Book Worm

As your child finishes a book, the book worm from FloraCraft grows with a new ball for his body. Pick a different color for each segment. Parents can help print book titles on each body segment or pin cardstock with book titles.

Materials:

STYROFOAM* Brand Foam:

• Balls: 3", one (head); 2-1/2", one for each book read (body); 3/4", two (antennae)
• Disc, 6”

Other Materials:

• Acrylic paints, assorted bright colors
• Purple chenille stems, three or more
• 3/4" wiggle eyes, two
• 1/2" pink pompom, one
• Felt scraps, assorted colors
• Ribbon (for bow)
• Toothpicks
• Paper Plate
• Medium flat paintbrush
• Water basin
• Paper towels
• Ruler
• Wire cutters
• Scissors
• Serrated knife
• Cardstock, and black marking pen (optional)
• Thick, white craft glue

Instructions:

1. Insert a toothpick into each foam ball to use as a handle while painting, paint each ball the desired color and pick into disc to dry.
    
2. Attach head and body foam balls with chenille stem couplings. To make couplings, cut chenille stem into 1-1/2" lengths and bend each in a U shape. Dip the ends of one U-shape chenille stem into glue; press the ends into back of 3" head ball, leaving a small loop protruding. Hook a second U-shape chenille stem onto this loop, dip the ends into glue, and then press them into the first 2-1/2" body segment ball. Repeat to connect the remaining body segments. If desired, shape soft, natural curves in bookworm’s extended body.
    
3. Glue wiggle eyes to front of head with a pink pompom nose centered in between. Cut a smiling mouth from felt and glue to head. Add other felt facial features as desired. Glue hat to top of head.
    
4. Cut two 3"- 4" chenille stem lengths. Insert and glue one end of each stem in a 3/4" ball and opposite end into head on either side of hat, forming the antennae.
    
5. Continue to add a 2-1/2" ball to worm for each book child reads. Optional: Paint book titles on each body segment or pin on small pieces of cardstock with titles printed on them.