This spider post began two ways really. First with a book and second with a video. And well, if you throw in Halloween, I guess that makes a third way….
The Book: My youngest loves the (song and) book The Itsy Bitsy Spider. We have a few different versions of it, but our favorite is Iza Trapani’s version.
The Video: We found this fantastic video on youtube of a spider building its web. To see the video, click here.
Halloween: No explanation needed.
So, we set about on two different projects. One, to create a “like a real one” spider ‘s web (requested my eldest). And the second, to make some not-too-creepy spiders for my youngest.
Creating a “Real” Spider Web
Materials:
- a wire coat hanger
- yarn (or thread)
- tape
- Elmers glue
Mama’s Directions:
While this is not technically the way a spider’s web is formed by a spider, it worked best for us. If you would like to see how to make a “real” web or make a giant web, visit How to Make a Spider Web Obstacle Course from Wildlife Fun 4 Kids
Stretch a wire hanger so that the main part is the shape of a spider web (as best you can).
Cut a length of yarn for the frame of the web. Tie the end of the yarn at 12 o’clock and secure it with some Scotch tape (cellotape). Stretch it to 6 o’clock, tie a knot and secure with tape (this keeps it from slipping). Cut the yarn end. Cut a new piece and do the same from 3 o’clock to 9 o’clock. Finally repeat two more times–between 1 and 2 o’clock and 7 and 8 o’clock and between 4 and 5 o’clock and 10 and 11 o’clock.
Cut a new piece of yarn and start going around the spider web as shown below. We only went around 3 times due to an antsy 5 year old…
Once this was done, we laid our web flat on some wax paper and put a dot of glue where each piece of string met to keep them from slipping.
While our web was drying, we moved onto the spiders.
Friendly Spiders
Materials:
- black paint and paintbrush
- toilet paper tubes (one tube makes 3 spiders)
- googly eyes (two per spider)
- black pipe cleaners (2 per spider0
- hot glue gun (optional)
- scissors
- hole puncher
- Cut the toilet paper rolls into thirds
- Cut each pipe cleaner in half
- Preserve a web
- How a Spider Works
- Look at some photos of different kinds of spider webs at National Geographic for Kids
- How to Photograph a Spider Web
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Love the not so scary spiders! Great craft. Thanks for sharing at Mom’s Library.
Glad I found you just in time for Halloween. I have most of these items at home so maybe a crafting weekend. Thank you for your creativity.
We made this and my son loved it! He told everyone we saw all about it, thanks for the great projects!
How exciting! I am so glad that he liked it and was so proud! Do you have pictures???
That is my favorite version of The Itsy Bitsy Spider too! Love your craft to go along with it. 🙂
Thanks Jenny!
Oooh, spiders. They always freak me out, read or pretend! Thanks for linking up to The Children’s Bookshelf.
Oh yes, perfect decorations for Halloween.
Thank you so much for featuring the spider obstacle course Steph. I adore your little craft, it’s brilliant! I had to share it on FB, I know my readers will love it. I’ll also pop over and tweet it too!
Thanks Penny!
LOVE this!!! So cute!