Chenille Stem (Pipe Cleaner) Skeleton
by Amanda Formaro
[originally from HalloweenMagazine.com]

Bend him, twist him, hang him from the ceiling! This cute little skeleton is perfect for Halloween. Kids will love making this craft from chenille stems!

What you need

• 3 white chenille stems
• 2 white skinny chenille stems
• 1 large white pom pom
• scrap of felt, any color (2" x 2")
• scrap of white paper (2" x 2")
• black marker
• scissors
• white craft glue

Getting Ready

Cover table with newspaper, a plastic tablecloth or even an old shower curtain.

Gather your supplies and have them all within arm's reach. Cover kids clothes with a smock or old t-shirt.

Now you are ready to begin making your chenille stem skeleton for Halloween...

What You Do

Cut skinny chenille stems into the following pieces:

• 5- 2" pieces (ribs)
• 10- 3/4" pieces (fingers)

Cut regular chenille stems into the following pieces:

• 5" (body and neck)
• 3" (shoulders)
• 2 pieces at 3 1/2" each (arms)
• 2 1/2" (hips)
• 2 pieces at 4 1/2" each (legs)
• 4 pieces at 1" each (hands & feet)

First, assemble the hands by gluing five fingers to a hand piece. Repeat for other hand. Allow these to dry completely before adding to your skeleton.

To assemble your skeleton, first twist the shoulder piece about 1" down from the top of the neck and body piece. Next, twist the hip piece at the bottom of the body piece.

About the Author: Amanda Formaro is the entrepreneurial mother of four children. She is also the craft expert and Chief Editor for FamilyCorner.com Magazine [defunct]. Find plenty of fun Halloween crafts, ghoulish recipes and spooky printables here.