Little Artist: Eric Carle Valentine Hearts

This is a little art lesson for kids on the artwork of Eric Carle. They can also make this cute picture in the style of Carle.

About Eric Carle

Eric Carle was born on June 25, 1929 in Syracuse New York. He created more than 70 picture books for kids in his lifetime. His artwork is like a collage of hand-painted papers which he cut and formed into colorful images. Much of his artwork drew inspiration from nature.

Carle's Style

Eric Carle’s style is distinctive and very recognizable. He works in a collage technique, using hand-painted papers which he cut himself. The different prints and textures found on the various papers Carle uses add to the appealing nature of his work.

Eric Carle wanted to bridge the gap between kid’s lives at home and at school. He believed that by creating cheerful images in his books, he could show kids that learning can be fun and interesting as well as comforting.

Eric Carle inspired project

We will create a picture in the style of Eric Carle using hearts. The kids can also make a tiny caterpillar to add to their pictures, much like this inside page of one of his books.

You will need ...

Scrapbooking paper, or any paper with designs on it.
Green Pipe Cleaners
Red Pom Poms (these are a little over 1/2 inch)
Brown or black waxed thread (or any stiff string)
White Paper
Scissors
Heart Punch*

NOTE: If you do not have a heart punch, you can always draw out a heart shape, and then use it to trace hearts onto the printed paper. Then just cut them out. Works just as well.

SECOND NOTE: If you do not have paper with prints on them, you could always just make your own designs on some white paper.

First, make the Caterpillar body

First, take two different shades of green pipe cleaners. Cut them in half. Twist them together at the center first to secure, then twist them together all the way.

Finish the Caterpillar

Next, cut a piece of the brown string about 1 inch long. Fold it in half to make a wide “V” shape. Using the glue stick put a big glob of glue on the back of the pompom, then stick it to the caterpillar, placing the brown string between the pompom and the pipe cleaner. A glue gun would definitely make this easier, but we did this in a classroom of kindergarteners and a glue gun was not an option.

When the glue is dry, fold the caterpillar body in half and bring the non-head end up to the head. Hold the ends and bend the caterpillar’s body so it looks like it is “inching” along.

Now let's make the picture

First, use the heart punch or your scissors and cut out a bunch of heart shapes. You can also cut out other shapes for the stems and grass. Next, just glue down the cut-out papers to create a picture. Finally, add the caterpillar to the picture with some glue. And your Eric Carle inspired picture is complete!

The Mom Touch