Looking to celebrate more and teach kids about different cultures and climates?
If so, gather the kids around and learn all about why people with Mexican heritage celebrate Cinco de Mayo!
Once you’ve done that, make this fun paper bag cactus craft with the kids. It’s a great mixture of arts and crafts and is simple to make.
Choose any accent color you want for the flowers and end up with a colorful set of paper bag puppets!
Be sure to watch our quick video tutorial to see exactly how to make this craft and then download the free printable template.
Cactus Puppet Craft
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Supplies
- Brown paper bag
- Colored cardstock
- Scissors
- Glue
- Dark green marker
- Cactus template (enter your email in the form at the end of this post to have the link sent to you)
Directions
Download the cactus template, print, and cut out the pieces you need.
Glue the cactus top to the flap of the brown paper bag, then glue the body on the main portion of the bag.
Use the green marker to draw the lines and spines of the cactus on the head and body.
Position the eyes towards the top of the cactus head and glue them in place.
Glue either the mustache or the assembled mouth right below the eyes.
Glue the big flower to the top, middle of the cactus head.
Draw the lines and spines on the arms of the cactus, then glue the smaller flowers on the top of each arm.
Place the arms, one on each side, in the middle of the paper bag (not the back) and glue in place.
Now you’re done and have a cute Cinco de Mayo craft!
More Cinco De Mayo Ideas
Whenever we introduce a new theme or holiday to the kids, we always like to start with reading books! Below are some of the top rated Cinco de Mayo books.
Living In Mexico is a great book to read to little kids. It follows a child in Mexico and talks about culture, geography, and more!
Off We Go To Mexico takes kids on some of the fun adventures they’ll have in Mexico, plus it teaches Spanish words and phrases!
Chicano Jr.’s Mexican Adventure is another children’s book that dives into the cultures and adventure of a child born in the US, but with Mexican heritage!
This beach themed sensory bin is based upon the beaches of Mexico. Help your child bring a portion of Mexico right to your home!
For a simple but fun activity, print out this Cinco de Mayo treasure hunt and see how many items you can find.
Share With Us
Did you make this activity with your kids or students? We’d love to feature them on our social media!
For a chance to have your child’s project featured, simply snap a picture of the completed project and post it to our Facebook page, email it to us directly by clicking here, or use #simpleeverydaymom on your social media!
Get Our Favorite Paper Bag Crafts!
Paper Bag Cactus Craft For Kids
Materials
- Brown paper bag
- Colored cardstock
- Scissors
- Glue
- Dark green marker
- Cactus template
Instructions
- Download the cactus template, print, and cut out the pieces you need.
- Glue the cactus top to the flap of the brown paper bag, then glue the body on the main portion of the bag.
- Use the green marker to draw the lines and spines of the cactus on the head and body.
- Position the eyes towards the top of the cactus head and glue them in place.
- Glue either the mustache or the assembled mouth right below the eyes.
- Glue the big flower to the top, middle of the cactus head.
- Draw the lines and spines on the arms of the cactus, then glue the smaller flowers on the top of each arm.
- Place the arms, one on each side, in the middle of the paper bag (not the back) and glue in place.
Free Cactus Template
Sam is the crafter and founder of Simple Everyday Mom. She has been featured in Oprah Mag, Good Housekeeping, The Spruce Crafts, Country Living, The Bump and more. Read more.
Karima
Wednesday 24th of May 2023
Can I have this template please? Thanks a lot!
Sam
Wednesday 24th of May 2023
Since you’re already an email subscriber, all you need to do is enter your email in the form at the end of any post and it’ll automatically redirect you to the download page 🙂
Sara
Sunday 21st of May 2023
Need this template for my sons end of the year class party! THANK YOUUU
Sam
Monday 22nd of May 2023
Of course! All you need to do is enter your email in the form at the end of this post to have the link sent to you. Once you've been confirmed as an email subscriber (by clicking the link in the first email), you simply enter your email in any of the forms and it'll automatically redirect you to the download page.
Lisa Scott
Thursday 4th of May 2023
Thank you! So cute!
Sam
Thursday 4th of May 2023
No problem!
Deaneen Kuka
Thursday 6th of April 2023
I would like the template, but this is the only place where I can see to put my email. I hope this is the right place!
Sam
Thursday 6th of April 2023
This is the comments section. The form is above the comments section, under the heading titled "Free Cactus Template". If you're not able to see it, it most likely means you have a firewall or adblocker blocking it from appearing. If you can allow the page or try from a personal device, you should be able to see it. Also, some readers say they're not able to see it on Chrome, but they can on other browsers. You may be able to try that as well ◡̈ Please let me know if you have any questions!
Deaneen Kuka
Thursday 6th of April 2023
I would like the template for the paper bag cactus!
Sam
Thursday 6th of April 2023
Of course! All you need to do is enter your email in the form at the end of this post to have the link sent to you 🙂