Snapdragon anyone? I’ve offered this simple project at a number of programs in the past, and it’s always well-received. “Snappy” has decorated the edges of a swamp at a Halloween party, hid in an Alice in Wonderland garden, and grown out of pots at a “Primordial Plants” event table!

You’ll need:

• 1 paper cup
• 1 small rectangle of green construction paper for head (approximately 1.5″ x 3″)
• A sliver of red construction paper for tongue
• 1 green pipe cleaner
• Hole punch
• Tape
• Markers
• Extra green construction paper for leaves

First, fold the green construction paper rectangle in half to form Snappy’s mouth. Tab the ends of the mouth, then cut out teeth.

Make sure to leave a gap in the lower teeth (this is where the tongue will rest later).

Next, punch a hole in the back of Snappy’s head…

Then thread a green pipe cleaner through the hole. Twist the pipe cleaner around and thread it through the hole once again. Pull gently to tighten, then curl the end.

Cut the sliver of red construction paper to look like a forked tongue and tape (or glue) it into the mouth.

Use markers to draw eyes. I added my eyes at the very end, but younger kids might have an easier time drawing the eyes earlier, such as before they attach the head to the pipe cleaner stem.

Tape the pipe cleaner stem inside the paper cup. Use extra green construction paper to add foliage. Done! Perhaps you can test out your new Snappy skills with this garden story time?