Pigs are some of the most intelligent, social, and—let’s be honest—downright adorable animals on the farm. Whether you are celebrating the Year of the Pig, prepping for National Pig Day on March 1st, or simply looking for a rainy-day activity, pig crafts are a perennial favorite for children of all ages.
From toddlers practicing their fine motor skills to older kids experimenting with recycled materials, there is a piggy project for everyone. In this guide, we have curated the best “oink-worthy” crafts from around the web, using everything from paper plates to cereal boxes.
Why We Love Pig Crafts
Beyond the “cuteness” factor, crafting pigs offers a fantastic opportunity to teach children about biology and culture.
- The Chinese Zodiac: The Pig is the 12th animal in the Chinese Zodiac, symbolizing wealth and honesty. While the last Year of the Pig was in 2019, the next one arrives in 2031!
- Intelligence: Did you know pigs are often considered smarter than dogs?
- Sensory Play: Using pink paint, fuzzy pipe cleaners for curly tails, and different textures helps with sensory development.
This is the gold standard of preschool crafts. It’s simple, inexpensive, and highly customizable.
Materials Needed:
- Large paper plate
- Pink acrylic paint
- Pink construction paper (for ears and snout)
- Googly eyes
- Black marker
Instructions:
- Paint the entire back of the paper plate pink and let it dry.
- Cut two triangles out of construction paper for the ears and a small circle for the snout.
- Draw two black dots on the snout for nostrils.
- Glue the ears, snout, and googly eyes onto the plate.
- Pro Tip: For a 3D effect, use an empty egg carton cup painted pink as the nose!
2. Recycled Toilet Paper Roll Piggies
Don’t throw away those cardboard tubes! They make perfect “standing” pigs that kids can play with like action figures.
Instructions:
Wrap a toilet paper roll in pink paper or paint it. Cut out four small rectangles for legs and a small curly strip of paper for the tail. Glue a circular face to the front of the tube. These are perfect for acting out the story of “The Three Little Pigs.”
3. Easy Origami Pig Face
Origami is a wonderful way to teach patience and following directions. You can make an entire family of Pappa Pig, Mamma Pig, and little piglets using different sizes of pink square paper.
- Step 1: Fold a square paper diagonally to make a triangle.
- Step 2: Fold the top corners down to create ears.
- Step 3: Fold the bottom point up slightly to create the snout.
- Step 4: Use a marker to draw the eyes and nostrils.
4. Paint Chip Pig Art
Next time you’re at the hardware store, grab a few extra pink paint chips. Because these cards feature different shades of pink in a gradient, they create a modern, “textured” look for a pig collage. Simply cut the chips into circles and ovals to assemble your pig
5. Cereal Box Piggy Bank
Teaching kids about saving money is easier when they have a pig they built themselves!
Instructions:
- Seal an empty cereal box.
- Cut a coin slot in the top.
- Cover the box in pink construction paper or felt.
- Use four plastic bottle caps as “feet” so the pig stands up.
- Add a pink pipe cleaner for a tail and a large snout on the front.
6. Rocking Paper Plate Pig
By folding a paper plate in half, you create a pig that can actually “rock” back and forth on the table. This is a huge hit with toddlers who love interactive toys.
7. Cotton Ball “Muddy” Pigs
Pigs love to roll in the mud to stay cool because they don’t have sweat glands!
- The Craft: Glue pink-dyed cotton balls onto a pig template.
- The Twist: Give the kids some brown finger paint (or chocolate pudding!) to “splat” mud onto their fluffy pink pigs.
8. Coffee Filter Pig Suncatchers
Use pink washable markers to color a coffee filter, then spray it with a little water to watch the colors bleed and blend. Once dry, add ears and a snout. Hang it in the window to see the light shine through the pink “skin.”
9. Wooden Spoon Pig Puppets
Transform a kitchen spoon into a character! Paint the bowl of the spoon pink and add felt ears. This is a sturdy craft that lasts through many puppet shows.
10. Egg Carton Pig Nose
This is the ultimate “dress-up” craft.
- Cut out a single cup from an egg carton.
- Paint it pink and poke two holes for nostrils.
- Punch a hole on each side and tie a piece of elastic string through.
- Now the kids can wear the nose and “oink” around the house!
Fun Facts to Share While Crafting
While the glue is drying, keep the kids engaged with these “Did You Know?” pig facts:
- No Sweat: Pigs don’t actually sweat. That’s why they love mud—it acts as a natural sunscreen and coolant.
- Clean Freaks: Despite the “pigsty” reputation, pigs are very clean and prefer to keep their sleeping area separate from their bathroom area.
- Speedy Swine: Adult pigs can run up to 11 miles per hour!
- Snout Power: A pig’s sense of smell is 2,000 times stronger than a human’s.
Table: Comparison of Pig Craft Difficulty
| Craft Name | Difficulty | Best Age Group | Estimated Time |
| Paper Plate Pig | Easy | Toddlers / Preschool | 15 Mins |
| Origami Pig Face | Medium | 7+ Years | 10 Mins |
| Cereal Box Bank | Hard | 8+ Years | 45 Mins |
| Egg Carton Nose | Easy | All Ages | 10 Mins |
Tips for a Successful Crafting Session
- Protect the Surface: Pink paint is fun, but pink stains on the dining table are not. Use old newspapers or a plastic tablecloth.
- The “Curly Tail” Trick: To get the perfect tail, wrap a pink pipe cleaner around a pencil for 10 seconds, then slide it off.
- Go Green: Use recycled items like yogurt cups, old socks (for pig sock puppets), and cardboard boxes to teach kids about sustainability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is National Pig Day?
A: National Pig Day is celebrated on March 1st. It was started in 1972 to honor the pig as one of man’s most intellectual and domesticated animals.
Q: What color are pigs really?
A: While many domestic pigs are pink, they can also be black, white, brown, or even spotted! Feel free to let your kids use colors other than pink for their crafts.
Q: How do I make pink paint if I only have red and white?
A: This is a great color-mixing lesson! Start with a large amount of white paint and add tiny drops of red until you reach the desired shade of “piggy pink.”
Conclusion
Crafting with kids is about more than just the end result; it’s about the stories told and the laughs shared over a bottle of glue. These 20 pig crafts offer a range of complexity to keep every child entertained and inspired. So, grab your pink paper, find your favorite googly eyes, and let the “oinking” begin!
