Will the groundhog see its shadow? With this adorable groundhog shadow art project, you’ll decide! This craft is perfect for celebrating Groundhog Day with a creative twist, and it’s super easy to make.
Using simple materials and a dash of imagination, you’ll create a charming groundhog scene that’s as fun to craft as it is to display. Whether you’re crafting with kids in the classroom, with a group of friends, or just by yourself, this playful art project is a delightful way to add some creative fun to your day!
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How to Make Groundhog Shadow Art
Equipment:
Watch the step-by-step video tutorial:
Instructions:
Step 1: Find what you need
- Gather your supplies and materials.
Step 2: Print the groundhog template and attach to paper
- Print a coloured groundhog on white cardstock.Find the link to a free template in the materials list above, or keep reading below the tutorial to find a black and white version of the groundhog. You can colour this groundhog in yourself!
- Cut the groundhog from the printed template. Keep the scrap paper.
- Add loops of painter’s tape to the front of the groundhog.
- Press the groundhog face down onto the center of a coloured piece of cardstock. (We used black cardstock.)
Step 3: Colour with chalk
- Colour from the edge of the groundhog onto the black cardstsock, extending out about 1 inch.
- Repeat all the way around the groundhog.
- Use your finger to smudge the chalk outwards, away from the groundhog.
- Repeat all the way around the groundhog. Blow any excess chalk dust off the cardstock.
Step 4: Add the groundhog
- Cut a strip of white cardstock about 6 inches long and 1-1/2 inches wide.You can cut this from the scrap cardstock leftover from the template.
- Fold the paper in half. Add glue tape to one side.
- Attach the paper to the back of the groundhog so the fold is at the bottom.
- Peel the groundhog from the black cardstock and remove the tape loops.Add glue tape to the top of the flap.
- Arrange the groundhog in front of his shadow. Press the cardstock flap into place on the paper.Press forward on the groundhog until he stands in place.
- Your groundhog shadow art is complete!
- Change the colour of the base to green for grass or brown for dirt. Make your groundhog some friends using both our free groundhog shadow art templates!
Helpful Tips:
- Print the black and white groundhog and colour it with your favourite colouring supplies, or use our pre-coloured groundhog for an extra simple craft!
- If you’re using coloured chalk, we recommend printing two groundhog templates. That way, your standing groundhog won’t have a dirty back from being coloured on!
Get our free printable groundhog templates:
The links and pictures below will take you to our free printable groundhog templates! The PDF files will open in a new window. Then simply print the templates on 8.5 x 11 (letter size) cardstock or printer paper.
>>> Coloured Groundhog Template #1 <<<
>>> Line Art Groundhog Template #1 <<<
>>> Coloured Groundhog Template #2 <<<
>>> Line Art Groundhog Template #2 <<<
Do I need to print the template on cardstock for my groundhog craft?
We do recommend printing the template on cardstock for this groundhog day art project. It gives the groundhog a bit of weight and helps him stand up.
If you don’t have cardstock, you can glue the printed groundhog to a thin piece of cardboard instead (like from a cereal box).
What makes a good base for this groundhog day craft?
We like using black cardstock for this craft. It makes the groundhog’s shadow look real! You can also use brown or green paper as a base so the groundhog looks like he’s standing on dirt or grass.
Any weight of paper works well as a base for this craft: printer paper, cardstock, or construction paper.
How else can I spread the chalk pastel on this groundhog shadow art?
We prefer using our finger to spread the chalk. It gives us good control over where the chalk goes, and it’s a fun, tactile element.
It can get your finger dirty, though, especially if you’re using coloured chalk. If you don’t want to use your fingers you can use a q-tip or cotton ball to spread the chalk.
This groundhog shadow art is popping up as a sweet way to celebrate Groundhog Day! We have 4 free, printable templates available, so choose your favourite groundhog and create a keepsake that’s perfect for gifting to grandparents, brightening a child’s room, or displaying on your table. No matter where you place it, this craft won’t be overshadowed!
Here’s even more chalk art ideas:
Stenciled Chalk Christmas Lights
Our book Low-Mess Crafts for Kids is loaded with 72 fun and simple craft ideas for kids! The projects are fun, easy and most importantly low-mess, so the clean up is simple!
Where to buy:
You can purchase Low-Mess Crafts for Kids from Amazon, or wherever books are sold:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Books-A-Million | Indiebound | Amazon Canada
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