White Elephant

How to Make

1. Before you assemble the wooden elephant, place the body onto the reverse side of some patterned paper to make the blanket (or caparison, an ornamental covering). Draw around the top as a guide for cutting out the elephant’s blanket and head covering. Cut out 2 pieces for each shape, 1 for each side of the elephant.
2. Slot the ears onto the head then slot the base pieces on the legs so the elephant stands up. Handle the wooden pieces carefully. Paint the elephant white on both sides and around the edges. Leave to dry.
3. Glue the cut out blanket pieces on the elephant. Before the glue dries, tuck pieces of thin ribbon under the bottom of the blanket around the elephants body. Glue ribbon around the legs. Glue the head covering in place.
4. Cut some pieces of gold hanging cord, squeeze glue around the blanket and head covering, press the cord on top then trim the ends. Stick a flower on both sides the head with wiggles eyes in the middle.

Top Tip

Try different ways to decorate your white elephant with pieces of ribbon and patterned paper or paint patterns on the body.