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Make A Fun Lizzy Neck Frill

Make A Fun Lizzy Neck Frill
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Make a colorful lizard-style neck frill using paper, cardboard, and elastic. Decorate with paints and learn about reptile defense displays.

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Step-by-step guide to Make A Fun Lizzy Neck Frill

What you need
Adult supervision required, cardboard (cereal box size), clear tape, construction paper, elastic band or elastic cord, glue stick, hole punch, markers, paintbrush or sponge, paints and coloring materials, pencil, ruler, scissors

Step 1

Wrap a strip of construction paper gently around your neck and use a pencil to mark where the ends meet.

Step 2

Cut the paper strip at the mark so the band fits comfortably around your neck.

Step 3

Fold the paper band in half lengthwise to make it stronger.

Step 4

Draw a scalloped lizard-frill shape along the long open edge of the folded band with your pencil.

Step 5

Cut along the scalloped line to create the frill edge while keeping the fold intact.

Step 6

Place the paper frill on the cardboard and trace its exact outline with a pencil.

Step 7

Cut out the cardboard frill shape to make a firm backing for your paper frill.

Step 8

Glue the paper frill onto the cardboard backing with a glue stick and press it flat to stick.

Step 9

Decorate the frill with bright paints or markers to make reptile patterns and let your creativity shine.

Step 10

Allow the paint and glue to dry completely before you move on.

Step 11

Punch a hole through each end of the frill band using the hole punch.

Step 12

Thread the elastic through the holes and tie secure knots so the elastic fits comfortably behind your head or neck.

Step 13

Put on your lizard neck frill to check the fit and comfort.

Step 14

Ask an adult to tell you a short fact about how some lizards flare frills to scare predators so you learn about reptile defense displays.

Step 15

Share a photo or video of your finished lizard neck frill and what you learned on DIY.org

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

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Help!?

What can we use instead of elastic or a hole punch if we don't have them?

If you don't have elastic or a hole punch, use ribbon or yarn threaded through holes you carefully pierce with a sharp pencil or paperclip in the final threading step, or tape the band ends together instead of punching and knotting elastic.

My paper frill keeps tearing or the scallops look messy—how can I fix that?

If the paper tears or scallops get messy, glue the paper frill onto the cardboard backing before punching holes and reinforce the folded band edge with clear tape or an extra cardboard strip so cutting and hole-punching are sturdier.

How can I change the activity for younger kids or make it more advanced for older kids?

For younger children, have an adult pre-measure, cut the band, and pre-punch holes so they can focus on drawing and coloring, while older kids can fold and cut the scallops themselves, glue the frill to cardboard, and add layered details or wire for structure.

What are some fun ways to extend or personalize the lizard neck frill?

To personalize and make the frill more dramatic, paint reptile patterns as instructed, then glue on sequins, feathers, googly eyes, or slip a thin craft wire between the paper and cardboard backing before gluing so the frill can be posed upright.

Watch videos on how to Make A Fun Lizzy Neck Frill

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Facts about reptile defense displays

✂️ The rubber band (elastic) was first patented in the 1840s and is super handy for making wearable, stretchy attachments.

🐯 Deimatic (startle) displays are used by many animals to scare predators without fighting — bluffing can save lives!

🎨 Layering and folding paper or cardboard can make a lightweight but sturdy prop — perfect for kid-friendly costumes.

🌈 Some lizards, like anoles, display bright throat fans called dewlaps to attract mates and warn rivals.

🦎 The frilled lizard can flare its neck frill to look much bigger and startle predators — a dramatic living cape!

How do you make a Lizzy Neck Frill?

To make the Lizzy Neck Frill, draw a semicircle or scalloped strip on lightweight cardboard or cardstock the size of your child's neckline. Cut out the shape, then glue layered paper "scales" along the edge. Paint or color patterns, add stickers or glitter, and let dry. Punch holes at both ends and tie an elastic loop (or tape elastic inside) so it fits snugly but comfortably. Test fit and trim excess elastic before playing.

What materials do I need for a Lizzy Neck Frill?

Materials needed: lightweight cardboard or heavyweight cardstock, colored construction paper for scales, child-safe scissors, pencil, ruler, hole punch, paints or markers, glue stick or craft glue, elastic or ribbon for fastening, tape, optional stickers, sequins, and a smock or newspaper to protect surfaces. Substitute foam sheets for sturdier frills; use non-toxic glitter glues for decoration.

What ages is this activity suitable for?

Suitable ages: Best for children ages 4–10. Preschoolers (4–5) can decorate and help hold materials while an adult does cutting and hole punching. School-age kids (6–10) can handle most steps with minimal supervision. For younger than 4, this activity isn't recommended due to small parts and scissors; instead offer pre-cut shapes and supervised gluing. Adjust complexity and materials to match fine motor skills and attention span.

What are the benefits of making a Lizzy Neck Frill?

Benefits include boosting creativity, fine motor skills, and hand–eye coordination as children cut, glue, and paint. Role-playing with a neck frill encourages imaginative play and social interaction. It also teaches a simple science lesson about reptile defense displays and animal behavior. Low-cost and adaptable, the craft builds confidence and language skills as kids describe their lizard's colors and behaviors. It's great for classroom STEM-art crossovers and family bonding.
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