How to Make a Ladybug Out of Styrofoam

Ladybug on leaf

Did you know ladybugs are considered lucky? This belief originated centuries ago by farmers who credited ladybugs with eliminating crop-destroying pests. In fact, ladybugs are so effective controlling pests that gardeners and farmers claim killing a ladybug is bad luck. Making a ladybug out of Styrofoam provides a creative way for you to teach your child about ladybugs, and discuss nature and our environment.

Things You'll Need

• Foam ball
• Serrated knife
• Black marker
• Acrylic craft paint (black and red)
• Stencil paintbrush (bristle or foam)
• Pipe cleaners (black)
• Scissors or wire cutter
• Craft glue
• Googly eyes

Instructions

1. Cut your Styrofoam ball in half with a serrated knife to make the body of your ladybug. Lay the foam ball flat side down on a table.

2. 

   Draw a line down the center of the foam ball. Draw a second line perpendicular to the first line 1/3 of the way down from the top. These lines will help you and your child know where to paint when making your ladybug.

3. 

   Paint the two large bottom sections red. Paint a black line down the center of your Styrofoam ladybug. Paint the two top sections black.

4. 

   Paint three or four black spots on each side of the ladybug. Making the round black spots on the ladybug is easier using a bristled stencil paintbrush. Allow your Styrofoam ladybug to dry.

5. 

   Place a dab of craft glue onto the backside of the googly eyes. Press the googly eyes onto the top black portion of your ladybug.

6. Cut your black pipe cleaners into eight pieces 2 to 3 inches long. Bend six pieces of pipe cleaner at a 90-degree angle to make your ladybug's legs. Insert three of the pipe cleaner pieces into each side of your Styrofoam ladybug.

7. Roll one end of the remaining two pieces of black pipe cleaner to create a small circle at its top. These make your ladybug's antennae. Insert one on each side of your ladybug's head near its googly eyes.

Tips & Warnings

• When choosing the size of your foam ball, take into consideration the age of your child. A 3- to 4-inch foam ball works well. Pipe cleaners are sometimes referred to as chenille stems. You may want to mention both when asking for them at your local craft store. Add a dab of glue to the ends of your pipe cleaners to help keep them in place inside your Styrofoam ladybug.

• To prevent an accidental injury, do not allow your young child to cut the foam ball in half. To keep paint off your table, place newspaper or a disposable tablecloth on your table.

Resources

• All Craft Supplies