Spiders are an important part of our ecosystem. They keep the population of pests in check, like flies, mosquitoes and moths, while also posing as a delectable snack for other animals such as birds, fish and lizards. The world needs these creepy crawlers. October is the perfect month to show some appreciation to spiders by having them star in their own art activity.
Supplies
- Large thin sheet of white paper
- Scissors
- Black construction paper
- White crayon
- Black pipe cleaners
- Googly eyes
- Glue stick
- Tape
Instructions
TO MAKE YOUR SPIDER
Step 1: Using black construction paper, cut out two oval-like shapes. Glue them together, overlapping as you would a snowman. This will be the body of your spider.
Step 2: Take the white crayon and decorate the body of your spider. Glue on the googly eyes (most species have eight eyes!) or draw them on yourself with your crayon.
Step 3: Cut and bend each pipe cleaner to create four legs. Tape them to one side of your spider body.
TO MAKE YOUR SPIDER WEB
Step 1: Making the web is the hardest part! Feel free to follow along with the video for guidance. First, take your piece of white paper and make it into a square. Take the top right corner of the paper and bring it down to meet the opposite edge. This will form a triangle. Cut off the excess paper below with your scissors.
Step 2: Fold your triangle in half, to make a smaller triangle. Then fold this smaller triangle in half once more. Next, take the top of your triangle and fold it down. You will know if you did it correctly because there will be a small paper triangle poking out from below the bottom edge. Cut off the extra paper.
Step 3: Keeping it folded, cut rectangles near the folded edge. Cut along the edge carefully (you don’t want to cut all the way through). Repeat this until you get to the bottom.
Step 4: Unfold and place your spider on their web!
To watch this process, visit youtube.com/PeabodyEssexMuseum
Show Us!
Share your spider webs with us on social media using #PEMpod or #PeabodyEssex