Create stunning Platypus Pattern Art in 3D with this printable template. This is a fun Australian Animal craft, perfect for kids learning about rivers and freshwater animals.
Q: Which Australian animal is a rule-breaker in a class of their own?
A: The platypus!
These water-dwelling mammals not only lay eggs, but they also possess the bill of a duck, the tail of a beaver, webbed feet complete with poisonous spurs, and waterproof fur. That’s right, when they swim in freezing water, their skin doesn’t even get wet.
I say we let them off for being so cute and original, don’t you? In fact, this level of rule-breaking moves into creative problem-solving territory, so they probably deserve an award.
How about we celebrate the platypus with a pattern art project?
This template includes 3 different platypus starter shapes. One with simple sections, one with contour lines and a blank one for creative freedom.
Age suggestion is 8+. Younger kids could also make this with adult help, especially if you modify the project by turning it into a colouring activity instead of a patterning project.
I’ve used a combination of graphic (permanent) markers, gel pens, fineliners and paint pens to create my examples. The gel pens or fineliners are optional for creating more detailed patterns.
The paint pens are great for adding water swirls to a dark cardstock background, but you could replace these with a marker in a darker colour to save on materials if need be. Crayons or pastels could also work as a replacement.
Are you ready to get arty?
How to make 3D Platypus Pattern Art
You will need
- Cardstock in white
- Cardstock in blue or aquamarine for the ‘river’ background
- Markers plus optional fine liners for detailed patterning
- Acrylic paint markers in blue and white (you could replace this with a marker on a darker shade of blue than the watery backdrop and skip the white to save on materials)
- Scissors
- Glue stick
- The platypus pattern art template, available from our printables store and also on ETSY
How To
Print the platypus of choice plus background elements to white card stock.
Colour and decorate the platypus and other graphic elements with pattern art.
Cut the shapes out.
Cut the support strips out, then fold and glue them into squares.
Glue the river floor to the base of your water page.
Use paint pens (or alternative material) to draw watery lines and bubbles in the top left corner
Glue the support strips onto the back of the platypus, then glue to the background.
Your platypus art is complete!
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See all our Pattern art projects here.
