How to Make a Platypus Model

Look at pictures of the platypus and observe its features. Notice how large its bill is in relationship to its head, feet and body, the webbed five-toed feet and wide tail. Draw an outline of the platypus' bill from an overhead view on lightweight cardboard in pencil. Cut out the bill and trace another one for the bottom part of the bill. Cut out the second bill.

Staple the bill parts together close to its edges, leaving an opening at the small end that attaches to the head. Wad up a piece of tissue and insert it in the opening, pushing it in with the pencil. This gives the bill a three-dimensional appearance

Draw the outline for the platypus' short legs, including a left and right front leg and a left and right rear leg. Add a 1/2-inch tab to the end of each leg to attach to the body. Draw the platypus feet from a top view at the end of each leg. Cut out the feet and legs.

Draw the platypus's blunt tail and add a 1/2-inch tab on the other end of the tail to attach to the body. The tail is nearly half the length of the body and almost half width of the body. Cut out the tail.

Set the platypus bill aside. Cut along the outline for the platypus head and neck. Cut through both sides of the paper bag to create a three-dimensional head. Discard the excess paper.

Crumple newspaper into balls the size of your fist and fill the lunch sack with them. Stuff the sack 3/4 full to form the elongated platypus body.

Slit the platypus body at the base of the sack and insert the straight end of the tail. Staple it in place, using at least two staples to securely attach the end of the tail to the paper bag.

Bend the feet at 90-degree angles to the legs so the feet will be flat when the model's standing. Make a slit 1 inch from the tail on each of the platypus model's sides and insert the leg tabs. Staple each leg in place with at least two staples.

Fold the feet of the front legs at right angles to the legs. Make a slit on each side of the platypus torso near the belly 1 inch back from the neck and insert the tabs of each front leg. Check that the feet face in opposite directions. Staple the legs in place with at least two staples.

Staple around the platypus head and neck to join both sides of the paper sack, lining the staples up like sewing stitches near the cut edge. Leave an opening at the sack opening for the bill. Wad up some tissue and carefully stuff the platypus neck and head with it. Use the eraser end of the pencil to help insert it. Wrap tape around the platypus neck to support it.

Staple the platypus feet to a piece of heavy-duty cardboard. Paint your model or glue fleece or faux fur on it, if desired.