a hole. Bend on the inside to hold in place and bend the other end in a curve. Glue googly eyes on section without legs (or draw eyes on) and draw a mouth.

Egg Carton Butterfly

To make an egg carton butterfly cut two egg sections out of an egg carton. Poke two small holes on both sides of one of the egg sections. Bend four pipe cleaners to resemble the legs of a butterfly, and stick the tips through the holes and bend downward on the inside to hold in place. Cut two wings for the butterfly out of the velum (make sure the size is proportionate to the egg section). Slightly bend the part of the wing that is to attach to the egg section and add some glue. Position and hold in place on egg section until wing holds. To make the butterfly antennae, poke two small holes in the top of the section without legs. Cut a pipe cleaner in half and stick each half through a hole. Bend on the inside to hold in place and bend the other end in a curve. Glue googly eyes on section without legs (or draw eyes on) and draw a mouth.

NOTE: If you do not have velum, use tin foil for the wings.

Your child is now ready to play with their egg carton insects. Maybe they could hold an insect play.

Sources: Personal Experience