Seasonal Schematics Craft
World Sloth Day: Swaying Sloth
Did You Know? Did you know that a sloth’s slowness is actually its ultimate survival superpower? While it looks like laziness, moving at a snail's pace is a brilliant strategy for staying safe.Because they move so slowly, a unique green algae grows right inside their fur. This acts as a living camouflage suit, making them invisible to predators like jaguars and eagles that hunt by tracking movement.Their insides are just as slow. Sloths eat tough leaves that offer very little energy, and it can take up to an entire month just to digest a single meal! Moving slowly isn't lazy. It is a highly successful, energy-saving tactic that keeps them thriving in the treetops. When to Celebrate World Sloth Day is celebrated every year on October 20th. The day was created to raise awareness about the vital role these peaceful creatures play in the rainforest ecosystem and the importance of protecting their natural habitats. The Toolkit To build your Swaying Sloth, gather these supplies: Paper Materials The Template: [GET THE FREE TEMPLATE HERE] Cardstock or A4 Paper (Cardstock is recommended for a sturdier craft.) 2 mm Corrugated Cardboard (for the branch and spacer) Craft Supplies Popsicle Sticks (2) Drinking Straw Twine Double-Sided Tape Hot Glue Clear Tape Tools Scissors or a Craft Knife Safety First: Always ask an adult for help when using sharp cutting tools or hot glue. The Build: Step-by-Step Phase 1: Preparation 1. Print and Prepare: Print your template and cut out all the pieces. 2. Mount the Branch: Use double-sided tape to attach the branch piece to cardstock, then cut it out. Phase 2: Assemble the Base 3. Attach the Arm: Glue one arm in place. 4. Add the Spacer: Place a round spacer in the center of the white area. 5. Attach the Face: Use double-sided tape to attach the face to the spacer. Phase 3: Assemble the Body 6. Attach the Hanger: Tie the twine to two craft sticks, then glue the craft sticks to the back of the branch. 7. Punch the Body: Punch a hole in the body piece. 8. Insert the Straw: Insert the straw through the hole and secure it with hot glue. 9. Insert the Paper Clip: Slide the paper clip through the straw. 10. Secure the Clip: Tape the paper clip to the back of the sloth's head. Phase 4: Finish the Sloth 11. Attach the Arm: Glue the other arm in place. 12. Add the Decorations: Glue on the remaining decorative pieces. Your Swaying Sloth is complete! Give the sloth a gentle push and watch it swing and sway! 😀 Success Checklist Movement Check: Gently push the sloth's body to make sure it swings smoothly. Hanging Check: Make sure the sloth hangs securely from the branch. Attachment Check: Check that all glued and taped parts are firmly attached. Get Your Templates Sign up for free weekly templates delivered to your inbox. Unsubscribe at any time. [GET THE FREE TEMPLATE HERE] Show us your Swaying Sloth! Create more than one and turn it into a race! Share your Swaying Sloth in action on Instagram or TikTok and tag #amomiiSSC. We’d love to see your creativity in action! PROJECT CREDITS amomii Lead: Shaun Graphics & Templates: Kelly Video & Blog Content: Cindy & Vera
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Christmas: Jumping Jack Puppet
Did You Know? Did you know that, as popular as the image of Santa Claus might be in many Western countries, Iceland has a very different set of characters who like to visit around the holiday season? The Jolasveinar, or the Yule lads, are a mischievous bunch who visit families during the Christmas season. Starting on December 12th, a different brother will visit each night, each with their own naughty proclivities. From stealing sheep’s milk, sausages, and yogurt, to slamming doors, licking bowls, spoons, and pots, each Yule lad has their own unique twist on Christmas mischief that they get into. Not to be outdone, mom and the family cat even get involved, too. The mother Grylla, keeps a log of all the children who have been naughty throughout the year, and during the Christmas season, travels into the towns and villages, stealing the misbehavers and turning them into a Christmas stew! Not to be outdone, the family cat Jolakotturinn has a taste for children in old clothing. If you didn’t get a new outfit to wear on Christmas, the Jolakotturinn might hunt you down to turn you into a tasty snack! When to Celebrate So, it’s commonly accepted that December 25th is Jesus’ birthday. But how did we arrive at this date? There are two main theories. One idea is that early Christians sought to co-opt Pagan and Roman traditions, folding them into their own, in order to make the transition to Christianity easier and more seamless. Some people don’t like this explanation, as they state that while this did happen, December 25th was chosen as the date for Christmas hundreds of years before this practice became common. Instead, they posit that December 25th was chosen specifically because it was 9 months after March 25th, which was the day of Jesus’ death. There is a long standing belief that Jesus died on the same date as the Annunciation, the date when God told Mary she would give birth to the Son of God. So the date at which God appeared to Mary is taken as the date of conception, meaning that Jesus would be born 9 months later, on December 25th. The Toolkit To build your Jumping Jack Puppet, gather these supplies: The amomii Template: [GET THE FREE TEMPLATE HERE] Threads and Paper Brads Hole Puncher Scissors & Craft Knife Safety Tip: Always ask an adult for assistance when using sharp cutting tools. The Build: Step-by-Step 1. Print and Prepare: Print the templates on A4 paper and gather all necessary materials. For best results, use cardstock for improved durability. 2. Cut the Pieces: Cut out all the pieces along the black outlines. 3. Cut the Holes: Cut out all the white circles. Tip: If you have different sizes of hole punchers, you can use them to punch. 4. Thread the Legs: Thread the string through the holes, connecting all four legs together as shown in the illustration. 5. Tie the Knot: Tie a knot to secure the string once all four legs are connected. 6. Attach the Body: Attach the moose's body to the legs using paper brads. 7. Thread the Hanger: Punch a hole on the moose’s face and thread a string through it. 8. Tie the Hanger: Tie the ends of the string together to create a hanging loop. Your creation is complete! Try making your own Santa too! Pull the string and watch them jump and move. 🙌 Success Checklist Movement Check: Move the legs to make sure they move smoothly together. Knot Check: Make sure all knots are tied securely and won't come loose. Brad Check: Check that all paper brads are securely fastened while allowing the legs to move freely. Get Your Templates Sign up for free weekly templates delivered to your inbox. Unsubscribe at any time. [GET THE FREE TEMPLATE HERE] Show us your Jumping Jack Puppet! Drop a comment below or share a video of your "Jumping Jack Puppet" to Instagram or TikTok and tag us with #amomiiSSC. We’d love to see your creativity in action! PROJECT CREDITS amomii Lead: Shaun Illustration: Steve Graphics & Templates: Kelly Video & Blog Content: Cindy & Vera
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Krampusnacht: Krampus Card
Did You Know? Did you know that Krampus is a half-human, half-goat demon who hails from the Alpine regions of Germany and Austria? The opposite of Santa, Krampus visits the houses of children on December 5th. Instead of leaving presents behind, he leaves bruises, beating naughty children with birch sticks. That is, if you’re lucky. For the particularly troublesome kids, he simply rips them from their beds, tosses them into a sack, ties it up, and drowns them in the river. On Krampusnacht, some cities participate in a Krampuslauf, or Krampus run. During this event, people dress up as Krampus and chase down people, trying to scare and frighten them in a form of holiday fun. In recent years, however, as the popularity of Krampus has surged, there have been some people who take the holiday too far, engaging in actual violence. Some reports mention serious injuries occurring as swarms of costumed demons surround and attack bystanders attempting to flee, with some even needing hospitalization afterwards. When to Celebrate Krampusnacht occurs on December 5th, the eve of St. Nicholas day, a day which is marked to celebrate the 4th century bishop who was known for his secret acts of generosity, especially in giving gifts to the poor. St. Nicholas is known as the inspiration for Santa Claus. The Toolkit To build your Krampus Card, gather these supplies: The amomii Template: [GET THE FREE TEMPLATE HERE] Double-Sided Tape Scissors & Craft Knife Safety Tip: Always ask an adult for assistance when using sharp cutting tools. The Build: Step-by-Step 1. Print and Prepare: Print the templates on A4 paper and gather all necessary materials. For best results, use cardstock for improved durability. 2. Fold the paper: Fold along each dashed line to create four creases. 3. Shape the Design: Use the creases as guides to fold the design into the shape shown. 4. Cut the Design: Carefully cut out the design along the solid lines. 5. Attach the Design: Attach the folded design to the card base. -Tip: Place tape only in the center section. Leave the outer sections tape-free so the design can pop up properly. 6. Assemble the Card: Fold the card in half and attach the cover to the front. Your creation is complete! Share your Krampus Card with us! Success Checklist Movement Check: Open and close the card to make sure the moving element works smoothly. Alignment Check: Make sure the design is centered and securely attached to the card base. Tape Check: Check that all tape is secure and the outer sections are free of tape. Get Your Templates Sign up for free weekly templates delivered to your inbox. Unsubscribe at any time. [GET THE FREE TEMPLATE HERE] Show us your Krampus Card! Drop a comment below or share a video of your "Krampus Card" to Instagram or TikTok and tag us with #amomiiSSC. We’d love to see your creativity in action! PROJECT CREDITS amomii Lead: Shaun Illustration: Steve Graphics & Templates: Kelly Video & Blog Content: Cindy & Vera
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Random Act of Kindness Day: Kindness Card
Did You Know? Did you know the Random Act of Kindness Day originated in New Zealand in 2004? It is meant to be a reminder that we all have the power to make a positive impact on those around us, and to encourage us to remember to use that power to create a better and nicer world for all of us, one small gesture at a time. When to Celebrate The date of September first was chosen for Random Act of Kindness day to coincide with the first day of spring in New Zealand. It also marks the beginning of National Courtesy Month, which reminds people that being polite is easy and costs you nothing, while fostering a welcoming and positive environment for all. The Toolkit To build your Kindness Card, gather these supplies: The amomii Template: [GET THE FREE TEMPLATE HERE] Double-Sided Tape Clear Tape Scissors & Craft Knife Safety Tip: Always ask an adult for assistance when using sharp cutting tools. The Build: Step-by-Step Phase 1: Build the First Sliding Mechanism 1. Print and Prepare: Print the templates on A4 paper and gather all necessary materials. For best results, use cardstock for improved durability. 2. Precise Cutting: Carefully cut out all pieces along the solid black lines. -Safety Tip: Ask an adult for help when using cutting tools. 3. Attach the Pull Strip: Attach the pull strip to F2 in the marked area. 4. Attach F1: Attach F1 and F2, aligning the marked areas to complete the face. Phase 2: Build the Second Sliding Mechanism 5. Prepare Support Rod B: Fold Support Rod B along the dashed line, then apply double-sided tape to the marked area. 6. Attach Support Rod B: Attach Support Rod B to F3. Phase 3: Install the First Sliding Mechanism 7. Cut the Slot: Cut out the slot on the Background piece. 8. Insert the First Sliding Mechanism: Insert the first sliding mechanism into the slot. 9. Secure the First Sliding Mechanism: Use clear tape to secure the first sliding mechanism to B-2. 10. Prepare Support Rod A: Fold Support Rod A along the dashed line, then apply double-sided tape to the marked area. 11. Attach Support Rod A: Attach Support Rod A to B-1 and F1 as indicated. Phase 4: Install the Second Sliding Mechanism 12. Insert the Second Sliding Mechanism: Insert the second sliding mechanism into the slot. 13. Secure Second Sliding Mechanism: Use clear tape to secure the second sliding mechanism to B-3. Phase 5: Finish the Card 14. Connect the Mechanisms: Turn the card over and attach Support Rod B to the pull strip. 15. Thread the Pull Strip: Thread the connected pieces through the slot. 16. Assemble the Card: Attach the sliding mechanism assembly to the card, then decorate it with the icons to complete your card. Your creation is complete! Share your Kindness Card with us! Success Checklist Movement Check: Slide the pull strip back and forth to make sure it moves smoothly without getting stuck. Alignment Check: Make sure all pieces are properly aligned and securely attached. Tape Check: Check that all taped areas are secure while keeping the moving parts free to slide. Get Your Templates Sign up for free weekly templates delivered to your inbox. Unsubscribe at any time. [GET THE FREE TEMPLATE HERE] Show us your Kindness Card! Drop a comment below or share a video of your "Kindness Card" to Instagram or TikTok and tag us with #amomiiSSC. We’d love to see your creativity in action! PROJECT CREDITS amomii Lead: Shaun Illustration: Steve Graphics & Templates: Kelly Video & Blog Content: Cindy & Vera
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Puck Fair: Tickle Me Puck-O
Did You Know? Did you know that Puck Fair, or Aonach an Phoic, is one of Ireland’s oldest festivals, dating back to at least 1613? Every summer, a small group of people from Killogrin travel up the nearby mountains to catch a feral goat. The goat is taken back to the town and crowned King Puck. The ‘King” is placed in a small cage and put on a stand in the middle of town and celebrated for the three day festival. At the end of the three days, the goat is taken down and returned to the mountains where he was found. When to Celebrate Puck Fair takes place every summer from 10th-12th of August. It is thought to celebrate the legend of a famous goat that warned village inhabitants of the approaching army of Oliver Cromwell back in the early 17th century. The Toolkit To build your Tickle Me Puck-O, gather these supplies: The amomii Template: [GET THE FREE TEMPLATE HERE] Plastic Sheet or Tape Glue (white glue or craft glue) Scissors & Craft Knife: (Safety First: Always ask an adult for assistance when using sharp cutting tools.) The Build: Step-by-Step 1. Print and Prepare: Print the templates on A4 paper and gather all necessary materials. For best results, use cardstock for improved durability. 2. Precise Cutting: Carefully cut out all pieces along the solid black lines. -Safety Tip: Ask an adult for help when using cutting tools. 3. Assemble the Sliding Mechanism: Place a clear plastic sheet (or tape) over the blank area of the sheep base, then position the sliding tab on top. 4 Attach the Sheep: Attach the colored sheep onto the black outer frame. -Tip: Do not apply glue to the center area. 5. Complete the Sheep: Attach the remaining sheep body pieces to complete the design. 6. Punch and Tie: Punch a hole at the top center of the A4 sheet, then thread the string through the hole and tie a knot. Your creation is complete! Share your Tickle Me Puck-O with us! Success Checklist Movement Check: Slide the tab back and forth to make sure it moves smoothly without getting stuck. Alignment Check: Make sure all pieces are properly aligned and securely attached. Glue Check: Check that all glued areas are firmly attached, while the center area remains glue-free. Get Your Templates Sign up for free weekly templates delivered to your inbox. Unsubscribe at any time. [GET THE FREE TEMPLATE HERE] Show us your Tickle Me Puck-O! Drop a comment below or share a video of your "Tickle Me Puck-O" to Instagram or TikTok and tag us with #amomiiSSC. We’d love to see your creativity in action! PROJECT CREDITS amomii Lead: Shaun Illustration: Steve Graphics & Templates: Kelly Video & Blog Content: Cindy & Vera
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Christmas in July (Yulefest): Santa Popup
Did You Know? Did you know that Yulefest, also known as Christmas in July, has its origins in Australia? Due to the hot summer weather in December, people enjoy celebrating more common Christmas traditions in the winter months when it’s a little cooler, such as sitting around a fireplace with mulled wine, and enjoying hearty dinners, featuring roast meats, gravies and vegetables. When to Celebrate The holiday officially takes place on July 25th, but there are celebrations held every Saturday during the month of July. The festival is believed to have started small in the late 1800s and early 1900s, but started to gain momentum and popularity in the late 1970s. The Toolkit To build your Santa Popup Card, gather these supplies: The amomii Template: [GET THE FREE TEMPLATE HERE] Cardstock or A4 Paper: (Use cardstock for a sturdier card.) Double-Sided Tape Scissors & Craft Knife: (Safety First: Always ask an adult for assistance when using sharp cutting tools.) The Build: Step-by-Step 1. Print and Prepare: Print the templates on A4 paper and gather all necessary materials. For best results, use cardstock for improved durability. 2. Precise Cutting: Carefully cut out all icons and parts along the solid black lines. -Safety Tip: Ask an adult for help when using cutting tools. 3. Fold the A4 Sheet: Fold the A4 sheet in half along the center line. 4. Assemble the Base: Fold Base A and Base B along the dotted lines, then glue them onto the A4 sheet. 5. Assemble the Body : Fold the Santa Body along the dotted line, then attach it to Base A and Base B as shown below. 5. Assemble the Head: Fold the Santa Head along the dotted line, then glue it to the matching area on Base A. 6. Attach the Second Hand: Attach the second hand to complete the Santa figure. 7. Decorate the card: Attach the icons to the card, then fold the A4 sheet in half to create the pop-up effect. Your creation is complete! Share your Santa Popup Card with us! Success Checklist Movement Check: Open and close the card slowly to ensure all pop-up parts move freely without sticking. Santa Alignment Check: If Santa doesn’t pop out smoothly, check the attachment areas and press along the fold lines to sharpen the creases. Get Your Templates Sign up for free weekly templates delivered to your inbox. Unsubscribe at any time. [GET THE FREE TEMPLATE HERE] Show us your Santa Popup Card! Drop a comment below or share a video of your "Santa Popup Card" to Instagram or TikTok and tag us with #amomiiSSC. We’d love to see your creativity in action! PROJECT CREDITS amomii Lead: Shaun Illustration: Steve Graphics & Templates: Kelly Video & Blog Content: Cindy & Vera
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US Thanksgiving: Turkey Pen Holder
Did You Know? Did you know that Thanksgiving is in some ways responsible for modern convenience food? Back in 1953, the company Swanson & Sons overestimated demand and had over half a million extra pounds of frozen turkeys left over after Thanksgiving. Needing a creative solution, Gerry Thomas had an epiphany. Inspired by the neat trays of food served on commercial airlines, Gerry ordered aluminum trays and portioned out the turkey meat, adding stuffing with gravy, peas, and sweet potatoes into individual, ready-to-heat meals. Thus, the TV dinner was born! In its very first year, Swanson sold 10 million dinners, completely revolutionizing the modern food industry. They proved to be so incredibly popular that within just five years, American families were spending 500 million dollars on them annually, which is about 5.5 billion dollars in today's money! When to Celebrate Today, Thanksgiving is celebrated annually on the fourth Thursday of November. This wasn't always the case, though. There was a time when it was traditionally celebrated on the last Thursday of the month instead. That meant in certain years, Thanksgiving could fall as late as November 30th. This late date frustrated retailers because it significantly shortened the Christmas shopping season. To solve this, Thanksgiving was officially moved in 1941 to ensure that the holiday weekend would always end by December 1st at the latest. The Toolkit To build your Turkey Pen Holder, gather these supplies: The amomii Template: [GET THE FREE TEMPLATE HERE] Cardstock or Paper: (Letter size or A4; thicker paper makes a stronger build) Glue or Double-Sided Tape Scissors or Craft Knife: (Safety First: Always ask an adult for assistance when using sharp cutting tools!) Materials required: 2 Paper Strips (for the accordion paper spring) 2 Paper Cup Bottoms (1 shorter for the head, 1 taller for the body) 1 Cardboard Tube (cut a tissue roll tube into two pieces) 2 Doll Eyes The Build: Step-by-Step Phase 1: Print & Prepare 1. Print and Prepare: Print the template and carefully cut out all the pieces. 2. Create the Paper Spring: Take the two long paper strips and position them at a right angle. Fold the strips back and forth over each other to create an accordion paper spring, following the reference picture, and secure the end when finished. Phase 2: Build the Turkey Body 3. Prepare the Body and Head Gather: The two paper cup bottoms The paper spring 4. Connect the Head and Body: Glue one end of your paper spring to the center of the larger cup base (the body). Glue the other end to the smaller cup section (the head) to create a fun, bouncy turkey neck. 5. Make the Beak Take the yellow circle paper, fold it in half, and then fold it in half again. Cut along one of the folded creases as shown, roll it into a clean cone shape, and glue it securely. 6. Add the Face: Glue your completed cone beak and the googly eyes onto the turkey's bouncy head. Phase 3: Create the Tail Feathers 7. Fold the Tail Feathers: Take one patterned feather strip and accordion-fold it back and forth along the guide lines to create a pleated fan shape. 8. Repeat: Repeat this process until you have 5 folded feather sections in total. 9. Connect the Feathers: Glue the 5 feather sections side-by-side to create one large, beautiful turkey tail fan. 10. Attach the Tail Base: Glue the pointed bottom center of your pleated tail fan to the straight edge of the green semi-circle base piece. Phase 4: Assemble the Turkey 11. Attach the Body: Glue the bottom of the turkey's cup body directly to the center of the green base assembly. Phase 5: Build the Pen Holders 12. Decorate the Tubes: Take the two cut cardboard tubes, wrap the turkey wing templates around them, and glue them down securely. 13. Attach the Holders: Glue the two decorated cardboard tubes onto the green base, positioning one on each side of the turkey body to become your pen holders. 14. Decorate: Add any extra colors, patterns, or creative decorations to make your turkey uniquely yours. Your Turkey Pen Holder is complete! 🦃✏️Fill up the side holders with your favorite pens, pencils, markers, or craft supplies, and display your festive turkey proudly on your desk! Success Checklist Spring Check: Does the turkey's head bounce playfully when you gently touch it? Tail Check: Are all five colorful feather sections securely attached to the back? Holder Check: Can the cardboard tubes hold your pens and pencils safely without tipping over? Decoration Check: Did you add your own creative, personal touches to make your turkey unique? Get Your Templates Sign up for free weekly templates delivered straight to your inbox. Unsubscribe at any time. [GET THE FREE TEMPLATE HERE] Show us your Turkey Pen Holder! We'd love to see your Thanksgiving creations! Share a photo or video of your Turkey Pen Holder on Instagram or TikTok and tag #amomiiSSC. PROJECT CREDITS amomii Lead: Shaun Graphics & Templates: Kelly Video & Blog Content: Cindy & Vera
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Dia de Muertos: Dancing Skeleton
Did You Know? Did you know that Dia de Muertos can possibly trace its origins back over 3,000 years to ancient Aztec traditions? The Aztecs held several celebrations honoring the dead throughout the year, but the event closest to the modern holiday was Quecholli, a day in late October that honored Mixcoatl, the god of war. During this festival, the Aztecs would set up altars and offer gifts of food to honor fallen warriors and ease their journey to the afterlife. It is thought that the Spanish likely merged this holiday with the Catholic traditions of All Hallows' Eve during their colonization, though historians continue to study the exact blend. Some aspects of the holiday are unquestionably European in influence, such as the lighting of candles to help the souls of the dead find their way back home, which can be linked to similar practices in medieval Spain. When to Celebrate Dia de Muertos takes place over two days which coincide with the Catholic holidays of All Saints' Day on November 1st and All Souls' Day on November 2nd. The traditions of Dia de Muertos split the two days into Dia de los Angelitos, which honors children who have passed, and Dia de los Muertos, which honors adults. The Toolkit To build your Dancing Skeleton, gather these supplies: The amomii Template: [GET THE FREE TEMPLATE HERE] Cardstock or Paper : (Letter size or A4; use thicker paper for a stronger build) Hot Glue Gun Scissors or Craft Knife: (Safety First: Always ask an adult for assistance when using sharp cutting tools) Materials required: Corrugated Cardboard (About 2 mm thick) Wooden Dowel (3 mm diameter) Paper fasteners Optional Decorations (Paper flowers, markers, etc.) The Build: Step-by-Step Phase 1: Print & Prepare 1. Print and Prepare: Print the template, glue the sheets onto your 2 mm corrugated cardboard, and carefully cut out all the pieces needed for the project. Phase 2: Build the Cam Mechanism 2. Connect the T-Bar: Take the straight linkage arm (the long blade piece) and attach one end to the middle hole of the T-bar panel. Secure them together using a brad (split pin) where the red circle indicates. Make sure it can pivot freely. 3. Build the Cam Wheel: Locate the large circular wheel base marked with positions A and B. Glue a 2 cm cardboard circle onto both positions. Then glue a 3 cm cardboard circle on top of the circle at position A. 4. Layer and Pierce: Glue a larger 3 cm cardboard circle directly on top of the 2 cm circle at position A. Once the glue dries, pierce a clean hole straight through the center points of both circle A and circle B. 5. Attach the T-Bar to the Wheel: Align the bottom hole of your T-bar mechanism with the center hole of circle A on the wheel base. Insert a 3 mm wooden dowel through both holes, and secure it firmly on the front side with hot glue. 6. Secure the Back: Let the wooden dowel pass all the way through to the back of the wheel base. Slide another 3 cm cardboard circle onto the dowel on the backside, glue it down securely, and trim off any excess dowel. Phase 3: Assemble the Skeleton 7. Put the Body Together: Arrange all your cut-out skeleton body pieces. Use brads (split pins) to connect the joints together so the arms and legs can move. Make sure you pierce holes and connect them at all the marked red circles. 8. Attach the Head Mechanism: Before gluing the skull on, you must attach the skull's backing support panel to the upper neck joint using a brad (as shown in the red circle). Once the support panel is secured, glue the colorful skull face onto the front of it. Phase 4: Prepare the Background 9. Prepare the Background: Prepare your decorative background board and make sure to punch out all the guide holes according to the template instructions. Place the assembled skeleton onto the front of the background 10. Mount the Cam Wheel: Flip the background board over. Align the cam wheel with Hole C and insert a wooden dowel through the wheel and the board. 12. Lock it in Place: From the front side of the board, push the dowel all the way through the board and through the skeleton's chest hole. Slide a 3 cm cardboard circle onto the dowel on both the front and back sides to sandwich the layers. Secure everything firmly with hot glue on both sides, then trim off any protruding dowel. 13. Attach the Anchor Arm: Align the guide hole on the wing-shaped extension of your linkage mechanism with the hole on the left side of the background board. Secure it with a brad. 14. Lock it in Place: Align the skeleton puppet's body over the background board. Push the wooden dowel from the back through the main board and straight through the center hole of the skeleton's chest, threading it out through the center of the front layers. Insert a 3 cm cardboard circle onto the protruding dowel on the front side of the skeleton's chest. 15. Secure the Mechanism: Use a hot glue gun to apply a generous dab of glue over the circle and the tip of the wooden dowel to lock it in place, then repeat on the pivot connection on the back of the board to ensure everything is held firmly. 14. Secure the Feet: Attach the skeleton's feet to the marked locations at the bottom of the background board. Final StepYour Dancing Skeleton is complete! 💀🎉Turn the wheel on the back and watch your skeleton dance and sway.Add paper flowers, colorful decorations, or festive accessories to make your skeleton unique! Success Checklist Wheel Check: Does the cam wheel rotate smoothly? Movement Check: Do the arms, legs, and head move when the wheel turns? Joint Check: Are all paper fasteners secure while still allowing movement? Dance Test: Can your skeleton dance freely without getting stuck? Get Your Templates Sign up for free weekly templates delivered straight to your inbox. Unsubscribe at any time. [GET THE FREE TEMPLATE HERE] Show us your Dancing Skeleton! 💀🌼 We'd love to see your skeleton dance! Share a photo or video of your creation on Instagram or TikTok and tag us with #amomiiSSC. PROJECT CREDITS amomii Lead: Shaun Graphics & Templates: Kelly Video & Blog Content: Cindy & Vera
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Halloween : Flying Flappy bat
Did You Know? Did you know that many of the traditions we associate with Halloween come from the ancient Celtic holiday Samhain? Samhain (pronounced SAH-win) marked the end of summer, which also happened to be the last day of the year. On that day, the Celts believed that the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead was at its weakest, making it easier for spirits to invade our world. To avoid these spirits, the Celts would dress in costumes to disguise their appearance and confuse them. In case that was ineffective, they would also offer food and gifts to ensure they didn't upset the spirits. During the Roman Empire, the holiday was merged with Feralia, a holiday also celebrated in late October that honored ancestors with gifts of food and drink. When to Celebrate Halloween takes place on October 31st every year. The name Halloween comes from All Hallows (meaning holy, or to honor as sacred) Eve (night before), which is in reference to All Saints' Day, a Catholic holiday celebrated the following day on November 1st. The Toolkit To build your Flying Flappy Bat, gather these supplies: The amomii Template: [GET THE FREE TEMPLATE HERE] Cardstock or Paper (Letter size or A4; use thicker paper for a stronger build) Hot Glue Gun (or craft glue) Scissors or a Craft Knife (Safety First: Always ask an adult for assistance when using sharp cutting tools!) Hole punch Materials Required Cardboard (for the head, wings, and body) 1 Black Paper Cup (or use a plain paper cup and color it with a black marker) Yarn (cut to various lengths as needed) 1 Long Wooden Dowel 2 Cardboard Circles (with center holes, for the hanger) 4 Small Magnets (used as counterweights) The Build: Step-by-Step Phase 1: Print & Prepare 1. Print and Prepare: Print the template and carefully cut out all the pieces. Glue the head, body, and wing templates onto your cardboard for extra strength. Phase 2: Build the Bat's Head 2. Prepare the Paper Cup: Cut off the top rim section of the paper cup as shown in the reference picture. 3. Color the Cup: Color the paper cup section black with a marker, or use a black paper cup if you already have one. 4. Attach the Head: Glue the colored cup section securely to the back of the bat's head template. Phase 3: Build the Body 5. Cut the Body: Cut the center corners of the body piece exactly as indicated by the template lines. 6. Punch the Holes: Punch out all the marked guide holes in the body using a hole punch. 7. Add the Pull String: Flip the body over. Glue one side of the body together while placing a piece of yarn in the center. 8. Fold the Body: Fold the body in half. Then fold the center corner flaps outward as shown in the reference picture. 9. Attach the Head: Glue the completed head structure onto the front of the bat's body. Phase 4: Build the Wings 10. Punch the Wing Holes: Use a hole punch to punch out all the marked holes on both wing pieces. 11. Thread the Main Wing Strings: Thread a long piece of yarn through the two outer holes on one wing. Insert the yarn from the back so that both loose ends come through to the front side. 12. Repeat for the Second Wing: Repeat the exact same threading process for the other wing piece. 13. Tie the Wing Ends: Tie the loose ends of the yarn on each wing. 14. Connect the Wings: Using short pieces of yarn, connect each wing to the body through the marked holes. Repeat for the second set of holes so both wings are securely attached. Phase 5: Build the Hanger 15. Prepare the Hanger Components: Gather your long wooden dowel and the 2 small cardboard circles with center holes. 16. Install the End Stops: Slide one cardboard circle onto each end of the wooden dowel and lock them in place with glue. 17. Add the Hanging String: Tie a medium-length piece of yarn around the exact center of the wooden dowel, securing the knot tightly. Phase 6: Final Assembly 18. Add the Weights: Attach two small magnets to the tip of each wing to act as counterweights. 19. Hang the Bat: Tie the wing string loops to both ends of the wooden dowel as shown in the reference picture. Final StepYour Flying Flappy Bat is complete! 🦇Hang your bat by the center top string, then gently pull the center body string down to make the wings flap gracefully like a real flying bat! Success Checklist Flap Check: Do both wings flap smoothly and evenly when you pull the string? Balance Check: Does the bat hang level and even from the wooden dowel hanger? Weight Check: Are the magnets securely attached and helping the wings move naturally? Connection Check: Are all yarn connections tied securely without any tangles? Get Your Templates Sign up for free weekly templates delivered straight to your inbox. Unsubscribe at any time. [GET THE FREE TEMPLATE HERE] Show us your Flying Flappy Bat! We'd love to see your bat take flight! Share a photo or video of your Flying Flappy Bat on Instagram or TikTok and tag #amomiiSSC. PROJECT CREDITS amomii Lead: Shaun Graphics & Templates: Kelly Video & Blog Content: Cindy & Vera
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