There’s something magical about reading a sweet story and then bringing it to life with your hands. If your little ones love I’ll Love You Till the Sloths Start School, you’re in for a treat. This tender book about a parent’s never-ending love makes the perfect launchpad for a fun, messy, totally adorable craft session.
Today we’re making a Paint Splat Sloth! It’s a hands-on project that pairs beautifully with the story, and it’s simple enough for tiny hands to manage. The smushy paint creates a shaggy “fur” texture that looks just like a real sloth, and the googly eyes add that goofy charm kids adore. Grab the book, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get crafty.
Pairing a book with a craft does more than fill an afternoon. It helps children connect with the story on a deeper level, builds fine motor skills, and sparks creativity. Plus, the finished sloth makes a cute keepsake or a back-to-school decoration. Teachers and librarians, this one’s a winner for story time too.
Craft Supplies:
- Gold and Brown Tulip Puffy Paint
- Gray Cardstock Paper
- White or Tan Cardstock Paper
- Sloth Printable – on our landing page
- Scissors
- School Glue
Directions:
- First print the free “sloth” printable listed above.
- Next go ahead and color in the sloth head design in the printable, however you like. Trim it out.
- Now grab your second sheet of cardstock paper.
- Fold it in half {either direction works!}
- Place a few drops of the gold and brown craft paint on one side of the folded paper, as well as the center along the fold line.
- Fold the paper again and gently press down, spreading the paint from the center outwards. This is a fun “splat” technique that creates a unique and symmetrical “furry sloth” design.
- Unfold the paper to reveal your design. If desired, you can add a little glitter to the wet paint for some sparkle. Set it aside to dry completely.
- To finish the Paint Splat Sloth craft – glue the “head” cutout right in the center of the finished design. Add googly eyes and any other embellishments you see fit.
- When you are done crafting, allow it to dry completely and display it proudly for all to see!
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Ready to make your own sloth? Download the free printable sloth face template to get started! Just click the download button, print it on cardstock, and you’re ready to go. Whether you’re settling in for a quiet afternoon at home, planning a classroom story time, or hunting for a sweet back-to-school activity, this craft delivers every time – a little mess, a lot of fun, and a finished sloth that kids will be so proud of.
We hope this project brings as much joy to your table as it does to ours. There’s something really special about reading a story full of love and then making something with your hands to remember it by. That’s what book-and-craft pairings are all about.
When your sloth is done, we’d love to see it! Snap a photo, share it with us, and celebrate your little artist. Happy crafting, my friends! 🦥
