This button snail craft for kids is super cute and easy to make too! You can use either cutouts from a cardboard drink carrier or an empty egg carton for the shell, and the post also includes a free printable snail template. These cute snails are the perfect craft for spring or summer.

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I love how colorful and cute these snails are, and it’s always fun to turn unused products (like drink carriers or egg cartons) into a fun craft for kids. This snail craft is great for spring or summer and goes great with children’s picture books like Escargot and The Snail and the Whale. If reading The Snail and the Whale, you could even add our easy whale craft to your project!

Button Snail Craft for Kids

Materials for Snail Craft

• Cardboard Drink Carrier or Empty Egg Carton
• Paint (This is our favorite tempera paint– love the colors and very low odor.)
• Paint Brush
• Buttons in a variety of sizes and shapes
• Liquid glue
• Scissors
• Cardstock in a variety of bright colors
• Googly eyes or free printable eyes
• Black marker
• Free printable snail template

Directions for Snail Craft

1. Cut the dividers out from a drink carrier. Or, if using an egg carton, cut out the egg carton pieces. (Be sure an adult does this step.)

2. Paint the cardboard pieces you cut out with your tempera or acrylic paint. Allow the paint to dry completely. These will be your snail shells.

3. Print out the snail template onto colored cardstock. Cut out the snails.

4. Glue the drink carrier pieces (or egg carton pieces) onto the cardstock snail.

5. Glue the eyes onto the snail. (Either googly eyes or the printable eyes.)

6. Use a black marker to add a smile onto the snail.

7. Glue a large, brightly colored button onto the painted snail shell.

8. Decorate with a few more buttons.

That’s it! Now you’ve got some adorable snails. Add them to a garden collage, hang them around your home or classroom, or even use them for creative play!