Create a mini zoo out of a large box or plastic tray and populate it with our easy-to-make standing paper animals or with exciting three-dimensional folding animals.
The paper animals should be able to stand on their own. An easy option would be to make these printable standing paper animals.
If you want a little challenge, create these three-dimensional folding paper zoo animals.
Cover the area inside the enclosures with self-hardening clay or salt dough. Choose the color of the clay or dough depending on the habitat that the animal thrives in—green for a grassy ground, brown for a dry or desert habitat, and white for a snowy cover.
Build a thicker layer of clay or dough at the edges of the enclosure.
You can make a watering hole with blue clay or salt dough. Use the tip of a spoon to etch some waves on the dough.
Create ferns and shrubs by bunching up several green feathers and planting them into the ground while the clay or dough is still soft.
Check out more ideas for making plants and trees for dioramas and various craft projects.