How to make a ladybug sensory box

1 small or medium cardboard box, painted red
6 circles cut from materials of various textures, like felt, sandpaper, corrugated cardboard, shelf liner, painted with black non-toxic craft paint
8 1½ x 3-in. cardboard pieces with notches cut into the edges at the halfway point of each length
Twine, parachute cord, yarn, string
Zip-top bag filled with dry pasta and sealed with duct tape 2 white plastic caps or lids (like those from yogurt containers or milk cartons)
Black duct tape
Glue gun Screwdriver or pointed instrument (like a knitting needle)

Tip: Cardboard absorbs colour, so apply a white base coat first to make sure the red coat looks bright.

Use your glue gun to secure the textured circles to the top of the box. If you use materials from around your house, look for items that won’t pose a choking hazard and can be secured tightly.

Cut 6 12-in. lengths of different types of string. Tie the ends of the strings around 6 of the notched cardboard pieces. After step four, trim the strings—long string poses a strangulation risk.

Poke 3 holes along each long side of the box and 2 on the front for the eyes.
Thread the strings through the holes, leaving the cardboard pieces inside. This step prevents the strings from being pulled out.
Place the pasta bag inside the box.

Add knots to some of the strings for more texture.

Poke holes in the 2 white plastic caps. Thread cord through plastic caps; create a knot for each “eye” and secure in box with the last 2 cardboard pieces. Finish by sealing the big centre seam with duct tape.

Your ladybug friend is ready to be explored by a tiny entomologist.