The Very Hairy Caterpillar

We made this very hairy caterpillar at family fun night at daycare a month or so ago.

It was fun and easy!  Lucas loved checking on it and watering it. 

Here are the directions for your own hairy caterpillar: http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/very-hairy-caterpillar-847654/

Materials

4 cups potting soil
4 tablespoons quick-sprouting grass seed (we used ryegrass seed)
Small yogurt container or paper cup
Knee-high nylon stocking
Colorful ponytail holders
Scissors
Plastic bag

Bobby pin
Googly eyes
Pipe cleaner
Small pom-poms

Instructions

1. Combine the potting soil and grass seed in a large bowl.
2. Cut the bottom from a small yogurt container or paper cup for a funnel, then slide a knee-high nylon stocking over it.
3. Pour or spoon 3⁄4 to 1 cup of the soil mixture into the stocking, then slide a colorful ponytail holder over the end of the stocking to section off the pocket of soil. Repeat this process to make 5 soil-filled segments. Tie a knot in the top of the stocking and trim away any excess nylon.

4. Submerge the caterpillar in water for 10 minutes, then place it in a plastic bag and let it sit overnight.

5. Remove the bag and loop a semi-straightened bobby pin through the front of the stocking, then glue a googly eye onto each end of the pin. For antennae, cut a pipe cleaner in half, glue a small pom-pom onto one end of each half, and stick them in place.

6. Set your caterpillar on a plate by a sunny window* and generously water the whole thing every other day. Your critter should sprout hair in about 4 to 5 days.

*We put ours outside and he gots lots of sunlight!