15 Super Fun Sesame Street Crafts for Kids: Celebrating 55 Years of Magic

15 Super Fun Sesame Street Crafts for Kids: Celebrating 55 Years of Magic

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Why Felt is the Perfect Material for KidsIf you are new to crafting with children, felt is your best friend. Unlike silk or cotton, felt doesn't fray when you cut it, meaning those tiny cat ears will stay sharp and neat without any extra hemming. It is also thick enough for small hands to hold easily while they practice their first stitches.The Developmental Perks of Plushie Making:Fine Motor Precision: Threading a needle and following a pattern line builds incredible hand-eye coordination.Patience and Focus: Completing a project from a template to a finished toy provides a massive sense of accomplishment.Empathy through Play: Creating a "pet" encourages kids to engage in nurturing role-play.Everything You'll Need: The Supply ListBefore we start, gather your materials. You can use any colors you like—perhaps you want to recreate your own pet!Felt Fabric: We recommend brown, white, pink, and black.Pencil or Fabric Marker: To trace the template.Sharp Scissors: Small embroidery scissors work best for the tiny details.Needle and Thread: Matching colors or a contrasting embroidery floss.Stuffing: Use cotton balls, poly-fill, or even tiny scraps of leftover felt.The Template: (Download link provided below).How to Make Your DIY Felt Cat PlushieStep 1: Prepare the TemplateDownload and print the free cat plushie template. This comprehensive pattern includes:The Cat Body (Base)The HeadThe Half-Body (Overlay)Tail and Tail-EndDetails: Nose, eyes, inner ears, and fur patches.Tip: If you are working with very young children, help them cut out the paper template pieces first, as some are quite small!Step 2: Trace and CutSelect your felt colors. Trace each pattern piece onto the fabric using your marker.Brown: Main body and head.White: Tail-end, muzzle, and paws.Pink: Inner ears and nose.Black: Eyes and whisker details.Step 3: Layering the FaceBefore sewing the body together, we must "build" the cat's personality.Place the pink inner ears onto the brown head piece.Position the white muzzle and black nose in the center.Pro Tip: Use a tiny drop of glue to hold these small pieces in place while you stitch them down using a simple "running stitch."Step 4: Assembling the BodyPlace the lower body pattern at the bottom of the large body base. Then, place the head cutout on the top. The head should slightly overlap the lower body part to give it a layered, 3D look.Step 5: Stitching the PerimeterAlign the front of your cat with a second "back" body piece. Starting at the bottom, stitch around the edges.The Blanket Stitch: If you want a professional look, the blanket stitch is beautiful for felt.The Running Stitch: For beginners, a simple up-and-down stitch is perfectly fine!Step 6: Add the StuffingLeave a small 2-inch gap at the side or bottom. Gently push your stuffing inside using the blunt end of a pencil. Don't overstuff—you want your kitty to be soft and "plush," not rock hard! Once full, stitch the gap closed.Step 7: The Tail and Final DetailsStitch the tail-end to the tail, and then attach the tail to the back of the body. You can even add a little bell to a ribbon around the cat's neck to finish the look.Table: Customizing Your Felt CatWant to make a specific breed? Use this guide to choose your felt colors!Cat TypeFelt Colors NeededUnique FeatureSiameseCream & Dark BrownDark "mask" on the faceTuxedoBlack & WhiteWhite "bib" and white pawsCalicoWhite, Orange & BlackRandom patches of colorTabbyGray or OrangeUse a marker to draw stripesFun Cat Facts to Discuss While SewingKeep the conversation going while you work on those stitches:Greeting Rituals: Cats greet each other by touching noses!Fingerprints: Every cat’s nose print is unique, just like a human fingerprint.Sleepy Seniors: An average cat spends about 12 to 16 hours a day sleeping.Right-Pawed? Did you know male cats are usually "left-pawed" while females are "right-pawed"? See which hand your child uses more while crafting!Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)Q: Do I need a sewing machine for this?A: Not at all! This project is designed specifically for hand-sewing. It’s a quiet, meditative activity that doesn't require any expensive machinery.Q: My child is too young to sew. Can we use glue?A: Yes! You can use high-quality fabric glue or a low-temp glue gun. While it won't be a "plushie" in the traditional sense, a glued felt cat still makes a wonderful decoration.Q: Where can I use this plushie?A: These make excellent keychains! Simply sew a small loop of ribbon into the head before closing it up and attach a metal split ring.ConclusionCrafting a DIY Felt Cat Plushie is more than just a way to pass the time; it’s a way to celebrate the animals that bring so much joy to our lives. Whether you're making this for "Happy Mew Year" or as a birthday gift for a fellow cat lover, the effort you put into every stitch shows.Remember, there is no such thing as a "wrong" monster or a "wrong" cat—every handmade toy has its own unique character. So, grab your brown felt, download the template, and let's get sewing!

The History of the Street: Why “Sesame”?

Did you know that the show was almost called 123 Avenue B? Producers eventually settled on Sesame Street because of the famous phrase “Open Sesame.” It suggested an entry into a world of magic, discovery, and hidden treasures—a perfectly apt description for a show that has educated millions.

Launched in 1969 by Joan Ganz Cooney, the mission was simple: create a show that entertained and educated at the same time. Since its first episode aired on November 10th, the show has evolved with the times but kept its heart. Today, we celebrate that heart with these creative projects.

1. Paper Plate Elmo & Cookie Monster

The paper plate craft is the cornerstone of preschool creativity. It’s cheap, accessible, and provides a large “canvas” for little hands.

Materials:

  • Paper plates
  • Red and blue acrylic paint
  • Black construction paper
  • Large white pom-poms (for eyes)
  • Orange pom-pom (for Elmo’s nose)

How-to:

  1. Paint one plate bright red and another deep blue.
  2. For Elmo, glue two white pom-poms at the top center. Add a black marker dot for pupils and the orange pom-pom just below.
  3. For Cookie Monster, give him wide, “googly” eyes. Cut a large half-circle out of black paper for his mouth and glue it on.
  4. The Best Part: Glue a real (or paper) chocolate chip cookie into Cookie Monster’s mouth!

2. Oscar the Grouch Trash Can Craft

Everyone has days where they feel a little “grouchy,” and Oscar teaches kids that it’s okay to have those feelings.

The Craft: Use a silver disposable coffee cup or a tin can to represent his trash can. Glue green shredded paper or green pom-poms to the top to represent Oscar peeking out. Add a cardboard “lid” leaning against the side.

3. Big Bird Yellow Feather Collage

Big Bird is the soul of Sesame Street. This craft focuses on texture and fine motor skills.

Instructions: Draw a large “B” or a bird outline on yellow cardstock. Give the kids yellow craft feathers and glue. Covering the shape in feathers makes Big Bird come to life in a way markers simply can’t!

4. Bert and Ernie Handprint Art

Bert and Ernie are the ultimate “odd couple” best friends.

How-to: Paint a child’s palm yellow. For Ernie, have them press their hand horizontally. For Bert, have them press it vertically (to show his long face). Use markers to add Ernie’s striped sweater and Bert’s iconic single eyebrow.

5. Abby Cadabby’s Magic Wand

For fans of the neighborhood’s favorite fairy-in-training, a magic wand is a must.

The Craft: Use a wooden dowel or a sturdy straw. Attach a pink star made of felt or glitter paper to the top. Tie strands of purple and pink yarn to the star so they flutter when the wand is “cast.”

6. Cookie Monster’s Letter-Eating Jar

This is an educational craft that helps with literacy.

Instructions: Decorate a clean plastic pretzel jar to look like Cookie Monster. Cut a wide slit for his mouth. Write letters on cardboard “cookies.” Kids can “feed” the monster the letters as they call them out.

7. Count von Count’s Numbered Bat

“One… two… three beautiful crafts! Ah-ah-ah!”

The Craft: Create a black paper bat with a purple cape. Attach numbered clothespins to the wings. This is a great way to practice counting while celebrating the Count.

8. Grover’s “Near and Far” Binoculars

Grover is famous for teaching opposites.

How-to: Tape two toilet paper rolls together and paint them “Grover Blue.” Use them to play a game of “Near and Far” around the house.

9. Sesame Street Sign Post

Every playroom needs its own street sign.

Instructions: Use a green piece of cardstock and write “SESAME STREET” in white letters with the yellow border. Attach it to a wooden paint stirrer or a wrapping paper tube.

10. Julia’s Sensory Painting

Julia, who has autism, reminds us that “we’re all amazing in our own way.”

The Craft: Julia loves art! Set up a sensory painting station using finger paints mixed with a little sand or salt to create a unique texture, celebrating the different ways we experience the world.

Table: Favorite Characters & Their Birthdays

CharacterBirthdayIconic Color
ElmoFebruary 3rdRed
Cookie MonsterNovember 2ndBlue
Big BirdMarch 20thYellow
Abby CadabbyOctober 21stPink/Purple
Oscar the GrouchJune 1stGreen

11. Snuffleupagus Paper Bag Puppet

“Snuffy” is Big Bird’s best friend.

The Craft: Use a brown paper bag. The long trunk is the key! Attach a long strip of brown felt to the nose area and add long, “eyelash” fringe made of black paper.

12. The Yip-Yip Martians (Yarn Ghosts)

The Martians are some of the funniest characters on the show.

How-to: Create a large tassel out of bright yarn. Add two large googly eyes at the top and a black felt oval for the mouth. These are great for hanging from the ceiling!

13. Ernie’s Rubber Duckie Soap

Make bath time fun by embedding a small plastic duckie into clear glycerin soap. It’s a great way to celebrate Ernie’s favorite song.

14. Bert’s Pigeon Painting

Bert loves pigeons! Use gray and blue paint to create “footprint” art where the child’s footprint becomes the body of a pigeon.

15. Sesame Street Rock Pals

Find smooth river rocks and paint them to look like character faces. These make great “story stones” for kids to use while watching the show.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: When is Sesame Street Day?

A: It is celebrated every year on November 10th, marking the anniversary of the very first episode in 1969.

Q: What happened to Avenue B?

A: The show was originally titled 123 Avenue B, but producers worried it was too specific to New York City. They wanted a name that felt more “magical,” hence Sesame Street.

Q: Are these crafts suitable for toddlers?

A: Yes! Most of these use large shapes and simple materials like paper plates and pom-poms, which are perfect for developing fine motor skills in young children.

Conclusion

Sesame Street has spent 55 years proving that television can be a force for good. By bringing these characters to life through crafting, you aren’t just making “stuff”—you’re building memories and reinforcing the lessons of friendship and curiosity that the show stands for. Whether you’re making a “grouchy” trash can or a “sunny” Big Bird, remember that today is brought to you by the letters C-R-A-F-T!

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