CleverPatch™ recommends educators, teachers and event organisers work in consultation with their local Aboriginal Communities (start locally and extend out geographically) when planning activities & learning experiences. Any creative or art making activity that mirrors or replicates Aboriginal cultural experiences should always be undertaken in consultation with the appropriate owners of that cultural property.

Some materials and products may contain terms that reflect authors' views, both current or past. These views may not be considered appropriate today and are provided in a historical context. These views are not necessarily the views of CleverPatch.

Step 1Place a splash mat or scrap paper down on your work surface as this activity will get a bit messy! Prepare your Mod-Rock by cutting thin strips and placing them into a craft bowl. Adult supervision is recommended when using scissors.
Step 2Blow up your balloon about halfway to a good frog size and tie off with a knot.
CleverTip - Keep the balloon at about half its capable size. If it is filled with too much air, it will become fragile and may pop when covered in Mod-Rock.
Step 3Cut out two sections of a cardboard egg carton to use for Tiddalik’s eyes and tape them onto the balloon.
CleverTip - Sit the bottom of your balloon in a bowl so that it remains stable while you are working.
Step 4Dip a Mod-Rock strip into a shallow bowl of warm water. Squeeze out any excess water into the bowl before laying the strip over the balloon.
CleverTip - Leave the bottom of the balloon that is in the bowl free from Mod-Rock. This will allow Tiddalik to sit flat once he is dry.
Step 5Continue adding Mod-Rock strips to cover the whole balloon including the eyes. Overlap the strips in different directions to build strength. Create a mouth shape using scrunched up strips of Mod-Rock.
CleverTip - Use your fingers to smooth the entire surface while the Mod-Rock is still wet.
Step 6Allow Tiddalik to dry overnight and then carefully cut above the knot in the balloon to slowly release the air inside. Remove and dispose of the balloon and egg cartons.
CleverTip - If the balloon and egg cartons are stuck, it is fine to leave them inside your frog.
Step 7Sketch a tongue shape onto cover paper. Cut out the shape and tape it onto the mouth. Sketch out some eye shapes onto cover paper.
Step 8Paint your Mod-Rock frog and your paper eye shapes. Allow to dry.
Step 9Sketch two frog feet onto card or textured paper. Look to our design for inspiration or create your own. Cut out the eye and feet shapes.
Step 10Glue the eyes and feet onto Tiddalik and allow to dry. You can now begin your story adventure!