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🐧✂️ Free Printable Penguin Craft with Accordion Legs

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Penguin Papercraft with Free Printable PDF

pin penguin accordion leg craft

Your children can have a whole lot of winter fun when you help them make this super cute Free Printable Penguin Craft!

This craft is a perfect winter activity, a fun classroom project, or a great way to celebrate a favorite penguin movie or a trip to the zoo or aquarium.

The accordion legs and arms give this paper penguin a playful, springy movement that kids love.

The free 8-page template provides all the pieces you need, ready to be printed onto colored cardstock or construction paper.

This craft can easily be a Christmas craft with the addition of a festive scarf, or you can choose different colors for a general winter-themed decoration.

It’s a wonderful project that results in a charming, display-worthy paper companion!

Crafting for All Ages 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

The assembly process for this accordion penguin can be tailored to fit various age groups and skill levels.

Adjusting the Difficulty

  • Little Kids: Younger children will need help from an adult or older sibling with the cutting, especially the smaller pieces. They can focus on the gluing and the fun part—making the accordion folds!
  • Bigger Kids: Older children may be able to print, cut, and assemble the entire craft by themselves, improving their fine motor and cutting skills along the way.

Customizing the Look

  • The Scarf: The penguin can be customized for any season. The template often includes pieces for a scarf and ear muffs, which you can print in traditional red and green for a Christmas theme, or in bright blues and purples for a general winter look.
  • The Face: Use a black marker for the eyes and mouth, and a pink crayon to add a rosy cheek—this is a great opportunity for kids to get creative and give their penguin a unique personality!

Mastering the Accordion Limbs 🦵

The playful, springy effect is all thanks to the simple accordion folds.

Step-by-Step Folding

  • Paper Strips: You will need to cut 2-inch wide strips of paper (the color of your choice, traditionally black for the arms and orange for the legs) for the arms and legs.
  • The Fold: To create the accordion, simply fold the paper strip back and forth lengthwise, creasing sharply after each fold. Repeat until the entire strip is folded.
  • Assembly: Use a glue stick to secure one end of the finished accordion folds to the back of the penguin’s body. Let the glue dry completely before putting your penguin on display!

Penguin Accordion Leg Craft Checklist 🐧✂️

🖌️ Materials

  • Printable Template: Free 8-page Penguin Craft PDF.
  • Cardstock or Construction Paper: 2 Black, 2 White, 3 Red OR Green, 1 Orange (plus extra for arms and legs).
  • Black Marker (for eyes and mouth).
  • Pink Crayon (for rosy cheek).

🥄 Supplies

📝 Instructions

  1. Download and Print: Download the free 8-page template. Print each page on the appropriate color of cardstock or construction paper indicated on the template (or choose your own colors!).
  2. Cut Pieces: Carefully cut out all the body pieces (head, body, white belly, beak, scarf, ear muffs, etc.).
  3. Create Accordions: Cut four 2-inch wide strips of paper for the arms and legs. Create a tight accordion fold in each strip, going back and forth lengthwise.
  4. Assemble Body: Glue the character body pieces together, layering the white pieces onto the black. Draw the eyes and mouth with the black marker and add a rosy cheek with the pink crayon.
  5. Attach Limbs: Glue the accordion arms and legs to the back of the penguin’s body.
  6. Display: Let the glue dry completely. Your adorable penguin craft is ready to waddle onto a shelf, mantle, or bulletin board!

Ready to Create Your Waddle-y Friend? ⬇️

This is a fun, hands-on craft that kids can proudly display throughout the winter season.

The accordion limbs truly bring this paper friend to life!

Will you print the scarf in Christmas colors or will you choose something else?

 

accordion leg printable penguin craft

Click HERE to download the free printable accordion leg penguin craft, so your kids can make this oh so cute Winter craft.

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