Written by Jordan Ferney of Oh Happy Day for Building Blocks.
Today I’m excited to share this fun DIY based on the Jeremy alligator sheets from Pottery Barn Kids’ spring collection. The pattern on the sheets is so rad – and it inspired me to design these pop-up paper alligators. They’re super easy to make, and we’ve even included the template for this craft below. Have your kids create their own, then use them as decorations for a party or as fun room decor!
To make the alligators, you’ll need:
- Alligator Template
- White cardstock
- X-Acto knife or scissors
- Ruler
- Bone folder
- Cutting mat
- Colored paper
Step 1: Glue two sheets of 8.5×11” pages together, each vertical. (If your paper is large enough for the template, skip this step.)
Step 2: Print the template; glue where indicated.
Step 3: Fold paper hot-dog style so that it matches the height of the alligator template.
Step 4: Trace the template so the alligator’s back is on the fold, ignoring the triangles (the alligator’s spikes).
Step 5: Cut out the alligator while the paper is still folded.
Step 6: Open the folded alligator and place the template so the alligator’s back is at the fold, this time at the inside score line.
Step 7: Using the triangles as a guide, draw the alligator’s spikes above the score. Be sure the bottom points of each triangle do not touch one another.
Step 8: Using the X-Acto knife, cut each triangle on the top two lines. Do not cut on the fold.
Step 9: Decorate!
Have fun mixing different colors and shapes, and create an alligator family your kids will love.