Homemade Moss Animals

Materials:

coloring book
pencil or pen
tracing paper
sturdy piece of cardboard
spray glue
moss (available at craft and/or plant stores)
glue gun and glue
raffia
oil-based lotion

1. Trace an animal shape from a coloring book and blow it up to the desired size (figure A). Trace it on a sturdy piece of cardboard and cut it out.

2. Use spray glue to attach moss to both sides of the cardboard. Make sure the moss is dry.

• Another way to make moss animals is to use 20-gauge green chicken wire. Just fold a sheet of chicken wire in half, place an animal cutout on top and cut out the animal shape (figure D). Fold under any raw edges. Glue moss on both sides of the chicken-wire form.

• If the green moss color fades, mix a few drops of green food coloring in a spray bottle filled with water. Spray it on the moss animal to revive the color.