Make a bouncy hopping snow owl that kids will love playing with!
This fun winter craft uses paper cups and simple folded paper to create a winter owl that actually hops.
It's perfect for keeping kids entertained on cold days and makes a great craft they can play with over and over.
Hopping Paper Cup Owl Craft Materials
Here's what you'll need to make your winter owl:
Essential Supplies:
- Two paper cups
- Gray paint
- Paint brush
- Black, White & Yellow Cardstock
- Black marker
- Scissors
- Glue stick or craft glue
- Free owl printable template
How to Make a Winter Paper Cup Hopping Owl with Kids
This craft is perfect for children ages 5 and up with adult supervision for cutting and assembly.
Step 1: Prepare the Paper Cups
- Prepare two paper cups and cut the rim edge parts from both cups
- Paint one paper cup with gray paint and let it dry completely
- Use a marker to draw curved lines on the painted cup to create feather details
- For the white cup, cut it a bit shorter to the grey cup and then cut 3 rectangles out of the sides as seen in the photo above
Step 2: Prepare the Face Pieces
- Cut out two faces pieces from your template. The silver one is the largest piece.
- You can either cut the larger face piece from silver paper or simply use the same silver paint as before to paint a white cardstock silver.
- Then glue the pieces one on top of the other.
Step 3: Prepare the Other Template Pieces
- Print and cut out the owl eyes, beak and wings template pieces
- For the eyes, use the circles on the template to cut out black circles, then cut out yellow circles slightly smaller than that and then black circles for pupils smaller than that. Layer them and glue them together.
- Cut out the legs from black cardstock
Step 4: Attach Details to the Cup
- Glue the assembled pieces one by one to the gray paper cup
- Position the face at the top of the cup
- Attach the wings to the side of the face
- Pop the legs to the side for the time as we will glue those to the white cup
Step 5: Create the Hopping Mechanism
- Cut two strips of black cardstock
- Glue the two corners together so you form an ‘L' shape
- Fold the strips in an accordion or zigzag pattern, alternating the direction with each fold
- When you get to the end, glue the end pieces together and cut off any overhanging bits.
Step 6: Add the Legs
- Glue the legs to the top cut off rectangle section
- Attach the folded accordion strips to the decorated paper cup
- This creates the hopping mechanism that makes the owl bounce
Step 7: Connect the Cups
- Next place the grey owl cup over this cup
- When you press down and release, the accordion folds expand and contract to make the snow owl hop!
Final Thoughts on This Hopping Winter Owl Kids Craft Tutorial
This is such a fun winter project that keeps kids entertained for hours.
The best part is watching their faces light up when they make the snow owl hop for the first time.
It's a simple craft that brings the fun, and kids will want to make more than one to create an entire owl family!
Ready for more fun winter crafts? Check out these favorites:
- DIY Fluffy Winter Blue Slime Recipe
- 23 Adorable Snowman Crafts For Kids
- 25 Fun Winter Crafts for Kids
Explore our kids craft blog for even more creative crafts that combine learning with imaginative play!
