Are you a fan of hedgehogs? They are such adorable little creatures in real life, but making one from paper, well, that's just precious! This paper fan hedgehog is the perfect kid's craft for fall. It's fast, easy, and super cheap. Plus, it is versatile for play or decorating! What a fun idea to keep kids busy while also adding your favorite little creature into your crafting plans!

Paper Fan Hedgehog

Paper crafts are some of my favorites. They are so cheap to make, and it's an excellent way to teach kids about folding and cutting techniques. This little hedgehog is a great choice because it includes both, plus a bit of glue too! A perfect combination for the little ones to make, or just an easy craft for older kids or teens to help you create.

If you like paper crafting as I do, then you are in luck. I've made tons of adorable items in the past including handmade paper flowers, origami paper envelopes, and even a cute little paper bird that is similar to this in the fan style. It's amazing how much you can make with just a bit of paper and some folding. Even this Halloween paper fan pumpkin is a great idea for fall!

What Paper is Best for This Craft?

Basic craft paper is just the right thickness for this project. You can use copy paper for a thinner and a bit more flimsy hedgehog, or construction paper would be wonderful. While cardstock is durable, it is a lot harder to fold neatly, especially for small hands. So, I would avoid it in this project.

You can even use patterned scrapbook paper if you wanted to create something totally different. I love the idea of making this with pumpkins or fall colors around Thanksgiving or springtime patterns for Easter.

What Can I Do with This Hedgehog Craft?

As with any craft, you can truly do whatever you want once the project is finished. A few ideas I have are below, but remember, it's your creation so you can get creative and do whatever you wish.

Attach to a gift instead of a bow.
Hang from the ceiling at a party or in a kids' room.
Use as a paper fan on hot summer days or at an outdoor party.
Place in a shadowbox and use as a room decor in a kids' room.
Let kids use as a puppet for pretend play.
Place on your mantle with fall nature items like acorns and pinecones for a display.
Add to a diorama of other fall or woodland creatures.

What Can I Use to Make the Face?

Cheap and easy is best for most crafting projects, and this is no different. I used a basic black marker to draw on the eyes and smile with a paper nose, but you can use a number of other items to create a face. Below are a few ideas I had that could work.

Construction paper cut and glued in place.
Yarn, ribbon, string, or twine for the mouth.
Buttons or beads for the nose and eyes.
Pom poms or sequins glued in place for the nose and eyes.
Washi tape is cut into shapes for eyes, mouth, and nose.
Face stickers with unique eyes and smiles.
Colored pencil, markers, pencil, crayons, or ink pen.

How Can I Hang the Hedgehog

If you decide that you want to make these for decoration, you can add them to any party or child's bedroom with just a bit of fishing line. I love the idea of using a clear fishing line because it is subtle and not distracting. If using it for a party, you might like to pair it with something like this paper fan garland for a bright look that is festive.

You can add a hole punch somewhere on the fan and string the line through it and create a loop to hang. Alternately, you could glue or attach it with tape to the backside of the hedgehog.

Supplies Needed

How to Make a Paper Fan Hedgehog

Fold a piece of purple craft paper in half horizontally.

Then, fold a section approximately 2" wide across the end as shown.

Cut along one of the folds just to the center of the paper.

Using craft glue, fold it back over the second half of that creased section and press to seal.

Trace an angled line from the bottom to around 1" up the paper.

Then, from the outer edge, trace a curved line back to the edge of the crease creating the hedgehog "head" section.

Cut along the traced lines leaving just the pointed end and "head" attached.

Flip the paper over to the other end, and unfold so it is a full sheet again. Begin folding the paper, in 1" strips, accordion-style turning it over each time to create a back and forth fold.

Continue until the entire piece of paper has been folded into a fan.

Fold the fan in half again, as you did originally, so it comes together in the center.

Add glue to the inside fold, and attach the two ends together, holding for 1 minute to secure and let the glue dry.

Cut out a small circle from the black paper.

Attach to the pointed end of the head with glue.

Then, using a black marker, add a small mouth and smile as well as a dot for the eye.

Display or hang your hedgehog as desired.

More Hedgehog Craft Ideas

If you love these little woodland creatures as much as I do, then you are going to want to make more of them. Below are some unique ideas that are also hedgehogs, but in slightly different methods. Make sure to bookmark, pin, or print these for your next craft project!

Yield: 1

Adorable Paper Fan Hedgehog Kids Craft

Grab a paper plate and paint it to create this cute little paper plate fan hedgehog! An adorable addition to your fall kids' crafts!

Active Time 15 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Difficulty Easy

Estimated Cost $1

Materials

Tools

Instructions

Fold a piece of purple craft paper in half horizontally.
Then, fold a section approximately 2" wide across the end as shown.
Cut along one of the folds just to the center of the paper.
Using craft glue, fold it back over the second half of that creased section and press to seal.
Trace an angled line from the bottom to around 1" up the paper.
Then, from the outer edge, trace a curved line back to the edge of the crease creating the hedgehog "head" section.
Cut along the traced lines leaving just the pointed end and "head" attached.
Flip the paper over to the other end, and unfold so it is a full sheet again. Begin folding the paper, in 1" strips, accordion-style turning it over each time to create a back and forth fold. Continue until the entire piece of paper has been folded into a fan.
Fold the fan in half again, as you did originally, so it comes together in the center.
Add glue to the inside fold, and attach the two ends together, holding for 1 minute to secure and let the glue dry.
Cut out a small circle from the black paper.
Attach to the pointed end of the head with glue.
Then, using a black marker, add a small mouth and smile as well as a dot for the eye.
Display or hang your hedgehog as desired.