Peg doll bug craft

This is a super cute craft which is perfect for small world play - Mr 5 loves taking his out and flying them round the garden!

The bugs are sealed with PVA glue which makes them really durable and ideal for a toy or gift.

Contains affiliate links to products we own (or similar) - see our disclosure

I'm going to show you how you can make the ladybird, but any bug design goes - we have also made a bee and dragonfly using the same method.

You will need:

• Large wooden peg doll

• Pencil

• Black and white paint pens

• Red acrylic paint

• Black felt

• PVA glue

Start by drawing a rough outline on your peg doll in pencil.

Use your acrylic paints to paint the body and the back of the head. Leave to dry.

Use your black paint pens to fill the front of the body, create spots on the back and give features to the face.

We gave ours closed happy eyes and little antennae, but you can draw any design you like.

Once the paint is dry, use your PVA glue to evenly coat the bug. You'll need to leave the base so that it doesn't stick to the surface when drying.

Now you can make your wings! The easiest way to do this is to fold the felt in half and cut out a teardrop shape, making sure you don't cut all the way round so the wings stay attached to each other. Glue the part of the wings were they join and stick them to the back of the peg doll.

And there you have it! A cute bug ready for adventures, small world play, sensory bins or just sitting on a shelf!

You can let your imagination run wild with these bugs, any colour combo and wing style will look great. Here's our little bee perching on some flowers - we made him with black and yellow stripes, white wings and cute rosy cheeks.

For more crafting ideas to inspire you, check out my new book, in stores now!

More ideas!

12 puzzles you can DIY

Sprouting seedling craft

The benefits of getting creative with your kids

Glitter fireworks

---

For more playful and creative learning ideas visit:

Instagram | Pinterest | Howweplayandlearn.com

---