Why Koala Crafts are Perfect for Learning

Before we dive into the glue and glitter, it’s helpful to share a few “did you know” facts with the kids to make the crafting session educational:

• Not Bears: Despite the name “Koala Bear,” they are actually marsupials, making them closer relatives to kangaroos.
• Sleepyheads: Koalas can sleep for up to 18–22 hours a day because their eucalyptus diet is low in energy.
• Unique Fingerprints: Just like humans, every koala has a unique set of fingerprints!

1. Toilet Paper Roll Koala (The Classic)

Recycling at its best! This craft is a breeze and creates a sturdy little friend that can stand on a desk.

• Materials: Empty toilet roll, grey paint, black marker, and grey construction paper.
• How-to: Paint the roll grey. Use our printable template for the head and limbs, or freehand large fuzzy ears and small paws. Glue them to the roll, and don’t forget the signature large black oval nose!

2. Mother and Baby “Joey” Craft

Perfect for Mother’s Day, this craft features a mommy koala with a tiny joey on her back.

• The Twist: You can make these in traditional grey or even a soft brown.
• Technique: Use cardstock to create a larger koala and a smaller one. Cut small slits in the “arms” of the baby so it can “hook” onto the mother’s back, symbolizing the way joeys travel in the wild.

3. Paper Plate Koala Face

Ideal for toddlers and preschoolers, the large surface area of a paper plate makes it easy for little hands to paint and decorate.

• Step: Paint the plate grey. Cut two smaller circles for ears and fringe the edges with scissors to create a “furry” texture. Glue on a large black felt nose and googly eyes.

4. Newspaper Upcycled Koala

Using newspaper gives the koala a wonderful “mixed media” look and teaches kids about reusing materials.

• Pro Tip: Use the black-and-white text sections of the paper to provide a natural greyish tint. Cut out a large pear shape for the body and circles for the ears.

5. Koala Handprint Art

A sentimental favorite! Paint your child’s hand grey and press it onto white cardstock with fingers pointing down.

• Assembly: The thumb and pinky become the arms, while the middle fingers represent the legs. Once dry, draw a head on top to complete the look.

6. Recycled CD Koala

Don’t throw away those old scratched CDs! They make the perfect shiny base for a koala’s head.

• How-to: Glue grey felt or paper over the CD. The hole in the middle can be covered by a large, prominent black nose made of pom-poms or cardstock.

7. Koala Corner Bookmark

Encourage reading with a “climbing” koala. This origami-based craft sits on the corner of a page, looking like it’s hugging the book.

8. Paper Bag Koala Puppet

Transform a simple lunch bag into a puppet for storytime. The “flap” of the bag serves as the koala’s face, allowing it to “talk” when the child puts their hand inside.

9. Eucalyptus Tree & Koala Scene

Create a full habitat! Use a brown painted cardboard tube as a tree trunk and green paper for eucalyptus leaves. Place your small paper koala so it’s “climbing” the branch.

10. Koala Finger Puppets

Using grey cardstock, cut out a small koala shape and punch two holes at the bottom. Kids can put their fingers through the holes to act as the koala’s legs.

11. Fuzzy Cotton Ball Koala

For a sensory experience, have kids glue cotton balls onto a koala outline. If you don’t have grey cotton balls, you can lightly dab white ones with a sponge dipped in diluted grey paint.

12. Koala Paper Crown

Let the kids become the animal! A simple strip of grey paper around the head, adorned with two large, fluffy paper ears, turns any child into a cute marsupial.

13. Heart-Shaped Koala

A great Valentine’s or Mother’s Day variation. The head and ears are made of three different-sized hearts joined together.

14. Pom-Pom Koala Miniatures

If you have grey yarn, you can make small, fluffy pom-poms. Glue a small pom-pom onto a larger one and add felt scraps for ears and a nose.

15. Popsicle Stick Koala

Line up 5–7 popsicle sticks and glue them to a backing. Paint the whole “raft” grey and add the facial features. This makes for a great sturdy ornament or magnet.

Comparison of Popular Koala Craft Materials

Tips for a Successful Craft Session

1. Prepare the “Eucalyptus”: Since koalas love these leaves, have some green paper handy for kids to cut leaf shapes. It adds context to the animal’s life.
2. Focus on the Nose: The most defining feature of a koala is its large, dark, leathery nose. Make sure you have black felt or cardstock ready!
3. Texture is Key: Koalas are fluffy. Using materials like cotton wool, felt, or even “fringing” the edges of paper with scissors helps replicate their soft fur.

Whether you are celebrating a national holiday or just looking for a rainy-day activity, these crafts provide a wonderful way to connect with the natural world.