Craft Stick Iguana
Kids who love reptiles will have fun making this Craft Stick Iguana. Craft sticks are sturdy, easy to paint, and perfect for creating a colorful iguana that can be displayed after camp, classroom time, or a rainy day crafting session.
This craft was inspired by Mary Ayres’ book Craft Stick Animals. Permission granted by Grace Publications, November 2001. This pattern may not be sold.
Fun Facts About Iguanas
Green iguanas can live for many years. In the wild, they often live around 9 years, but with proper care in captivity, some iguanas may live up to 20 years.
Iguanas can also grow very long. Male green iguanas can reach up to 6 feet long, while females are usually smaller.
Supplies
- 5 craft sticks for the body and tail
- 3 mini craft sticks for legs and support
- 1 large oval Woodsies shape for the head
- 1 medium oval Woodsies shape for the back leg
- 1 large teardrop Woodsies shape for the sack under the head
- 12 small teardrop Woodsies shapes for scales and feet
- 1 7mm wiggle eye
- Green acrylic paint
- Pink acrylic paint
- White acrylic paint
- Black fine point permanent marker
- Tacky glue
Instructions
- Paint all wood pieces green except the round or oval cheek piece, if using one. Paint that piece pink. Let everything dry completely.
- Lay four craft sticks side by side to form the iguana’s body. Use the diagram as a guide.
- Glue one mini craft stick across the back of the body pieces to hold them together. Glue one regular craft stick across the bottom to form the tail.
- Glue small teardrop shapes along the top of the body to make the iguana’s scales.
- Glue a mini craft stick and teardrop shape in place for one leg and foot. Let the glue dry.
- Turn the iguana over. Glue on the head, throat sack, front leg, back leg, feet, and wiggle eye. Use the finished photo as a guide.
- Add a white dot on the cheek.
- Use a black fine point marker to add outlines and small details.
- Let the craft dry completely before displaying or handling.
Crafting Tips
Try using different shades of green to give each iguana its own personality.
For a classroom activity, children can name their iguanas and write one fun fact about iguanas on an index card to display beside the finished craft.
Patterns, Templates and Printables
Click on a pattern to open it in a new window and print it at the correct size.
Teacher Friendly Educational Extension
Use this easy craft for kids as part of a reptile unit, rainforest lesson, or camp craft activity. Talk with children about where iguanas live, what they eat, and how their long tails help them balance and defend themselves.
For a writing connection, ask students to write a short paragraph titled “A Day in the Life of My Iguana.” Younger children can draw a rainforest background and place their craft stick iguana in the scene.
Supplies
5 Craft Sticks (body & tail)
3 Mini Craft Sticks (legs and support stick)
1 Large Oval Woodsies (head)
1 Medium Oval Woodsies (back leg)
1 Large Teardrop Woodsies (sack under head)
12 Small Teardrop Woodsies
7mm Wiggle Eye
Green, Pink and White Acrylic Paint
Black Point Permanent Markers
Tacky Glue
Instructions
Paint all pieces green except the circle. Paint the circle pink. Let dry.
Lay out four craft sticks for the iguana's body as shown in diagram of the back at right. Glue a mini craft stick on top for support and a regular craft stick across the bottom for a tail. Glue on tear drops for scales and a mini craft stick and tear drop for one leg and foot. Let dry.
Turn over. Glue on pieces for head, sack, other front leg and foot, back leg and foot and eye. Refer to photo at top. Glue on wiggle eye. Paint white dot on cheek. Use black tip marker to add outline details.
Patterns, Templates and Printables
Click on a pattern to open it in a new window
Contributor
These projects are created by Terri, Betty, Jamie or one of the talented staff members at MakingFriends.com. They have been created exclusively for publication on FreeKidsCrafts.com with supplies you'll be able to find around your house.
