Hermit Crab Craft

Summer is a fun time to create art inspired by the ocean. Eric Carle is one of my favorite author and illustrators of children's books. As a teacher I loved reading and sharing his books with children. I was so inspired by his creativity in the illustrations he created. Did you know he illustrated all the books he wrote? e used many tools and created textures and a variety of colors. He then had a huge array of colors and patterns to choose from for his illustrations for his books. He would draw the illustrations and cut the tissue paper to fit into the empty spaces of his illustrations. After reading "A House for Hermit Crab" I decided to create an easy handprint art project. I love creating handprint art because it preserves your child's handprint in time. I love to compare and see their growth through the changes in their handprint.

This craft came together easily with a few supplies. It is so easy to make beautiful art with by using your imagination and great picture books for inspiration. My art a sample, but as a teacher I always encouraged children to use their creativity. Children are so imaginative and have amazing ideas. Allow your child to express their ideas in their art.

Supplies:

1. Washable paint
2. Black Marker
3. White marker for details
4. White cardstock
5. Gluestick
6. Scissors

Directions:

1. Using red paint, paint your child's hand and press it onto white cardstock.

2. Add the tops where the hermit crab's eyes will go using your child's pinky finger.

3. Draw a circle or print one out on the white cardstock. Use this to create the hermit crab's shell. Use a black marker to draw a swirl for the shell.

4. Using paint add details to the shell. Allow your child to be creative and use colors they choose.

5. After the handprint has dried, cut outside the border and add eyes. Draw the eyes with a black marker and add white in the middle. You can also use googly eyes if you choose.

6. Lastly, glue to handprint onto the shell.