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Popsicle Stick Cardinal Craft Idea For Kids

When engaging in craft activities, it is important for young children to have adult supervision at ALL times. It is also recommended to use supplies that are suitable for your child's age. Feel free to modify materials or steps to meet your specific requirements. Please refer to our safety guidelines for more information.

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This red cardinal craft is so much fun to make, and it's a great way to keep kids occupied on a cold winter day.
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Popsicle Stick Cardinal Craft

This kids craft tutorial is the perfect way to add a little handmade cheer to your winter days! A red cardinal perches atop a handprint branch in this popsicle stick cardinal tutorial and I sure hope you are inspired to recreate it today!

Popsicle Stick Cardinal Craft

It’s so easy for kids to make, and such a fun keepsake craft idea too. Just gather up some craft sticks, glue, cardstock paper and some paint, and you’re all set to create this adorable cardinal craft with your kids.

They’ll love seeing their own handprints transformed into a wintery work of art, and you’ll cherish this handmade keepsake for years to come.

So gather up those craft supplies and get ready to make some beautiful red birds with your child this afternoon! Happy crafting my friends!

Popsicle Stick Cardinal Craft

This popsicle stick cardinal craft is so much fun to make, and it’s a great way to keep kids occupied on a cold winter day.

Craft Supplies:

Before we begin, gather the following supplies to ensure a smooth crafting experience:

  • Jumbo Craft Sticks – 6 per craft
  • School Glue
  • Red Craft Paint
  • White Craft Paint
  • Small Paper Plate
  • Paint Brush
  • Black Cardstock Paper
  • Yellow Cardstock Paper
  • Brown Cardstock Paper
  • Scissors
  • Large Wiggle Eyes

Directions:

Follow these simple steps to make your popsicle stick red cardinal:

  • Start by gluing six craft sticks together in an “L” shape—three sticks stacked horizontally and three vertically to form the body of your cardinal.
  • Set aside to let the glue dry completely.
  • Next, take a sheet of tan or brown cardstock and grab a pen, pencil, or marker.
  • Choose a hand—either will work—and lay it flat on the cardstock. Trace around your hand and arm; this will serve as the tree branch.
  • Carefully cut out the traced design using scissors.
  • Using the remaining cardstock, cut out small shapes for the cardinal’s feet and a triangular beak. Set these pieces aside along with the handprint cutout.
  • Now return to the craft stick frame. Once the glue is dry, it’s time to paint! Squeeze some red paint onto a paper plate and cover the entire wooden surface with a coat of vibrant red paint.
  • If you like, sprinkle some loose glitter onto the wet paint for extra sparkle.
  • Once the paint is dry, assemble your Craft Stick Cardinal. Glue the cardstock beak, feet, and a googly eye onto the painted craft stick structure to give your cardinal personality.
  • Next, attach the handprint cutout to the back of the craft stick frame so the bird appears to be perching on the tree branch.
  • For the finishing touch, add some snow! Dip your fingertip into white paint and create small “snowflake” dots along the branch.
  • Feel free to add any additional embellishments you fancy, then set your creation aside to dry completely.
  • Your charming Craft Stick Cardinal is now ready to display!

RELATED —> Warm Heart Craft

A popsicle stick cardinal craft, featuring a traced hand and displayed on blue paper with snowflakes, sits beside the book Goodbye Autumn, Hello Winter. The handle @gluedtomycrafts is also visible.

AFFILIATE LINK – PAIR OUR CRAFT IDEA WITH THIS BOOK RECOMMENDATION

At Glued To My Crafts, we believe every child should do at least ONE craft this winter season!

You can’t argue with extra family time together, while you make some one-of-a-kind crafts this time of year!

So please consider checking out our Popsicle Stick Christmas Trucks, Ornament Gnome and Handprint Cookies For Santa craft craft posts for even more inspiration for YOU to take note of today!

Then grab the required materials, set up shop on the table and join them in the fun as well!

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Popsicle Stick Cardinal Craft
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Popsicle Stick Cardinal Craft Idea For Kids

This red cardinal craft is so much fun to make, and it's a great way to keep kids occupied on a cold winter day.

Here’s your checklist of supplies to bring this craft to life:

  • 6 Jumbo Craft Sticks
  • Craft Paint red and white
  • Cardstock Paper black, yellow and brown
  • 1 Large Wiggle Eyes
  • School Glue
  • Scissors
  • Foam Paint Brush
  • Small Paper Plate

Prepare your creative haven by laying down a protective cover before the crafting magic begins!

Directions:

  • Start by gluing six craft sticks together in an "L" shape—three sticks stacked horizontally and three vertically to form the body of your cardinal.
  • Set aside to let the glue dry completely.
  • Next, take a sheet of tan or brown cardstock and grab a pen, pencil, or marker.
  • Choose a hand—either will work—and lay it flat on the cardstock. Trace around your hand and arm; this will serve as the tree branch.
  • Carefully cut out the traced design using scissors.
  • Using the remaining cardstock, cut out small shapes for the cardinal’s feet and a triangular beak. Set these pieces aside along with the handprint cutout.
  • Now return to the craft stick frame. Once the glue is dry, it’s time to paint! Squeeze some red paint onto a paper plate and cover the entire wooden surface with a coat of vibrant red paint.
  • If you like, sprinkle some loose glitter onto the wet paint for extra sparkle.
  • Once the paint is dry, assemble your Craft Stick Cardinal. Glue the cardstock beak, feet, and a googly eye onto the painted craft stick structure to give your cardinal personality.
  • Next, attach the handprint cutout to the back of the craft stick frame so the bird appears to be perching on the tree branch.
  • For the finishing touch, add some snow! Dip your fingertip into white paint and create small “snowflake” dots along the branch.
  • Feel free to add any additional embellishments you fancy, then set your creation aside to dry completely.
  • Your charming Craft Stick Cardinal is now ready to display!
    Popsicle Stick Cardinal Craft
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CLICK HERE TO PRINT THE DIRECTIONS FOR THIS CRAFT

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Craft Activity Safety Guidelines:

Always Ensure Adult Supervision - Young children should be supervised at all times when engaging in craft activities. This is essential to keep them safe and ensure materials are used correctly. Use Age-Appropriate Supplies - Choose craft supplies that are suitable for your child’s age. Check labels for recommendations and avoid items with small parts or sharp edges for younger children. Modify as Needed - Feel free to adapt materials or steps to meet your child's abilities and safety needs. For example, substitute scissors with safety scissors if necessary. Keep an Eye on Allergies - Be mindful of potential allergens in craft materials like glue, paint, or certain fabrics. Opt for non-toxic and hypoallergenic options whenever possible. Organize and Secure Supplies - Keep all craft tools and materials organized. Store sharp objects, small parts, and potentially hazardous items out of reach when not in use. Following these guidelines will ensure that crafts remain fun, creative, and, most importantly, safe for everyone involved!


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