how to make a walnut mouse

How to Make a Walnut Mouse.

The mouse has long been considered a delightful creature for the purposes of portrayal in art and craft. This walnut mouse is cute, easy-to-make and can be used for school fundraising or art projects.

Steps.

1. Trace the base of the walnut half onto cardboard. Draw around it again to make your template.

2. Place the cardboard template on a scrap of fabric. Trace out the fabric following this template, and allow for an additional 1 centimeter (0.4 in). Cut out the shape.

3. To attach the fabric to the base of the mouse:

Spread glue over the cardboard piece. Stick the piece of fabric to it, keeping the 1 centimeter (0.4 in) edge around it.

Snip around this edge of the fabric at regular intervals, making tiny slits.

Glue all of the slits firmly around the cardboard, to create a neat edge. Leave to dry completely.

4. To attach the fabric/cardboard base to walnut mouse body:

Spread the glue around the bottom edge of the walnut.

Gently match the cardboard side to the glue walnut edges, fabric side facing outward. Glue the fabric cardboard base to the walnut, slit edges facing into the walnut.

As you attach the base, be sure to slip in the tail and sandwich it between the cardboard base and one end of the walnut base.

Allow to dry.

5. Create the mouse face. For the face:

Cut out two small triangles from the felt for ears. Fold each triangle in half and glue at the base. Then glue either side of the walnut where you've decided the head is.

Glue the goggle eyes where the eyes should be (below the ears).

Glue on a nose. Either glue a small bead on the tip or roll up a small ball of cotton thread and glue in place.

6. To finish off, tie a tiny bow on the end of the mouse's tail. If this proves too difficult, make a bow and glue it in place.

7. Allow to dry before placing mouse on display. If you like the look of this mouse, make it a companion or two.

Tips.

This is a great craft fair, fete or gala toy to make for elementary age children.

A magnet can be glued to the back of this for an easy fridge magnet.

Warnings.

Not suitable as a toy for children under three or for pets, owing to small pieces.

Nut toys may not be suitable for those with severe nut allergies.

Things You'll Need.

Walnut shells, halved (one half per mouse), Small scraps of fabric, Small scraps of cardboard.

Fibre fill (or use scraps), Small ribbon, Goggle eyes (self adhering or glue on), Felt scraps.

String or ribbon (for tail), Tiny item for nose, such as bead, rolled up cotton, Glue.