Animal Crafts

Isn't this cat mask gorgeous? Very straightforward to make, it involves painting, cutting and sticking - so it will keep the kids busy for a while and they will love every minute! Just make sure they don't put the mask on before it is absolutely dry...

This simple technique - of using one of our templates as a reverse stencil - has created a stunning watercolour beach scene that is a perfect activity for a creative afternoon, for children of all ages. Cut out the template in advance if you are planning to do this with younger kids.

All you need is a polystyrene ball and a paper cup, some paints and scraps of craft foam - and the kids can put together this gorgeous cow. I can see a whole "field" of them on display!

Dala horses (or Dalecarlian horses) are carved and painted wooden horses originating in the Swedish province of Dalarna. Originally made as toys for children, they are now a recognised symbol of Sweden. Have a go at making your own with this lovely Dala horse craft!

This simple craft is fun for kids of all ages. You can use the Easter Bunnies to decorate your house or classroom, as large puppets (attach a wooden spoon to the back with strong sticky tape), or as masks.

This lovely little felt pig bookmark is perfect for a present or for kids to tuck inside their own reading book. We've provided printable templates and instructions to make it perfect for a group activity. Simple sewing needed!

This softie sewing project is a lovely one for a beginner. You can vary the size of your Scotties. Blow up our template and cut out a really large one to make a cushion, use a tiny Scottie to hang on a keychain, or something in between!

Little kids can have some fun drawing around feet, cutting out the shape, sticking it and ending up with this fabulous footprint horse!

You will need:

Quick, easy and fun for little kids, this handprint goldfish nevertheless looks effective on display! Of course you could make a whole school of fish this way for an underwater scene, too.

Making this horse mask involves all sorts of crafty activities that younger children will enjoy - painting paper plates, cutting, sticking, and of course wearing the mask at the end!

Here's a fun paper bag rabbit craft to try with the kids. We think our rabbit has loads of character! And he's fun to make for all ages, great for Easter or Chinese Year of the Rabbit.

Our paper plate goldfish is a quick and easy craft to do with younger children and a school of them makes a lovely display at any time of year - but they might be particularly appropriate for Chinese New Year or your China topic.

Paper plate crafts are always popular, but we must warn you that this paper plate horse is slightly trickier than most of the paper plate crafts at Activity Village! Younger children will need help drawing and cutting the head and leg shapes, and perhaps with some of the sticking too.

Here's a fun paper plate rabbit craft to make with the children, fun for younger kids at Easter or Chinese New Year 2011 (Year of the Rabbit).

This little bookmark is very quick for the kids to make, using simple craft cupboard supplies. But who wouldn't like this pig bookmarks sticking out of the top of their reading book!

This lovely pig mask is simple and fun for the kids to make - and then to wear! Why not team it with our wolf mask craft and play at The Three Little Pigs?

This Polystyrene Egg Bunny is a perfect craft for Easter and makes a great table decoration that the kids will be really proud of!

You will need:

Pretend to be the Easter bunny with this rabbit ears craft for kids! You'll be hopping around delivering Easter eggs in no time.

Cheer up your outlook with a collection of cheerful tartan Scottie dogs! Using a paper plate for the "mobile" element of our Scottie dog mobile made this a quick and easy way to display our collection of Scotties.

We've used our hedgehog frame and a stack of brown tissue paper to make this gorgeous, textural hedgehog. It's a fun craft for all ages and a lovely way to pass a wet autumn afternoon.

Here's an original way to turn a toilet roll into a wombat! It can be a little fiddly so an adult will need to help younger children, but I'm sure you'll agree that the result is worth it.

Kids can have fun making this Bunny Wooden Spoon Puppet - perfect for Easter, a farm theme, or any time puppets are required! They might like to make our Wooden Spoon Puppet Chick too.