DLTK's Crafts for Kids
Cactus Paper Craft

This charming cactus paper craft is perfect for kids, combining simple shapes and easy assembly for a delightful desert-themed decoration.

Materials:

• paper,
• glue,
• scissors
• Markers or crayons (optional, for decoration)

Instructions:

• Print out the template of choice.  You need both templates to make one bear.
• Color (where appropriate).
• Cut out the template pieces.  You could also do this freehand, drawing a cactus shape onto a piece of green construction paper and a pot shape onto a piece of brown construction paper!
• Glue pieces together:
   
  • Glue the rectangular rim on top of your pot shape.
  • Glue the pot with the rim on top of your cactus.

Painting Ideas:

Splatter Painting

• Technique: To add a lively and abstract texture to your cactus and pot, dip a stiff brush in green paint for the cactus and brown or terracotta paint for the pot. Then, flick the bristles with your finger to create a splatter effect over the shapes. You can protect areas you don't want splattered with paper or tape. This technique is great for mimicking the random patterns found in nature and adding a playful touch to your craft.

Polka Dots and Stripes

• Technique: Use the back of a paintbrush or a small sponge to add polka dots to the cactus for a whimsical look. For the pot, consider using tape to create clean stripes before painting, removing the tape once the paint has dried to reveal a sharp pattern.

Watercolor Wash

• Technique: For a softer look, apply a light watercolor wash over both the cactus and the pot. Once dry, you can go back in with a finer brush to add more defined details, like the ridges of the cactus or the texture of the pot.

Textured Layers

• Technique: Apply layers of paint using different tools like sponges, crumpled paper, or even a piece of cardboard to create texture on the cactus and pot. Layering different shades of green can give your cactus a more dimensional look.

Templates:

• Close the template window after printing to return to this screen.
• Set page margins to zero if you have trouble fitting the template on one page (FILE, PAGE SETUP or FILE, PRINTER SETUP in most browsers).

Cactus Paper Craft            color  or   B&W

Print friendly version of these instructions