3-D Carousel Horse
We don't stop playing because we grow old.
We grow old because we stop playing.
- George Bernard Shaw
What was your favorite thing to do when you were little? For me it was dancing, putting on plays in my living room, stretching my imagination as far and wide as it would go, and HORSES. If I couldn't be on the back of a real horse, then please put me on the back of a carousel horse! When I was really little my dad would take me to the carousel in Central Park. We moved from NYC to Santa Monica, CA when I was 5. Luckily, there was a carousel and the Pacific Ocean waiting for me in my new hometown. We lived walking distance from the beach but walking from our house to the pier was a pretty big trek for a kid. I would still walk a thousand miles for a painted pony and an ice cold cherry lemonade.
This project is an 'ode to childhood memories for me. I hope you enjoy!
You can also check out the video tutorial for this project on our YouTube channel.
Materials:
free carousel horse template
4 oz. paper espresso cups
gold paper straws
bright colored dot stickers
bristol drawing paper
hot glue
colored pencils (these are the best ones in the world)
gel pens (this is an incredible set for a steal)
toothpicks
washi tape
1. Draw your own small carousel horse or use our free template (you can sign up below to receive the download). 2. Color and add details with fine point markers, watercolors, and colored pencils. 3. Cut out your carousel horse. 4. Start to decorate your carousel base with paint pens, watercolor, and stickers. 5. Cut a small entry point on the top of your carousel base (flip your cup drinking side down). 6. Insert a straw through the slice. Now you have a carousel pole that can drop and rise! 7. Hot glue your horse onto the pole. 8. Fold a toothpick into the center of a 4" piece of washi tape. 9. Cut your ends in a < shape to create a flag. 10. Push the sharp end of your toothpick into the center of a pom pom. 11. Glue your pom pom and flag to the top of your carousel pole. 12. If you want a canopy shape on the top of your carousel horse, swap your flag out for a drink umbrella!