Mouse Craft {with Recycled Newspaper}

This easy mouse craft for kids is extra special because it’s made using recycled newspaper. It’s one of the items that we always keep in our craft bag because it’s not only good for managing messes, but it’s also great for using in cute crafts like this one. The print just adds a unique touch to your craft project. Our newspaper mouse craft is best for elementary aged kids but can also be enjoyed by younger kids with just a little bit of assistance.

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SUPPLIES FROM THE BAG

• Newspaper
• Stapler with staples
• Glue stick
• Scissors
• Construction paper (gray and pink)
• Googly eyes or printed paper eyes
• Gray pipe cleaner
• Pencil
• Markers
• Mouse craft template

Crafting with your kids has so many benefits, and it can simply be a ton of fun too. But it’s one of those things that often gets put on the backburner because it can also be a lot of work. So, to make crafting so much more enjoyable and actually do-able, even when life is hectic, we stick to a master list of supplies that we use for every single creative project on this site and in our shop. That way, once your bag is filled your prep is DONE! Just sit back and enjoy the creative process with your kids.

Choose a Mouse Book for Kids

Adding reading to crafting is a great way to elevate the entire experience and pack in even more learning through play. Here are some of our favorite mouse books for kids:

Mouse Craft Instructions

Step 1: Create the Newspaper Form

• Find a section of newspaper that is primarily print, without pictures. We used the real estate listings section.
• Use your pencil to draw a small circle attached to a larger circle, like a snowman. This is the head and body of your mouse.
• Note that we used almost the entire area of a half sheet of newspaper.
• Layer 2 pieces of newspaper together and cut out the shape.

Step 2: Use the Mouse Craft Template

• Print the mouse craft template
• Use it to cut out the parts of your mouse, including 2 ears, 2 arms and 2 feet.
• We used gray construction paper for the parts of our mouse craft, but you can choose whatever color you’d like.

Step 3: Put It Together

• Sandwich the ears between the 2 newspaper cutout and secure them in place with some staples.
• Do the same with the arms and the feet.
• Then continue to staple around the outside of your mouse craft, keeping the staples close together.
• Leave a section open, about 5″ wide on one of the sides of the mouse’s body so that you can add the stuffing later.

Step 4: Add the Details

• Now cut a triangle nose from some pink construction paper and glue it in place wiht the glue stick.
• We also cut out a large pink circle for the mouse’s tummy, but this is optional.
• Print and cut out 2 paper eyes or use googly eyes, which are in your craft bag, and put them in place.
• Last, use your markers to add other details, like a smile, whiskers, etc.

Step 5: Stuff It

• Tear strips of newspaper and crumple them into balls.
• Place the balls of newspaper one at a time into the opening that you left in your mouse.
• To get them up to the head of the mouse, you may want to use the eraser side of your pencil.
• Keep stuffing your newspaper craft until it is puffy but not over-stuffed.

Step 6: Finish Off Your Newspaper Craft

• Finally, let’s add the tail. Fold the ends of the pipe cleaner over and sandwich it between the 2 pieces of newspaper.
• Secure it in place with a staple or 2.
• Then close the rest of the opening shut with more staples.
• Curl the tail around your finger.
• Last, cut out a yellow triangle and decorate it like a wedge of cheese. Then glue it in place like your mouse is holding it.

*You can choose to have your mouse hold something different, like a heart or a gift or another mouse…or whatever you like!

Now that you know how to make a mouse craft, what will you do with him? Maybe you want to make him some friends, like this stuffed sheep or this newspaper penguin? Make up stories and help him go on adventures. Get that imagination working!

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