Paper Bag People and Animals

Materials:

Lunch size paper bags, brown or white

Newspaper (or similar material)

String

Tape

Scraps of construction paper

Paste or glue

Ribbon and/or yarn

Sequins, buttons, seeds (for eyes, nose mouth)

Crayon and/or markers and/or colored pencils

Clip art

Scissors

Pipe cleaners (for whiskers)

Wiggle eyes

Rubber Band

Ruler

Project:

1. Choose the pet or animal you will make.
2. Stuff 1/3 of the bag tightly with crumbled or strips of newspaper (or similar material) to form the head (about two or three sheets).
3. Gather the bag at the base of the head. Tie it securely with string or yarn.
4. Stuff the rest of the bag with more newspaper and tape the bottom of the bag closed.
5. Cut eyes, nose, mouth, and paws from construction paper or use sequins, buttons or seeds. Use pipe cleaners for the whiskers.
6. Tie a ribbon or piece of yarn around the neck.
7. Add buttons or other decorations to dress up you paper bag pet or person.

Alternative Projects:

1. Make a paper bag person. Use yarn for hair and wiggle eyes. Follow the directions above.
2. Stuff only the top 1/3 of the bag. Insert a long stick (like a ruler) into the head and secure with string, yarn or a rubber band. Use as a puppet and put on a play for your friends! Read the books below for more ideas:

Gauch, Patricia Lee. Poppy’s Puppet

Marsh, Valerie. Puppet Tales