Hippo Craft
Looking for a fun and creative activity for kids? This popsicle stick hippo craft is sure to delight young crafters while sparking their imaginations!
Perfect for preschoolers and beyond, this easy craft transforms simple materials into an adorable hippo that kids will love.
This hippo popsicle stick craft is an engaging and versatile project that fits a variety of themes and occasions. With just a few supplies like jumbo craft sticks, paint, wiggle eyes, and craft felt, children can create their own playful hippo friends.
Add a magnet to the back, and your finished craft can brighten up the refrigerator as a cute animal decoration. Alternatively, display these charming creations on a party table or classroom bulletin board for a whimsical touch.
Kids of all ages will enjoy making these adorable hippos, but it’s especially great for preschoolers and kindergarteners.
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or camp counselor, this craft is a fantastic way to encourage creativity and fine motor skills. Plus, it’s easy to adapt for younger children by pre-gluing or cutting pieces in advance.
It’s an affordable activity, with many supplies available at dollar stores or perhaps already at home.
When to Make This Craft
This hippo popsicle stick craft is perfect for various occasions and themes:
- Summer Camp: A fun and easy craft for kids to enjoy during camp arts and crafts time. It’s mess-free and engaging.
- Letter H Craft Idea for Preschool: Introduce the letter H with this hands-on hippo activity. Pair it with an educational lesson for added fun.
- Zoo Unit Study in Kindergarten: Incorporate this craft into a zoo-themed curriculum to bring animal learning to life.
- Animal Theme: Celebrate animals with this versatile craft. It’s a great addition to any animal-themed activity day.
- Classroom Activity: Teachers can use this craft as part of a larger lesson or for a creative break during the school day.
- Birthday Party Craft: Keep little hands busy during an animal or zoo-themed birthday party. This craft doubles as a party favor!
Ready to make your own hippo? Follow our simple step-by-step instructions to create this delightful zoo craft for kids. We’ve included a free template to make crafting even easier!
Tips and Tricks for Crafting the Hippo
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your hippo craft is a roaring success:
- For Younger Kids: Pre-glue the base of the hippo and pre-cut the felt or craft foam pieces to make assembly easier.
- Markers Instead of Paint: If you’re looking for a less messy option, swap out paint for markers.
- Material Substitutions: Use cardstock or foam instead of craft felt for a different look or texture.
- Customize Colors: While gray is a classic hippo color, let kids choose their favorite shades for a fun twist.
How to Make a Craft Stick Hippo
Materials:
- Jumbo Craft Sticks
- Wiggle Eyes
- Craft Felt – Light Blue, Light Pink, White
- Black Marker
- Craft Glue or a Glue Gun and Glue Sticks
- Light Blue Craft Paint
- Paintbrush
- Scissors
- Printed Hippo Pattern
Instructions:
To create the hippo, line up five jumbo craft sticks on your work surface. Using scissors, trim additional jumbo craft sticks to the width of the hippo and attach with glue.
TIP: We used a glue gun and glue sticks for this tutorial. But, you can use liquid craft glue for this project, just be sure to wait for it to dry between steps.
Paint the hippo with light blue craft paint. Let dry, and apply a second coat, if necessary.
Download, print, and cut out the hippo patterns.
Trace the outer ears and snout onto light blue craft felt, trace the inner ears into light pink craft felt, trace the teeth onto white craft felt.
Cut out all hippo patterns with scissors, cutting inside the traced lines for a clean finished project.
Attach the light pink felt inner ear onto the light blue felt outer ear with glue.
Attach two wiggle eyes with glue. Glue the teeth to the snout.
Attach the ears to the right and left sides with glue. Glue the snout and teeth just under the eyes.
To finish, draw two oval nostrils on the snout with a black marker.
All done!
This popsicle stick hippo craft is not only easy and fun but also an excellent way to encourage creativity and learning. Perfect for home, school, or parties, it’s a craft kids will be excited to display and share. Don’t forget to check out the free template and gather your supplies to get started today! This adorable craft is sure to become a favorite for preschoolers and kids of all ages.
