Lost Sheep Craft
This adorable Handprint Sheep Craft is a fun and meaningful way to reinforce Bible lessons about Psalm 23, the parable of the lost sheep, or Jesus as the Good Shepherd. Made with simple materials like construction paper, cotton balls, and googly eyes, it’s a great tactile activity for preschoolers and early elementary students.
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Perfect for homeschool, Sunday School, or faith-based preschool activities, this craft is a hands-on way to connect scripture to creativity.
Bible Verse Inspiration
Use this craft alongside one of these beautiful verses:
- Psalm 23:1 – “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
- John 10:11 – “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.”
- Luke 15:6 – “Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.”
As children create their sheep, talk about how Jesus watches over His people with care and love—just like a shepherd tends to his flock.
Favorite Craft Supplies
Supplies Needed for this Lost Sheep Craft:
- Black construction paper
- White cotton balls
- Googly eyes
- Pencil
- Scissors
- Glue stick
- Brown pipe cleaner (optional – for shepherd’s staff)
How to Make a Handprint Sheep Craft:
Step 1: Trace and Cut the Handprint
- Trace your child’s hand on black construction paper
- Cut a simple sheep head shape from black construction paper
- Cut it out to form the sheep’s body and legs
Step 2: Add the Sheep’s Wool
- Glue cotton balls around the palm and base of the fingers
- Cover enough space to make it look fluffy like a woolly sheep
- Glue the head to the top of the cotton balls, centered above the fingers
- Stick two googly eyes onto the sheep’s face
Step 3: Make a Shepherd’s Staff
- Bend a brown pipe cleaner into a hooked shape
- Glue it behind the sheep as a shepherd’s staff
Why the Handprint Sheep Craft Works for Homeschool
This simple project is more than just cute—it reinforces biblical truths while helping children build key developmental skills:
- Fine motor skills through tracing, cutting, and gluing
- Bible understanding as they connect the craft to scriptures like Psalm 23
- Creative expression as kids bring their sheep to life with faces and cotton “wool”
- Faith foundation as they reflect on how God lovingly leads His people like a shepherd
Extension Ideas for Your Lesson
- Create a “Jesus is My Shepherd” bulletin board using each child’s sheep craft
- Use during a Psalm 23 or John 10 unit and memorize the verses together
- Have your child dictate or write what it means to be one of God’s sheep
- Pair with a storybook like The Lost Sheep or a Psalm 23 picture book
- Practice counting by adding numbered sheep to your display or making a “flock”
Lost Sheep Craft
Materials
- Brown pipe cleaner
- Black construction paper or cardstock
- Pencil
- Scissors
- Glue Stick
- Cotton Balls
Instructions
- Trace the child’s hand, minus the thumb, onto the black paper. Draw a rounded rectangle with pointed ears for the sheep’s head. Cut out both pieces.
- Glue cotton balls to the palm of the handprint.
- Glue googly eyes to the sheep’s head and glue that to the top of the cotton balls.
- Fold the pipe cleaner in half and twist to make a stronger, half-length pipe cleaner.
- Wrap one end around the glue stick to create the curved top of the shepherd’s crook.
Use this craft to spark conversation about how Jesus lovingly cares for each of us, just like a shepherd cares for his sheep.
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