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Cute Cardboard Penguin Craft

cardboard penguin craft

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Make this cute cardboard penguin craft holding a heart for a fun Valentine’s day project with the kids! Or any season!

Who can agree penguins make the cutest craft? With Valentine’s day coming up, we thought it’d be fun to craft up this adorable cardboard penguin craft. He’s ready to be loved and send out some love while holding a red yarn heart!

String art is a great exercise in fine motor skills We made him out of cardboard because we have a serious love for recycled crafts. Why buy more supplies when you can dig around your recycled bin?

This penguin activity is a fun and easy craft to do with your kids. It’s also a great opportunity for them to get creative and learn a new skill by threading. All you need is some cardboard, paint, and yarn to make your own cute little penguin. Gather your materials and get ready to have some fun with your kids as you make this fun Valentine’s craft together. 

Valentine cardboard penguin craft

What do you need to make this penguin craft?

You’ll need cardboard, paint in black, pink, white and orange, plus a hole puncher and some red yarn. That’s it! You can also use paint markers, especially for the details of the face, if that’s easier. 

How do you make this penguin valentine craft?

First you’ll need to cut out a simple penguin outline on the cardboard and cut it out. Then outline the body in black and add face details and arms. Don’t forget to ad feet too! Then simply cut out holes in in the shape of a heart and thread red yarn through. 

penguin craft

penguin craft

cardboard penguin craft

cardboard penguin craft

What can you add to make your penguin more fun?

  1. Add some color by painting the entire penguin not just the black outline and don’t be afraid to use a color other than black! You can also use glitter or sequins to give it a little sparkle, like the inside body. 
  2. Use buttons for eyes or a fun detail. Buttons make great eyes and can also be used to decorate the penguin’s belly around the heart as an outline. 
  3. Add some texture. Use feathers or cotton balls to give the penguin a fluffy look.
  4. Use pipe cleaners. Create a sensory shape around your penguin. You can also use them to create a fun and colorful scarf for your penguin.
  5. Use googly eyes instead of paint. Googly eyes are a fun and easy way to give your penguin a playful look. They come in many sizes, too. 
  6. Use yarn: Yarn can be used to make the penguin’s hair or to create a fun scarf with finger knitting. 
  7. Use pom poms. Pom poms can be used to make the penguin’s nose or add them to pipe cleaners to create ear muffs!
  8. Use foam shapes: Foam shapes can be used to make the penguin’s beak and feet.
  9. Use felt. Felt can be used to outline the penguin’s body to give it warm and cozy touch. 

With these embellishments, children will have fun and also develop their creativity for open-ended play. 

valentine penguin craft

Creating a Valentine penguin craft with your kids is a fun and easy way to show your love and affection this Valentine’s Day. Plus it makes a super cute craft! The heart can be customized to any color and you can give it a pet name after you’re done!  

Watch the video in this post: 

Yield: Cute Cardboard Penguin Craft

Cute Cardboard Penguin Craft

cardboard penguin craft

Make this cute cardboard penguin craft holding a heart for a fun Valentine's day project with the kids! Or any season!

Materials

  • Cardboard
  • Scissors
  • Black, white, pink and orange paints
  • Paint brush
  • Glue
  • Hole puncher
  • Red yarn

Instructions

Cut out a penguin shape from a piece of cardboard.

Paint the outer body black.

Add face details like a nose, eye and cheeks.

Cut out penguin cardboard feet and paint orange. Glue to the bottom of your penguin.

Draw two black arms using paint or a black marker.

Cut out holes using a hole puncher in the center of the penguin.

Tthread red yarn through for a cute string art. Tape or glue the first and last string to the back.

Agnes Hsu is a mom of three and has been inspiring parents and kids to get creative with easy activities and family friendly recipes for over 10 years. She shares her love for creative play and kids food to her 2MM+ followers online. Agnes' commitment to playful learning and kindness has not only raised funds for charity but also earned features in prestigious nationwide publications.

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