Portraits of forest animals made from egg cartons

If you love forest animals, this activity is for you! To create beautiful animal portraits, all you need are egg cartons, paints, and basic art supplies!

• Egg cartons, various shapes
• Paints
• Scissors
• Glue
• Color block
• White gel pen

Step 1 - We create the shape of the animal

Gather together some old cardboard egg cartons. Try collecting a few different shapes. Make animal faces from the raised pieces of cardboard. Notice that the shapes look different on each side of the carton and will match different animals. If necessary, you can also cut some shapes and use glue and scissors to fit them to your chosen animal. Also cut out ears from the egg carton. Try to use the shape of the egg cartons to capture the natural shape of the ears.

Step 2 - We paint the animals

Before you start painting, draw the animal's face. Consider how the nose and mouth curve. Look closely at the animal coats in the illustrations in your favorite books or photos. Let your little ones notice where the fur is darker, lighter, or a different color. Older children can try to imitate the animal's coat, while younger children can use only the main color.

Step 3 - Creating the frame

Once the heads are finished, it's time to frame them. Cut out your chosen shapes from colored paper, glue the animal heads on, and then draw a portrait frame and additional decorations. At this stage, you can also add various accessories, such as deer antlers made from small twigs or a bow tie made from a small ribbon. Try to think of as many animals as possible that you can make this way. Get inspired by our patterns or create your own. Besides bears, foxes, hares, and deer, you could also try creating mice, cats, badgers, or owls.

Step 4 - Exhibition of forest portraits

Now all you have to do is attach the finished portraits to your chosen location and enjoy this charming handicraft. Do you have a place in your home where you display your works? Try organizing a painting exhibition for your family or friends. Perhaps your home art gallery will become a permanent fixture in your home.