Kids Crafts: DIY Foam Animal Masks

We're headed to the Oregon Zoo in a couple weeks.  I love experiencing the zoo with kids.  They're just so excited and so in love with every single animal.  I don't love the expensive gift stores, though.  So, to ward off the wallet-busting trip I made these adorable and inexpensive animal masks which could take the place of any of the expensive crap sold at the gift store.  While my boy was a little too young to help out, this would be a perfect craft to share with your kids.

Supplies:

• Foam Sheets (2mm thick)
• Craft Glue
• Scissors
• Yarn

To make the zebra, alligator, pig, elephant, tiger and panda you will need the following color foam sheets; Black, White, Dark Green, Light Green, Gray, Pink, Peach, and Orange.  You could also add yellow and brown to make a lion - my craft store was out.

Create a face template (mine was somewhat similar to a rounded heart shape with ears specific to the animal) onto cardstock and trace onto the foam sheet.  Cut out the face and remember to cut your eye holes. Next cut out your animal features - stripes, nose, hair, ears, etc.  Glue features to the face.  Poke holes in each side of the face (or ears on the elephant) and tie a piece of yarn in each hole.  That's it!  They're ready for your kiddos.

These took me less than an hour and cost less than $5.  They would be perfect for a zoo trip, a birthday party, Halloween or just everyday dress up fun.