Easter Chicks

How to Make Decorative Easter Chicks
Imaginative Crafts, Do-It-Yourself Projects and Video Tutorials by Robert Mahar, robert-mahar.com
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Robert’s Pinterest Easter Inspiration Board: http://www.pinterest.com/robertm/easter/

Materials:
Crepe paper
Styrofoam balls
Styrofoam eggs
Black paper and orange paper
Pipe cleaners
Toothpicks
Ribbon

Tools:
Glue
Flat head pins
¼” paper punch
Jewelry pliers (optional)

Directions:
1) Begin with either crepe paper streamers or cut down a larger roll of crepe paper into strips approximately 2″ wide by 2′ in length. Fold a strip in half two to three times and then cut it into thirds, creating smaller strips of paper .

2) The egg shaped Styrofoam will become the chick’s body. Take one of the small strips of crepe paper, fold over the end about ¼” and pin it to the Styrofoam using a flat head pin. Then, pulling slightly to create a bit of tension, begin wrapping the crepe paper around the egg, overlapping each strip slightly. When you get to the end of the strip, secure it with a bit of glue and then glue on a second strip to continue wrapping until the egg is completely covered.

3) Now take another strip of crepe paper approximately 2″ wide by 2′ in length, fold a strip in half two to three times and then cut it into fourths, creating even smaller strips of paper .

4) The round Styrofoam ball will become the chick’s head. Take one of the smaller strips of crepe paper, fold over the end about ¼” and pin it to the Styrofoam using a flat head pin. Then, pulling slightly to create a bit of tension, begin wrapping the crepe paper around the ball, overlapping each strip slightly. When you get to the end of the strip, secure it with a bit of glue and then glue on a second strip to continue wrapping until the ball is completely covered.

5) Cut two pieces of crepe paper measuring approximately 2″ wide — 6″ in length. Fold them accordion style and then fan them out slightly to create the wings. Pin these on either side of the egg-shaped body. Then take one of the small strips of crepe paper that you used to wrap the body and overlap the top of each wing to conceal the seam and the pin — glue the paper in place.

6) Next create the facial features. Fold a small piece of orange paper in half and then cut out a triangle shape — this will serve as your beak. Place a small line of glue along the folded edge and position it on the head, holding it in place until the glue is secure. Punch out two small circles from black paper using a standard ¼” paper punch — these will serve as your eyes. Place a small amount of glue on the back of each and position them on the head. You may find it helpful to hold the eyes with a pair of tweezers and apply the glue with the aid of a toothpick.

7) Connect the head to the body by cutting a toothpick in half, take one of your halves and push it up into the neck and the press the head down onto the body. If you have issues pressing the toothpick into the head or body, consider using another toothpick to pre-puncture small starter holes. You may also want to place a small amount of glue on the toothpick to help secure the head and body together.

8) Now we’ll create the legs and feet using a standard 12″ length of pipe cleaner. Cut the pipe cleaner into two 3 ½” pieces and two 2 ½” pieces. Take a 3 ½” long piece and bend the end of it to resemble a letter Z shape — you may find it helpful to use a pair of jewelry pliers when doing this. Next take one of the 2 ½” and bend it in half to resemble a letter V. Slide the V back into the bottom notch of the Z, twist it around and bend it towards the front so all three toes are now facing the same direction. Trim the toes so that they’re all similar in length. Repeat this to create the second leg and foot

9) Pre-puncture two holes in the body where you would like the legs positioned. Place a small amount of glue on the top of each pipe cleaner leg and press them into the holes.

10) Finally, take a length of ribbon and tie it into a bow. Poke a flat head pin through the back of the bow’s knot and then press it into the body right below the chin. Your chick is now ready to sit in your Easter basket and watch over your candy!

Helpful Tips:
Experiment creating these Easter chicks in a variety of sizes and colors! While they look great in your Easter basket, they would also be a fun addition to your mantles, book shelves and dining table.