Build a marshmallow monster
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Build a marshmallow monster using marshmallows, toothpicks, candy, googly eyes, and pipe cleaners, learning basic engineering and creative decoration skills.

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Step-by-step guide to build a marshmallow monster

What you need
Adult supervision required, googly eyes, marshmallows, paper plate, pipe cleaners, safety scissors, small candies for decoration, toothpicks

Step 1

Wash your hands with soap and water so your marshmallow monster stays clean.

Step 2

Place the paper plate on the table as your work station.

Step 3

Pick the marshmallows you want to use for the monster's body and put them on the plate.

Step 4

Push a toothpick halfway into one marshmallow to start connecting pieces.

Step 5

Push another marshmallow onto the exposed end of the toothpick to join them.

Step 6

Repeat the toothpick and marshmallow connection until your monster has the body shape you chose.

Step 7

Bend a pipe cleaner into the shape of an arm or leg.

Step 8

Stick one end of the pipe cleaner into the side of a marshmallow to attach the arm or leg.

Step 9

Press googly eyes onto the front marshmallow to make the monster's face.

Step 10

Press small candies gently into the marshmallows to add a mouth buttons or other decorations.

Step 11

Trim any extra pipe cleaner with safety scissors so your monster looks neat.

Step 12

Share your finished marshmallow monster on DIY.org

Final steps

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

Complete & Share
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Help!?

What can we use if we don't have toothpicks or googly eyes?

Use edible pretzel sticks or trimmed uncooked spaghetti in place of toothpicks for the 'push a toothpick halfway into one marshmallow' step, and use candy eyes or draw eyes with food coloring if googly eyes aren't available.

What should we do if marshmallows tear or pieces fall off while connecting them?

Chill marshmallows briefly in the fridge to firm them before attempting the 'push a toothpick halfway' and repeating the toothpick and marshmallow connection, and use shorter toothpicks or a small dab of frosting to secure loose parts.

How can we adapt this activity for toddlers or older kids?

For toddlers, skip the sharp toothpick step and have an adult insert pretzel sticks and attach pipe cleaner arms, while older kids can repeat the toothpick and marshmallow connection to build taller body shapes and trim extra pipe cleaner with safety scissors for a neat finish.

How can we make the marshmallow monster more creative or durable?

Personalize and strengthen your monster by using a dab of icing or melted chocolate to glue googly eyes and small candies onto the marshmallows, adding extra pipe cleaner details, and photographing the finished monster before sharing on DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to build a marshmallow monster

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Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

👧 Kids, Let's Build a CUTE MARSHMALLOW GIRAFFE! 🦒🍭 #shorts #fun

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Facts about basic engineering and crafts for kids

🔺 Engineers love triangles: building triangular frames with marshmallows and toothpicks makes your monster much stronger.

👀 Googly eyes are little plastic domes with loose pupils that instantly make any craft character look lively and silly.

🍬 Marshmallows were originally made from the sap of the marshmallow plant and once served as a sweet medicine in ancient Egypt.

🧵 Pipe cleaners (chenille stems) have a bendable wire core so they hold shapes perfectly for arms, antennae, and decorations.

🦷 Toothpicks have been used for thousands of years — archaeologists have found tiny picks and tooth grooves in ancient sites.

How do you build a marshmallow monster?

To build a marshmallow monster, lay out marshmallows, toothpicks, googly eyes, pipe cleaners and candy. Start by connecting marshmallows with toothpicks to form a body and head, pushing toothpicks partway in so pieces join securely. Add pipe cleaners for arms, legs, or hair by inserting ends into marshmallows. Stick on googly eyes and small candies for noses and mouths. Test stability and adjust toothpick angles; supervise children when using sharp toothpicks.

What materials do I need to build a marshmallow monster?

You'll need soft marshmallows in a few sizes, lots of toothpicks (shorter ones are easier), googly eyes, flexible pipe cleaners, and small candy pieces (gumdrops, chocolate candies, or licorice) for decoration. A paper plate or tray, wet wipes and a damp towel help with sticky hands. Optional: a small bowl of icing or melted chocolate to act as edible glue. Keep scissors and sharp tools for adult use only.

What ages is this activity suitable for?

This activity suits toddlers with close adult help, but is best for preschoolers and elementary-aged kids. Ages 3–5 can join using large marshmallows and supervised toothpick insertion; ages 6–10 can manage more complex structures and creative decorating. Because toothpicks are sharp and small candies are choking hazards, always supervise younger children and consider using blunt-ended skewers or safer connectors for toddlers.

What are the benefits and safety tips for marshmallow monster building?

Building marshmallow monsters teaches basic engineering, fine motor skills, problem solving, and creativity while being fun. It encourages planning as kids balance pieces and design structures. Safety tips: supervise at all times, limit marshmallow sizes for toddlers, use blunt connectors or pipe cleaners instead of exposed toothpick ends, and avoid hard candies for very young children. Clean hands and surfaces before eating any creations to reduce germ risk.
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