This awesome post was written by Shannon from Oh Creative Day.

Sometimes I quietly sigh when my kids bring me our tattered copy of “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” to read for the eleventy billionth time.

I almost automatically regret this sigh as I begin reading and am swept up in the deceptively simple brilliance of Eric Carle’s iconic book.

Eric Carle is one of the world’s greatest picture book creators.

I’ve only just come to realise that I am a bit of an Eric Carle Fan Girl and have a few Eric Carle-inspired art and craft projects in my bloggy catalogue.

Try one of these gorgeous Eric Carle inspired art activities with your kids to celebrate Eric Carle’s birthday (June 25th) or just because they are so colourful and amazing.
 

Painted Tissue Paper

Eric Carle paints tissue paper which he then uses to collage the illustrations in his books. This is a fun process to try at home that produces eye-popping results!

You can then use your painted tissue paper to create cards, garlands, wrapping paper… if you can imagine it, you can create it!

Watch the video to see the process in action or find my tips and tricks here.

Tissue Paper Stars Inspired by ‘Draw Me a Star’

After reading “Draw Me A Star” we used some painted tissue paper to create a stellar wall hanging.

Paper Plate Butterflies Inspired by ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’

These butterflies are perfect for reenacting the final scene of “The Very Hungry Caterpillar.”
They’d also look delightful fluttering in a garland or mobile.

Find the full how-to over on The Craft Train.

Paper Plate Fireflies Inspired by ‘The Very Lonely Firefly’.

Eric Carle has such an amazing catalogue of books. “The Very Lonely Firefly” is one of my favourites.

With this paper plate firefly craft, I’ve adapted the design from the paper plate butterflies. You could combine the two projects and have a menagerie of butterflies and fireflies flitting around.

More Gorgeous Activities from Oh Creative Day

It appears that not only do I have an intense love for Eric Carle inspired art activities, but I also have a deep love for paper plate crafts.

Here are some more paper plate projects featuring donut bunting, ballerinas and exploring feelings.

Have you tried any Eric Carle inspired art activities with your kids?
What is your favourite Eric Carle book?

 
Shannon is a Sydney mum of 3 and a teacher who believes that reading and creative outlets are as important as breathing. She harbours the desire to be a published picture book author. But first she needs to figure out what’s on for dinner.
Shannon blogs at Oh Creative Day where she shares ideas for creative days amongst the sweet chaos of little ones. She has an unhealthy addiction to Instagram, coffee and pom poms and is vehemently opposed to glitter. According to her husband, she cannot pack the dishwasher properly. Like, ever.

Head to Oh Creative Day for making, playing, learning and reading ideas for kids. Find Shannon hanging out on Instagram (when she should be cooking dinner,) Facebook, YouTube and Pinterest