The Lightbox may be closed until further notice, but our philosophy that art has the power to make you feel good still stands.

Whilst many are self-isolating following government advice, finding ways to boost wellbeing and feel good at home are imperative towards maintaining healthy bodies and minds.

Getting creative with the kids is a great way to keep them entertained for hours and help their imaginations continue to run wild while staying at home. Over the course of our closure, we'll be sharing quick and easy-to-follow guides for fun family crafts using bits and pieces from around the house.

Create a collection of animal character finger puppets using card and recycled materials in this step-by-step guide.

Equipment needed:

• Thick paper or card
• Pencil
• Colouring pens, pencils and/or crayons
• Scissors
• Glue
• A coin (1p is perfect)
• Coloured/decorative paper (optional)
• Ribbon (optional)

Got everything? Let's get started!

Instructions:

1. Draw the outline of your puppet onto some thick paper or card.

2. Use a coin (1p is the perfect size) to draw two circles next to each other to make finger holes. Make sure you leave a little bit of space between each circle.

3. Cut your puppet out. Ask an adult to help you cut out the finger holes.

4. Decorate your puppet with anything you like. You could colour it with pens, pencils, and crayons, or use bits of coloured paper, or cut out of magazines or old wrapping paper and glue things on. What about some cotton wool for a bunny tail or a fluffy sheep?

5. Ta-dah! Take a photo and share it with us. Or make lots and then use them to put on a puppet show for the people you live with. (Film it and share it with us!)

Remember – it doesn’t have to be an Easter animal. It could be any animal, or a person, or a robot or an alien... anything you like!