Seeing koi swimming is so relaxing - we could watch them for hours! We have no koi ponds nearby but decided to make some from paper.

Start with:

• Colored Paper or Cardstock
• Scissors
• Glue
• 1 Inch Hole Punch, optional
• Single Hole Punch, optional

Create it!

 

Step 1: From yellow paper or cardstock, fold paper and cut a triangle. Trim to round the sides.

Step 2: From yellow paper or cardstock, cut two kite shapes and glue to both sides of the tip of the triangle for tail fins.

Step 3: Cut a half circle, fold in center and glue to the bottom of the triangle for the head.

Step 4: Cut two triangles and glue to both sides of the bottom of the triangle for fins.

Step 5: Cut triangles and strips from orange paper or cardstock.

Step 6: Glue the triangles to the body of the koi and strips to the fins.

Step 7: With scissors or using 1 inch paper punch, create two circles for eyes. With scissors or single hole paper punch, create two small circles for pupils. Glue small circles to larger circles and add as eyes to the koi.

A variety of colors would be so fun - orange, white and yellow in various combinations and shades!

The weather is starting to get warmer and it is looking like there might be some good days for flying kites soon - they always make me think of Spring. We turned cardboard kites into a crown - just right for the season!

Start with:

• Cardboard
• Scissors
• Glue
• Stapler
• Paint
• Paintbrush
• Cardstock
• 

Step 1: Cut a band from cardboard.

Step 2: Secure into a ring using stapler to hold together.

Step 3: Cut kites from cardboard (we used five).

Step 4: Paint the kite shapes and allow to dry.

Step 5: Cut white cardstock details and glue to painted cardboard kite shapes.

Step 6: Glue kites to band to finish crown.

The shape of the kites lend themselves so well to a crown and we couldn't resist adding a bit of rainbow - another welcome sign of Spring - to the crown!

As part of a costume, dress up play or just for fun - we've got you covered with this knight helmet made from cardboard!

Start with:

• Cardboard
• Paint
• Paintbrush
• Scissors
• Glue
• Stapler
• Paper Fasteners (2)

Create it!

Step 1: Cut a strip of cardboard for the main portion of the knight helmet. It will need to fit from the shoulders to just above the head and loosely around.

Step 2: Draw a tall half circle in the center and cut out. This will be the opening for the face.

Step 3: Gently bend the cardboard creating a slight bend between the ridges so it will be easier to make into a circle.

Step 4: Staple the ends of the cardboard together to create a band. (We recommend this step for adults.)

Step 5: Cut a pointed portion from cardboard to fit on the top of the helmet and a large half circle that fits across the opening in the band (our measurement was approximately 5 inches tall by 16.5 inches wide).

Step 6: Paint the three pieces gray and allow to dry.

Step 7: Paint additional details if you'd like.

Step 8: Glue the pointed cardboard piece to the top of the band.

Step 9: Punch a hole in each end of the long half circle piece and attach on each side to the band.

Step 10: From cardboard, cut a feather shape.

Step 11: Paint the feather and allow to dry.

Step 12: Attach the feather to the top of the helmet with glue or an additional paper fastener.

A completely recycled costume just needs a cardboard shield or sword and your little knight is all set!

Jellyfish are so mesmerizing to watch as they move through the water. We made this rainbow version with a fun texture and a smiley face - a friendly little fellow!

Start with:

• 2 Paper Bowls
• Paint
• Paintbrush
• Paint
• Scissors
• Cardstock
• Bubble Wrap

Create it!

Step 1: Paint two paper bowls and allow them to dry.

Step 2: Cut bubble wrap into strips, paint and allow to dry.

Step 3: Glue strips to the inside of one of the painted bowls.

Step 4: Glue the remaining paper bowl on top of the other bowl.

Step 5: Cut a face from cardstock and glue to the top bowl.

If you'd like, punch a hole in the top of the bowl and hang the jellyfish up!