First get the glue gun hot and ready!

Assemble the base of your otter friend by gluing THREE jumbo popsicle sticks and TWO mini popsicle sticks together to look like a fence {3 next to each other and the mini popsicle sticks across}

Set aside to let it dry completely. Repeat for each otter friend you want to make today.

When the popsicle stick shape is secure enough, go ahead and squirt your craft paint on the paper plate.

Now paint your newly made popsicle stick shape completely with the dark brown craft paint.

Go ahead and also paint your TWO mini clothespins, if you like, as well.

Set all the painted pieces aside.

Now grab all your sheets of cardstock. Cut out a circular head, oval shaped feet and long tail.

Use the Sharpie marker to give some "detail" to the otter's tail and face.

Now go ahead and glue ALL the paper pieces to the painted popsicle stick shape from earlier. The tail will go on the back of the popsicle stick shape, while everything else on the front.

This next step is CRUCIAL. Take your TWO mini clothespins and pinch them around the heart shape, to look like his hands/arm are holding it.

To finish off the Popsicle Stick Otter craft, hot glue the combined piece you just made, to the center of the painted popsicle stick shape.

Add any other embellishments you see fit.

Then let it dry completely before displaying proudly!!!