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Easy Hungry Caterpillar Sculpture For Kids

I have made this caterpillar sculpture with hundreds of first graders. The best part is that they always turn out so cute and can add their artistic touches. Our step-by-step tutorial will show you exactly how.

Hungry caterpillar sculpture in a hand.

Why You Will Love This Sculpture


  • KID FRIENDLY – Any age child can make this sculpture.
  • ADD A LITERACY ELEMENT – Read Eric Carle’s book first, then use this art project as an extension or part of a larger unit.
  • LIMITED MESS – Build these caterpillars with Model Magic for less mess.

Notes On Supplies You’ll Need

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hand holding large piece of Model Magic.
  • MODEL MAGIC – This material is easy to use, and kids love it. You can buy it in white packages or a variety of colors.
  • PAINT or MARKERS– You can add color to plain Model Magic or paint the sculptures afterwards.
  • CLEAR COAT – A spray gloss or iridescent Mod Podge helps protect the art for this project.

You can get the complete list of supplies in the printable how-to card at the end of the post.

ART TEACHER TIP – Model Magic is fantastic to work with but is fragile when it dries. Showing children how it can break on one of your examples allows them to see how fragile it is.

Model Magic Caterpillar Sculpture Tutorial

collage of images of hand working to make white clay green with a marker.

Step 1: Rip Model Magic Into 4 Parts

With a washable marker, add green marks and mix into the Model Magic to make green for the caterpillar body.

rainbow colored sculpture materials in child's hand.

Step 2: Roll Caterpillar Body

Roll 5-7 balls and put them together to make the caterpillar’s body.

hungry caterpillar being made from clay.

Step 3: Make A Head

Roll small ball from one of the extra sections to make a head. Add red or the color of your choice into the Model Magic. Attach to your body.

hand holding Model Magic caterpillar head.

Step 4: Create Facial Features

Using the same section, create and dye different parts to make the caterpillar’s eyes, mouth and attanea.

collage of caterpillar sculpture being made with Model Magic.

Step 5: Create A Base

We like to make a leaf with different textures for the caterpillar to sit on. Add a color of your choice to the item and place the caterpillar on it.

Hungry caterpillar sculpture on a leaf with an apple.

Step 6: Add Extra Details & Let Dry

Kids may want to make small food items or other accessories to add to the sculptures. It may take up to 24 hours for your sculpture to become spongy.

Optional Step: To help protect the caterpillars, add a clear spray coat, such as Mod Podge Iridescent spray.

Tips

  • You could also build these with polymer clay if you want a sturdier material.
  • Kids can also build the caterpillar, let it dry, and then use a small brush and watercolor to add color.
  • Encourage children not to add items that are too skinny to the caterpillar.
  • You can assemble something with regular glue if something breaks off a sculpture.

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two different Model Magic caterpillar sculptures.

Related Projects

More Easy Sculpture Projects

We know your little ones will love making these hungry caterpillar sculptures! It is also so fun to see how different each child makes them.

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Easy Hungry Caterpillar Sculpture For Kids

Young kids will love making this easy caterpillar sculpture and craft using Model Magic.
Print Tutorial
Hungry caterpillar sculpture in a hand.
Creating:15 minutes

Supplies

  • White Model Magic
  • Washable Markers
  • Clear Coat optional

Instructions

  • Split the Model Magic into 4 sections.
  • With a washable marker, add green marks and mix into the Model Magic to make green for the caterpillar body.
  • Roll 5-7 balls and put them together to form the body.
  • Make the head from another section of Model Magic. Color the Model Magic with washable markers. Attach it to the caterpillar.
  • Create eyes, mouth and other details.
  • Create a base, such as a leaf.
  • Optional: Spray the sculpture with a clear coat once dry for extra protection.

Notes

  • If the dried Model Magic breaks, you can attach it back with regular glue.
  • Instead of using markers to color the white Model Magic, you can buy premade colors or use watercolor paint or acrylic paint after the sculpture dries.
Author: Erin Nutter
Cost: under $5

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