How To Make Your Own Irresistibly Cute Moving Bird With A Pringles Can!

Watch the BUILD VIDEO for this and more Pringles Can Craft Ideas HERE!

​This is a Pringles can craft idea that you didn’t see coming. We’re going to use the chip can as a base for an animated bird. This project makes use of some craft wood - so check out the craft wood section at the dollar or discount store!

If you’re not familiar with using craft woods like popsicle sticks or small dowels, note that you can carefully cut these items with a craft knife. No saw needed!

You will, however, need a drill. An affordable pin vice can be purchased here if you don’t have access to a power drill. 

I recommend checking out the YouTube video tutorial for this one in addition to working through this article.

You can also check out my other Pringles container craft ideas. I made some fake cakes and a spooky Pringles can tree spirit! 

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STEP 1: Assemble Supplies

• In addition to part of a chip can, you’ll need some rigid tubing and a craft wood dowel.
• I grabbed my rigid tubing from the end of a disposable shampoo pump.
• the wooden dowel should fit into your rigid tubing and be able to spin freely but not be too loose and wobbly.

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STEP 2: Prep the Can and Tubing

• Use a hole punch to create holes on opposite sides of the can. Ensure they are level by using the full throat-depth of the punch. Widen the holes if needed to fit the tubing.
•  Line up the edge of the tubing with one side of the can and glue it to both sides from the inside. Allow the glue to cool, then trim any excess tubing.

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STEP 3: Paint or Decorate the Can

• Sand the surface of the Pringles can to roughen it.
• Prime and paint the can to your taste. I painted mine to look like a birch tree.
• If you don’t want to paint your can, you could also wrap it in some decorative paper.

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STEP 4: Begin the Crank Assembly

• Measure the distance between the tubing hole and the base of the pringles can. Cut a craft wood stick about 5mm (1/4-inch) shorter than this length.
• Use a nail file to round off the cut ends of the stick.
• Glue one end of the stick onto the end of the dowel as shown. I threaded a wooden bead on the end of the dowel before securing the crank. This is optional.

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STEP 5: Assemble the Crank Handle

• Glue a small bit of dowel onto the opposite end of the stick to function as the crank handle.
• Optionally, you can add a large bead onto the handle and prevent it from slipping off with part of a toothpick inserted through a small hole in the handle and trimmed to size.

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STEP 6: Make the Opposite Mechanism

• Measure the distance between the tubing hole and the base of the pringles can. Cut a craft wood stick about 10 mm (1/2-inch) shorter than this length.
• Drill a hole through one end of this stick.
• Insert a toothpick into the hole. and secure with glue.
• Thread two small beads onto the toothpick and secure with glue. Trim toothpick to length.

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STEP 7: Glue to Axel

• Trim the excess from the opposite end of the dowel.
• With the crank handle pointing down, glue the assembly to the opposite end pointing up as shown.
• Again, I threaded a wooden bead onto the end of the dowel/ axel. This is optional.

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STEP 8: Sculpt the Bird

• Use air-dry clay to sculpt a simple bird. I use DAS brand. You can purchase it here. 
• Create a hole through the bird’s lower belly for the wire feet.
• Add a wire loop too the underside of the birds tail (or put a small hole through the tail)
• Let the clay dry thoroughly (2-3 days in a warm, dry place).

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STEP 9: Make the Feet

• Bend a piece of galvanized wire into an L-shape and feed it through the bird's belly hole.
• Bend down the second leg. Create the bend’s in the bird’s legs, ensuring the “knees” bend backwards (like a real bird).
• Bend up some feet, keeping them large for gluing later. Trim the excess wire.

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STEP 10: Paint the Bird

• Use acrylic craft paint to decorate the bird to your taste.

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STEP 11: Assemble and Animate

• Cut a circle of green craft felt to fit the can lid. Thread the bird's feet through the felt and glue them down, securing the felt to the lid.
• Loop a piece of wire around the gap between the wooden beads on the crank handle. Thread the other end through the loop or hole in the bird's tail. Adjust the length of the wire for smooth movement. Trim off excess wire.

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STEP 12: Finishing Touches

• Add finishing touches to your kinetic sculpture.
• I used some green faux fur from my stash to make some small tufts of grass.

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STEP 13: Make the Bird Move!

• Turn the crank and watch the little bird come to life!
• My little robin is hunting for worms in the grass. What kind of bird will you make?

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And now you have an animated kinetic bird automaton made from a Pringles can! You can check out the tutorial video below or find lots of other budget-friendly art projects on my YouTube Channel.
If you give this project a try, it would make my day if you’d share it with me. I’m @JaneSawyerMakes on TikTok, Instagram, Pinterest, Reddit, Threads,  and Twitter (X). Please share and pin this article!