How do I go about making a model of....

[Soubriquet]

Dd has homework over this Easter term and it is about Africa.

She has to choose either a place or an animal and then do a booklet, poster, painting, model etc all about her chosen thing

She has chosen to do an animal. Fine

But she hasn’t gone for an easy animal like an elephant nooooo. She’s chosen to do the black footed cat which looks exactly like a typical moggy . Means a lot more research than I thought

She’s also chosen to do a model of said cat. How? What could she use to create a model of a cat.

Clay?

Without buying supplies? Homemade air drying dough maybe?

mamapapabubba.com/2016/02/16/homemade-air-dry-modelling-clay-aka-baking-soda-clay/

Let her work it out, she chose it!

How old is she? Possible model materials:

Playdoh then take a photo
Plasticine
Fimo
Lego (you can definitely make animals!)
Pipe cleaners

Could you do a collage instead?

Needle felting?

Salt dough (can make the dough with store cupboard ingredients)

She’s just turned 8 so will need help

I don’t mind buying craft items in as long as it isn’t too pricey

I looked at air dry/polymer clay and it’s an idea but I just wonder if it will look like cat when she’s finished

Artistic she is not..

She doesn’t want to do a collage or anything like that despite her trying to persuade her

Papier-mâché? You’d only need balloons, paper and a gluey substance.

Got all of that so paper mache is a good idea thanks

Make the shape of the cat out of pipe cleaners or wire then cover it with papier-mâché - strips of thin cheap paper and watered down white glue. Or make flour paste. Then paint it. It'll look cute. Especially if it's a bit wonky.

Or even better fill the armature out with foil.

With picture this time!

Lovely. Got lots of ideas thank you

Now let’s just hope it’s vaguely cat shaped

For paper mache use balloons for the body and head then toilet roll tubes for legs