Sea creatures come in many colors, shapes and sizes.
Creatures that live under water fascinate children of all ages. Help bring some of them to life by involving kids in sea creature crafts. Recycled jars and paper plates are just a few items that can be transformed into fun projects that kids will enjoy making and showing off to their families.
Sock Whale
An old or new sock can be easily turned into a whale. Stuff one white tube sock with batting until it is filled about 3 inches from the leg opening. Wrap a rubber band tightly around the sock where the batting ends. Turn the sock so the toe is facing you. Push in on the sock and glue it shut to create a mouth. Glue a large googly eye on each side above the mouth. Cut two fins from white craft foam and glue one to each side of the sock between the mouth and tail.
Paper Plate Crab
Turn two white paper plates upside down on a covered work surface. Have children paint the plates in red tempera. Allow plates to dry. Place the plates together so the painted sides are facing out. Help the children punch eight holes around the plate's edge. Have children push a pipe cleaner through each hole and twist to hold the plates together. Cut eight straws into three pieces and slide them onto the pipe cleaner. Twist a knot at the ends of each pipe cleaner to prevent the straws from falling off. Punch two holes close together at the top of the plates. Bend a pipe cleaner in a "V" shape. Slide it through the holes and twist once. Glue two googly eyes near the front.
Paper and Rice Starfish
Depending on the childrens' age, you can draw a starfish onto a piece of colored construction paper and have them cut it out or have them precut. Have each child place 1/4 cup of uncooked rice into a small bowl and place several drops of water and food coloring on top. Stir the rice with a plastic spoon to evenly coat each piece. Pour the rice onto a piece of paper towel to dry. Have the children spread glue onto the starfish and sprinkle the rice on top. Gently press the rice on to the glue and allow it to dry before moving.
Baby Food Jar Octopus
Wash and dry a glass baby food jar removing all labels and glue. Place the lid firmly on the jar and place it lid side down on a covered work surface. Paint the jar with acrylic enamel paint. Allow it to dry. Cut out eight 1/4 inch-by 4-inch strips of construction paper. Glue them near the bottom of the jar. When the glue has dried, wrap each piece of paper around a pencil to create curls. Glue three small round craft foam circles on the under side of each strip of paper for suction cups. Glue two googly eyes onto the glass jar.
