Art with Alyssa: DIY Lorax Puppets & Theater

lorax theater comlpeted 2171

Inspired by Dr. Seuss’ lovable and courageous storybook character, craft your own Lorax stick puppets and puppet theater. This fun project is a great springboard for conversation with kids about the environment, how our actions impact others, and how to make a difference in the world. It also brings the beloved story, Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax, to life.

Discussion Points for Parents/Teachers

  • The importance of protecting the environment and natural resources
  • How our actions impact others
  • Advocating for those who can’t advocate for themselves
  • How kids can make a difference in the world
  • This project is great for scissors skills, storytelling and imaginative play.

Supplies

  • Newsprint or paper grocery bag to cover workspace
  • White cardstock
  • Colored markers
  • Scissors
  • Tape
  • Wooden craft sticks
  • Glue stick or white glue
  • Character images: The Lorax, Humming Fish, Brown Barbaloots, Swomee Swans and Truffula Trees
  • Tri-fold display board
  • Craft knife
  • Colored paper and/or colored pom-poms

Directions

lorax theater puppets 2171

Stick puppets

  1. Print and color character images below (or draw and color your own). In the story, the Lorax is orange with a yellow mustache, Barbaloots are brown, Swomee Swans are orange with yellow heads, Humming Fish are light orange.*
  2. Cut out each character and glue them to craft sticks.

lorax theater 2171

Puppet Theater

  1. About 2-3 inches from the top and each side panel, use a craft knife (parent’s job) to cut an opening of at least 11 x 14 inches in the center panel (this will be the puppet theater window).
  2. Decorate the theater with hand-drawn Truffula Trees and grass if you wish (see photo for reference). Optional: create tree tufts with colored pom-poms.

The puppet theater can be used for other puppet shows—just create additional puppet characters!

*Allow children to exercise their creativity and color the characters however they want.

lorax puppets 1  lorax puppets 2
Please click the pictures above for 8.5 x 11 inch pdf files that can be printed for coloring and making puppets.

--------

Alyssa Navapanich is a local art enthusiast who teaches art to elementary school kids in North County.

Click here for more Lorax-inspired crafts, including goodie bags and Truffula Tree seed treats.

-------

Father's Day String Art for Dad

Father's Day String Art for Dad

This Father’s Day make Dad a one-of-a-kind decoration for his desk, “man cave” or another special spot! Supplies Corrugated cardboard Roll of twine or thin string Paper brads/fasteners . . .

Read more

Dads and Grads Badges

Dads and Grads Badges

This June award Dads and Grads with custom badges made from cupcake liners!SuppliesCupcake linersScraps of paper and/or old book pagesCrepe paper or ribbonsAlphabet stickers or stampsScissors (plain . . .

Read more

"Pop" Art

Tell your dad how much you love him this Father’s Day with a fun recycled "Pop Art" sign! Supplies: Empty CD caseUnwanted book, comic or newspaperOld magazinesScraps of colored paper12 soda bottl . . .

Read more

Describe Dad Father's Day Craft

Describe Dad Father's Day Craft

Supplies: CardboardDuct tapeAlphabet stickersPencilCraft knifeScissors Here’s how:1.|  Start by deciding how large the letters will be; the ones pictured here are about 11” tall and 7” w . . .

Read more

Disney's Elemental Activity Kit

Disney's Elemental Activity Kit

Be part of the fun and download Disney's Elemental Activity pack! From the studio that brought you Toy Story, get ready to step out of your element. Disney and Pixar’s Elemental. In theaters June 1 . . .

Read more

Disney's The Little Mermaid Activity Kit

Disney's The Little Mermaid Activity Kit

Disney present The Little Mermaid Rated PG. Only in theaters May 26. Be part of the fun and download The Little Mermaid Activity pack! DOWNLOAD THE ACTIVITY PACK NOW . . .

Read more

Make and Send a Hug to Loved Ones

Make and Send a Hug to Loved Ones

Don’t you miss hugging people? Here’s a clever DIY hug craft that lets loved ones know they are missed! Whether it’s Mother's Day, Father’s Day, Teacher Appreciation, a birthday or some othe . . .

Read more

Art with Alyssa: How to Make a Nature Journal

Art with Alyssa: How to Make a Nature Journal

Creating and maintaining a nature journal is a fun, relaxing and educational activity for children (and adults) that encourages time outdoors and connection with nature. There is no right way to kee . . .

Read more

Art with Alyssa: Nature Weaving

Art with Alyssa: Nature Weaving

Supplies Twigs or sticks, 6–12” long Garden clippers Scissors Twine or yarn Variety of grasses, flowers and plants with long stems. (I used buttercup, euryops, geranium, lavender, rosemar . . .

Read more

Art with Alyssa: Star Wars Themed Art Projects

Art with Alyssa: Star Wars Themed Art Projects

These fun Star Wars-inspired art projects require just paint, cardboard, egg cartons and a little imagination to create three-dimensional portraits of Baby Yoda, Boba Fett and BB-8. They serve as wh . . .

Read more

Raindrop Drip Painting

Raindrop Drip Painting

We don’t know many kids who can resist jumping in rain puddles. And since we don’t get rain puddles too often in San Diego, it’s a particularly unique and special activity! Why not commemorate . . .

Read more

Art with Alyssa: Nature's Paintbrushes

Art with Alyssa: Nature's Paintbrushes

Create beautiful outdoor art using homemade paintbrushes from plants and items found in nature.Tips for Teachers/ParentsTeach children to respect living plants and only use found or discarded flower . . .

Read more

Blow Painting: Crazy Hair Day

Blow Painting: Crazy Hair Day

Give yourself a new crazy hairstyle with this fun blow-painting project. Start with a photograph of your face or draw a picture of it—whatever you prefer. You won’t be able to stop giggling as y . . .

Read more

Art with Alyssa: Paper Bag Memory Books

Art with Alyssa: Paper Bag Memory Books

Create a unique memory book to save special keepsakes and photos—and to reminisce about all the fun you had this summer!Discussion Points for Parents/Teachers Talk about your favorite summer me . . .

Read more

San Diego Family Magazine Logo

Be Family Informed – Sign up for our Newsletters below!