One thing I have learned since writing Nudi Gill is that there is a general lack of nudibranch plushies and puppets out there. So, I’ve put together this DIY activity that requires no sewing and is so easy to create, anyone can now have a cuddly nudibranch of their very own.
Do you like nudibranchs? Check out NUDI GILL: Poison Powerhouse of the Sea, by Bonnie Kelso.
SUPPLIES:
1 sock
2 pipe cleaners
2 googly eyes
1 piece of cardboard (2″ x 2″)
1 piece of pink paper or foam
glue
scissors
STEP 1 – The Mouth:
Turn the sock inside-out. Fold the cardboard in half. Glue one side to the inside toe of the sock. Carefully pull the sock inside out again over the cardboard. Slip your hand inside and pinch the mouth open and closed a few times to make sure the glue is set.
STEP 2 – The eyes:
Glue the googly eyes to the top of the nudibranch’s head. Easy peasy.
STEP 3 – The Rhinophores:
Push both pipecleaners through the top of the head, in one rhinophore location and out the other.
Next, twist and fold the pipecleaners to make oval shapes like a nudibranch’s rhinophores. Then twist them together at the base.
STEP 4 – The Tongue:
Cut out a tongue shape from the pink foam (or paper) and glue it into place.
That’s it!
Make a whole bunch and put on your very own nudibranch puppet show!
Bonnie Kelso writes and illustrates books for children and adults that encourage individualism and brave self-expression. She facilitates art workshops for her local community and beyond. Her debut picture book, NUDI GILL, releases March 7, 2023. A lover of nature and travel, she often wanders about outside with her family whenever an excellent opportunity to do so presents itself.
Pre-order your copy of Nudi Gill: Poison Powerhouse of the Sea today!
Bonnie Kelso 