Rocking Apple craft for Kids

Apples make such a fun theme for back-to-school crafts and fall crafts, and this rocking apple brings a playful twist to the classic shape.

With googly eyes, bendy little arms, and a hand-drawn smile, it turns a few paper cutouts into a cute character young kids will definitely adore.

It’s a lovely pick for autumn activities, back to school projects, or any afternoon when little hands need something fun to work on.

Best of all, it only calls for a handful of basic supplies you likely already have tucked away in a craft drawer.

Let’s get into it!

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What you’ll need:

• Construction papers in red, green and light brown colors
• Googly eyes
• Scissors
• A glue stick
• A black pen

How to do the Rocking Apple Craft (Step-by-step tutorial)

Step 1: Trace and cut the apple shapes

Start by drawing an apple shape onto your red paper and then trace a small circle next to it too.

Cut both shapes out carefully, and set them aside since you will need them both later on for the body and the little surprise detail tucked behind it.

Step 2: Cut the leaves

Grab your green paper and draw two pointy leaf shapes, similar to little almond or petal outlines.

Snip them out slowly along the lines so the edges stay smooth and even, since these will sit right at the top of the apple as its little leafy crown.

Step 3: Prepare the arms and hands

Cut two small hand shapes from your white paper, rounding out little finger bumps so they look sweet and simple.

Then cut two long strips from your brown colored paper to use as the arms, making them thin enough to fold easily but sturdy enough to hold their shape once glued.

Step 4: Assemble the bouncy arms

Dab a bit of glue onto one end of each brown strip and press a white hand shape onto it so the fingers peek out just past the edge.

Once both hands are attached, fold each strip back and forth in a zigzag, accordion-style motion all the way down, so the arms end up with a fun, bouncy, spring-like look.

Step 5: Attach the leaves and arms to the apple

Flip your red apple shape over and glue the two teal leaves right at the top center, letting them overlap slightly so they look full and lush.

Then glue one folded arm to each side of the apple body, positioning them so they stick outward like the apple is reaching out for a hug.

Step 6: Add the rocking base

Take the small red circle and fold it exactly in half, leaving a neat semicircle.

Glue this folded semicircle onto the back of the apple just below the arms, along the fold, so it forms a little curved base that lets the apple rock back and forth. 

Step 7: Add the eyes and mouth

Add two googly eyes near the center of the apple’s face, spacing them evenly so the expression looks cheerful.

Press down gently and give everything a minute to dry completely before adding the final details.

Now, finish off your rocking apple by drawing on a smile and two curved eyebrows with your black pen, giving it plenty of personality and charm.

Once the face is drawn, your rocking apple buddy is complete and ready for hours of imaginative play.

Final Words

And just like that, your rocking apple buddy is ready to smile back at you from the craft table.

It’s such a simple project, but there’s a lot of fun packed into those little bendy arms and that cheerful face.

You can set a few out on a shelf, use them as a fun classroom activity, or let the kids make a whole batch of apple friends with different expressions.

However you use it, hope you have fun with your kiddos doing this craft.

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