The child paints the top surface of the paper plate solid black. Two coats give better coverage than one heavy coat. Set aside to dry completely, at least 30 minutes. This is a good time for the younger children to do their handprints or sticker monsters.

An adult uses a sharp pencil or skewer to poke eight evenly spaced holes around the plate rim, four on each side. Push one pipe cleaner through two neighbouring holes so it loops under the plate, then bend both halves on top into a gentle L-shape. Repeat with the remaining three pipe cleaners to create eight bent legs in total.

Dab a generous spot of PVA glue onto the plate surface near the top. The child presses the two googly eyes into the glue and holds them for 20 seconds. Leave flat until the glue is set, about 5 minutes. Hang with a length of string looped through a small hole at the very top of the plate.