Kids will love creating their own slinky toy from a simple template and decorating their one-of-a-kind creation. The pattern is simple enough that all ages can adapt it to make their own design.
Cardboard is best for making a sturdy toy, but heavy cardstock will also work. More experienced crafters may prefer to use an exacto knife instead of scissors for cutting the materials, especially thicker pieces of cardboard.
Materials Needed:
- one sheet of cardboard
- scissors
- craft paint
- crayons
- glue (craft or traditional school glue)
- two short pieces of colored pipe cleaner (matching the dog's color)
- one long strip of paper, one to two feet in length
Making the Dog
Draw or print the slinky dog template the desired size, then trace onto cardboard. Use scissors to cut out the dog shapes -- one with a head, one with a tail. Punch holes in both sides of both ends using a small hole punch and thread two pipe cleaners through the back end, their ends looped slightly.
Paint both sides of the dog the desired color and add features like a nose, eyes, spots, and other details. Let it dry before assembling the slinky part of the toy.
Making the Slinky
Paint the long strip of paper with grey or silver paint and let it dry. Wrap the paper tightly around a soft drink can or another cyndrical container. Hold it in place for several seconds before sliding it off so the paper is a long, spiralling strip that resembles a traditional slinky.
Glue either end of the slinky to the back of each dog shape -- one to the rear, one to the front. Bend the ends before gluing so the slinky spiral travels outward without getting twisted.
Once the slinky is dry, thread the other ends of the pipe cleaner through the holes in the front to pull the slinky dog closed. Undo them to let the slinky dog slide apart in a long, loopy spiral.
Finishing the SlinkyBe creative with the slinky dog's features, using crayons or markers to decorate the face, tail, or body, such as adding Dalmation spots or shaggy fur. Use small strips of felt to form a red tongue or even a soft tail in place of a paper one.
Add unique characteristics to the slinky dog by substituting "rolling" craft eyes for the head or adding a personalized collar made from felt around its neck. Make the slinky dog stand by itself by leaving a tab at the bottom of each foot, bending it outwards to form a makeshift stand.
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