Pom Pom Panda Bear

Most pandas are shy, but this Pom Pom Panda Bear is ready for fun! You can find all the supplies you need for this cute pom pom craft with just a quick trip to your local craft store. This Styrofoam craft for kids is absolutely adorable, and it's easy to make. Give your Pom Pom Panda Bear an accessory or two, like a bow tie or barrette, to make this animal craft for kids even more fun.

Materials:

•     STYROFOAM™ Brand Foam: one each 4″, 3″, and 2-1/2″ balls; and two 2″ balls (Note: WalMart sells a multi-ball package with these sizes, plus an extra 2-1/2” ball)
•     Acrylic craft paint in black
•     Fine line marker in black
•     Black pompoms: Three 1-1/2″ and one 1/2″ diameter
•     Black felt, 9″ x 12″
•     Wiggle eyes, two 15 mm
•     Toothpicks
•     Thick, white craft glue
•     Optional: Small flower for embellishing
•     Tools needed: Scissors; ruler; plastic knife; paintbrush; teaspoon
   

Instructions:

(Note: As you build the Panda, you’ll use toothpicks to temporarily hold him together. The Panda is not permanently glued together until Step 7.)

1. Cut a 1” slice from the 3” and 4” balls. The 3” ball is the head and the 4” ball the body.

2. Place 4” ball cut side down. Position head on body, cut side down. Cut a small slice from the top of the 4” ball for the head. Connect the head and body with toothpicks. Each arm is made with two, half balls.



3. Feet: Cut the 2-1/2” ball in half. Round off the cut edges by pressing against your work surface or by compressing with your fingers. Gently rub the round side of each foot against the body, creating a snug fit. Pin together with toothpicks.

4. Arm & paws: Cut 2″ ball in half, and then cut in half again. Round off cut edges. For each arm, trim ¼” from one end of two sections. Pick arms onto body with the cut side facing down. For the paws, trim ½” on a slight angle from the two remaining sections. Attach to arms with toothpicks.

5. Muzzle: Cut a ½” slice from the 2” ball; save the larger half for a future project. Using teaspoon, gently scoop out the center so the muzzle will fit snugly onto the face. Pick in place.

6. Using fine point marker, draw a line around the top third of the body. Disassemble the Panda and paint the following pieces black: arms, legs, and the top third of the body. The head, muzzle and lower 2/3 of the body will remain white.

7. Reassemble the Panda using toothpicks and glue – except for the muzzle. You’ll add the muzzle in Step 8.

8. Eyes: Glue two, 1” x 1-1/2” black felt ovals to the face. Attach the muzzle, slightly overlapping the bottoms of the black ovals. Glue on wiggle eyes close to muzzle.

9. Glue on a 1/2″ pompom for the nose and large pompoms for the ears. Optional: Add a small flower in front of one ear.