Hedgehogs aren’t exactly the most huggable creatures in the wild, but when it comes to crafting, they are undeniably some of the cutest! While their sharp quills might scream “Ouch!” at first thought, these little woodland dwellers are beloved for their tiny paws, twitchy noses, and the way they curl into a perfect ball of defense.
If you are wondering why we are focusing on these prickly friends right now, it is because their big moment is almost here. February 2nd is National Hedgehog Day! While many people associate February 2nd with Groundhog Day, hedgehog enthusiasts around the world use this date to celebrate the “hoglet” and its place in our ecosystem.
Whether you are preparing for a classroom activity, a rainy day project at home, or celebrating the anniversary of a certain blue video game character, these 15 hedgehog crafts for kids are designed to be fun, educational, and—most importantly—completely painless!
Fascinating Hedgehog Fun Facts
Before we break out the glue and glitter, let’s learn a little more about what makes these creatures so unique. Sharing these facts while crafting is a great way to turn “art time” into “learning time.”
- Lactose Intolerant: Unlike the classic image of putting out a bowl of milk for a hedgehog, they are actually lactose intolerant. Water and specialized hedgehog food are much better for them!
- The “Hoglet”: Did you know a baby hedgehog has the most adorable name? They are called hoglets.
- Quill Count: An average adult hedgehog has between 5,000 and 7,000 spines. These are made of keratin—the same stuff as your hair and fingernails!
- Olympic Athletes: Believe it or not, there used to be an International Hedgehog Olympics, featuring events like the 1-meter sprint and hurdles.
- Sonic’s Birthday: The world’s most famous hedgehog, Sonic, was officially released on February 2nd to coincide with National Hedgehog Day.
15 Creative Hedgehog Crafts for Kids
1. Beginner Paper Quilling Hedgehog
Paper quilling might look intimidating, but a hedgehog is the perfect subject for beginners. The “coils” of paper naturally mimic the texture of spines.
- The Project: Use a basic teardrop shape for the body and fill the back with brown and tan paper coils. It’s a fantastic way to develop fine motor skills and patience.
2. The Leafy Hedgehog (Nature Craft)
This is a perfect outdoor-indoor activity. Take the kids for a walk to collect fallen autumn leaves or dried foliage.
- The Project: Draw a simple hedgehog face on cardstock. Use the collected leaves as the quills by layering them from the back of the head to the tail.
3. Fork-Painted Hedgehog
To get that “spiky” look without any sharp edges, use a plastic fork!
- The Project: Dip the tines of a plastic fork into brown or grey paint. Press them repeatedly onto a semi-circle shape to create a textured, “furry” hedgehog back.
4. Paper Plate Hedgehog with Clothespins
This craft doubles as a fine motor exercise and a math game.
- The Project: Paint half a paper plate brown. Have your child clip clothespins along the curved edge to represent the quills. You can even number the clothespins for a counting activity!
5. Pinecone Hedgehog
Pinecones are nature’s version of a hedgehog. They already have the perfect shape and “prickle.”
- The Project: Use a bit of clay or air-dry dough to create a pointed nose at the tip of the pinecone. Add two googly eyes and tiny felt ears to bring your pinecone friend to life.
6. Handprint Hedgehog
Nothing says “keepsake” like a handprint craft. The fingers of the handprint serve as the perfect spines.
- The Project: Trace your child’s hand on brown paper multiple times. Cut them out and layer them over a body shape. The overlapping “fingers” create a wonderful 3D quill effect.
7. Heart-Shaped Hedgehog
Perfect for Valentine’s Day or just to show some love, this craft uses various sizes of hearts to build a critter.
- The Project: Use a large heart for the body (pointed end is the nose) and smaller hearts for the ears and feet.
8. Coffee Filter Hedgehog
For a soft, watercolor look, coffee filters are a great medium.
- The Project: Dye a coffee filter with brown and orange watercolors. Once dry, fold it in half and cut tiny slits along the edge to create a “fringe” of soft quills.
9. Clay and Spaghetti Hedgehog
This is a classic sensory activity that kids absolutely love.
- The Project: Form a ball of salt dough or modeling clay into a teardrop shape. Give the child pieces of dried spaghetti to “poke” into the back to create a very spiky (but edible!) hedgehog.
10. Cupcake Liner Hedgehog
Cupcake liners come in so many colors and patterns, allowing for some very “fashionable” hedgehogs.
- The Project: Fold a brown cupcake liner in half. Glue it to paper and add a small triangular face peeking out from the front.
11. Recycled Cardboard Box Hedgehog
Give old shipping boxes a second life with this sturdy craft.
- The Project: Cut a large semi-circle out of cardboard. Use a hole puncher to make holes along the top and have the kids “weave” brown yarn through the holes to create the quills.
12. Spun Wool/Yarn Hedgehog
This craft is incredibly tactile and results in a very “cuddly” looking hedgehog.
- The Project: Wrap brown yarn around a piece of cardboard, tie it in the middle, and snip the loops (like making a pom-pom). Flatten it slightly and glue on a felt face.
13. Origami Folding Hedgehog
For older kids, the art of Japanese paper folding can create a sophisticated-looking hedgehog.
- The Project: Using a single square of paper, a series of precise folds can create a standing hedgehog that looks great on a desk or bookshelf.
14. Potato Masher Hedgehog Art
Similar to the fork-painting method, a potato masher creates a unique geometric pattern.
- The Project: Dip a round potato masher into paint and stamp it. The grid pattern looks remarkably like a curled-up hedgehog!
15. Rock Painted Hedgehogs
Turn a simple garden stone into a pet that never needs feeding.
- The Project: Find smooth, oval stones. Paint the front third a light tan for the face and the rest a dark brown. Use a fine-tip marker to draw hundreds of little “V” shapes for the quills.
Why Hedgehog Crafts are Great for Developmen
Beyond the fun of National Hedgehog Day, these activities offer significant developmental benefits for children:
- Fine Motor Development: Many of these crafts involve “pinching” (clothespins), “poking” (spaghetti), or “curling” (quilling), which strengthens the small muscles in the hands.
- Texture Exploration: Comparing the smoothness of a stone to the roughness of a pinecone helps kids understand sensory differences.
- Environmental Awareness: Discussing where hedgehogs live (hedgerows and gardens) helps children develop an early interest in biology and conservation.
| Supply List | Craft Benefit |
| Paper Plates | Easy structure and low cost. |
| Safety Scissors | Improves hand-eye coordination. |
| Nature Items | Encourages outdoor exploration. |
| Googly Eyes | Adds personality and humor! |
Conclusion
Hedgehogs are a reminder that even things that seem “prickly” on the outside can be wonderful and worth protecting. These 15 crafts provide a perfect gateway into the world of these nocturnal mammals. Whether you’re using items from your recycling bin or treasures found on a nature walk, your kids are sure to have a “pointy” good time!
