What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a hedgehog? For most people, it’s the thought of those sharp spines and a little “Ouch!” But despite their prickly exterior, you cannot deny that hedgehogs are incredibly cute. With their tiny snouts, round bodies, and inquisitive nature, they are some of the most beloved woodland creatures in children’s literature and art.
While hedgehogs are generally considered fall creatures, celebrated alongside pumpkins and autumn leaves, they have a special day right in the middle of winter. February 2nd is National Hedgehog Day! This day is dedicated to celebrating and raising awareness about these fascinating little animals.
So, if you are looking for a way to celebrate, or simply want a fun afternoon activity, we have gathered 15 adorable hedgehog crafts for kids. From paper quilling to nature-inspired art, these projects are safe, simple, and won’t hurt a bit!
Fun Facts About Hedgehogs to Share with Kids
Before we dive into the glue and scissors, it’s always great to add an educational twist to your crafting session. Sharing fun facts helps children connect with the subject matter and sparks curiosity about nature.
- They are lactose intolerant: Despite what you see in old cartoons, you should never leave a saucer of milk out for a hedgehog. Water is best!
- Baby hedgehogs have a cute name: A baby hedgehog is adorably called a hoglet.
- That is a lot of spikes: An average adult hedgehog has around 5,000 to 7,000 spines. These spines are actually hollow hairs made stiff with keratin.
- Sonic’s Birthday: The famous video game character, Sonic the Hedgehog, was released in Japan on June 23, but fans often celebrate him on National Hedgehog Day too!
- Athletic Animals: Believe it or not, there used to be an event called the International Hedgehog Olympics, featuring events like sprints, hurdles, and floor exercises!
Now that we know a bit more about our spiky friends, let’s get crafting.
1. Paper Quilled Hedgehog
Paper quilling (the art of rolling paper strips) is excellent for developing fine motor skills.
- The Idea: Use brown paper strips to create loose coils. Pinch them into teardrop shapes to mimic the spines. Glue these onto a simple paper body cutout. This craft introduces children to texture and patience. It’s an ideal project for beginners who are just learning to twirl paper.
2. The “Corner” Hedgehog Bookmark
If you need a cute reading companion, this bookmark is perfect.
- The Craft: Using simple origami folding techniques, create a corner bookmark from brown cardstock. The pointed corner becomes the hedgehog’s nose. Use markers to draw the spines, or cut jagged paper edges to glue on top.
- Bonus: Unlike real hedgehogs, you don’t have to worry about these spines ripping your pages!
3. Hedgehog Heart Papercraft
Hedgehog crafts may not seem like the first choice for Valentine’s Day, but this one will change your mind.
- The Design: Cut a large heart shape from brown paper to serve as the body. Cut a smaller heart from beige paper for the face (inverted). The result is a lovable hedgehog that literally puts its heart into the craft. It’s perfect for making handmade cards for friends or grandparents.
4. Fork-Painted Hedgehogs
This is a fantastic process art activity for toddlers and preschoolers.
- How to do it: Draw a simple hedgehog outline on paper. Instead of a brush, give the child a plastic fork. Dip the fork in brown or black paint and “stamp” it over the body. The tines of the fork create perfect, spiky spine textures without any fuss.
5. Pinecone Hedgehogs
Nature crafts are the best way to bring the outdoors inside.
- The Materials: Go on a nature walk and collect some pinecones.
- The Craft: The pinecone acts as the prickly body. Use felt or polymer clay to make a small face and feet. Glue them to the pointy end of the pinecone. These make adorable autumn decorations for a mantlepiece.
6. Paper Plate Hedgehog
The humble paper plate is a staple in any craft box.
- The Method: Fold a paper plate in half. Paint it brown. Cut slits along the curved edge to represent spines. Draw a face on one end.
- Twist: You can also glue tissue paper squares or dry pasta onto the plate for a 3D effect.
7. Handprint Hedgehog
A keepsake craft that parents will cherish.
- The Idea: Paint your child’s palm and thumb beige (for the face) and their fingers brown (for the spines). Press their hand onto a piece of paper. The fingers fan out to look like the hedgehog’s prickly back. Once dry, draw on a nose and a smile.
8. Leaf Hedgehog Art
Another great excuse to get outside!
- The Activity: Collect fallen leaves, preferably those with jagged edges (like maple or oak).
- The Craft: Draw a hedgehog face on paper. Glue the leaves in layers behind the face to create a voluminous, rustling “body” of spines. It celebrates the hedgehog’s natural habitat among the leaves.
9. Clay or Play-Doh Hedgehogs
Modeling is great for strengthening hand muscles.
- The Fun: Roll a ball of brown play-doh. Pinch one end to make a nose. Use toothpicks, short twigs, or even dry spaghetti noodles to poke into the back, creating a very spiky little friend.
10. Popsicle Stick Hedgehog
- The Build: Line up several popsicle sticks and glue them together to form a square/rectangle. Cut a triangle from cardstock for the face. Paint the sticks brown and use a black marker to draw little “V” shapes all over them to look like spines.
11. Accordion Fold Paper Hedgehog
- The Technique: Fold a long strip of brown paper back and forth like a fan (accordion style). Fold the fan in half to create a semi-circle. Glue a cute face to the flat side. The pleats of the fan look just like the texture of a hedgehog’s back.
12. Paper Weaving Hedgehog
- The Skill: Cut a hedgehog shape with vertical slits in the body area. Have the child weave strips of colored paper in and out of the slits. This is not only colorful but teaches the basics of weaving.
13. Rock Painting Hedgehogs
- The Canvas: Find a smooth, oval-shaped rock.
- The Art: Paint the front third beige for the face. Paint the back two-thirds brown. Use a thin brush or a paint pen to draw hundreds of little lines for the spines. These make great paperweights or garden rocks.
14. Cupcake Liner Hedgehog
- The Material: Use brown cupcake liners.
- The Craft: Flatten the liner and fold it in half. Cut fringe along the curved edge. Glue it onto paper and add a face. It’s quick, easy, and very cheap to make in a classroom setting.
15. Salt Dough Hedgehogs
- The Recipe: Mix flour, salt, and water to make a dough.
- The Creation: Shape the dough into a hedgehog. Use scissors to gently snip into the wet dough on the back, pulling up slightly to create little “spikes.” Bake until hard and then paint.
Why Crafts Are Important for Kids
Engaging in these hedgehog crafts is about more than just celebrating a holiday. It offers numerous developmental benefits:
- Fine Motor Skills: Cutting, gluing, painting, and folding all require hand-eye coordination.
- Creativity: Deciding what color the hedgehog should be or what materials to use fosters imagination.
- Nature Education: It opens the door to discussions about hibernation, nocturnal animals, and woodland ecosystems.
Conclusion
Whether it is National Hedgehog Day, a rainy afternoon, or a school project about forest animals, these 15 hedgehog crafts for kids are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. They prove that you don’t need to be soft and fluffy to be lovable!