The Very Hairy Caterpillar
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This soddy creature makes a fun first-time gardening project while bringing a little bit of spring into your home.
What you'll need
- 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
How to make it
Combine the potting soil and grass seed in a large bowl.
Cut the bottom from a small yogurt container or paper cup for a funnel, then slide a knee-high nylon stocking over it, as shown.
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.
Submerge the caterpillar in water for 10 minutes, then place it in a plastic bag and let it sit overnight.
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.
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.
