Imagine a sleepy kitten curling up with its favorite toy, except here, the toy happens to be another peanut!

With a bit of paint and some felt or pipe cleaners, you can sculpt a cat that feels full of personality.

Its painted patches and tiny pink nose give it life, while soft little legs and a tail make it look ready to stretch and purr.

Bonus, every detail invites you to lean in closer and admire how something so simple can carry so much character.

Materials Needed

• 2-3 peanut shells (about 2” long, one for the cat, one for the hugged peanut)
• Acrylic paints: white, black, pink, yellow-brown (10 ml each)
• 2 fine paintbrushes (size 0 and size 2)
• Small pieces of white pipe cleaners or felt (approx. 4” total for arms, legs, tail)
• Craft glue or hot glue gun
• Optional: tiny felt scraps for ears (0.5” each)
• Clear varnish or sealer (10 ml)

Step-by-step Guide

Step 1: Choose a peanut shell with a rounded shape for the cat’s body. Then paint it white and let it dry fully.

Step 2: Add black and orange-brown patches to mimic calico or tabby markings. You can use pink for the nose and ears, plus a fine brush for sleepy eyes and a smile.

Step 3: Cut short lengths of pipe cleaner or felt for arms, legs, and a tail.

Next, glue them carefully to the peanut’s sides and back, bending them slightly for a natural look.

Step 4: Take another peanut shell, leave it plain, and position it so the painted cat looks like it’s hugging or leaning against it. Secure with glue.

Step 5: Once dry, add a clear coat to protect the paint and give the cat a gentle sheen.

Tips:

When I made a similar piece, I gave my cat a little pink heart on its side as a hidden detail. It made the figurine feel extra special and personal.

You can do the same by adding initials, a tiny paw print, or even sparkles.