Summer craft time is the best! We try and set some time aside each day for some arts and crafts projects. Some days we do pick your own project, and other days we do a more structured activity. This Easy Paper Plate Octopus Craft for Kids is a super cute ocean themed sea animal craft that is perfect for kids of all ages!
Making an octopus craft is also a wonderful craft idea for kids if you are on vacation and looking for a quiet activity to do while you take a break inside from the sun.
You just need a few simple materials for this octopus craft preschool activity.
Why Is It Important For Kids To Do Art and Craft Activities?
Besides the fact that kids love arts and crafts projects, there are so many other reasons you should do art and craft activities with your child.
Develop a Child’s Creativity
Arts and crafts projects are a wonderful way to allow your child to show off their creative side.
Fine Motor Skills
Using supplies like scissors, hole punches, and glue bottles is awesome for strengthening fine motor skills.
Hand-eye Coordination
Activities like sprinkling glitter, placing small pieces of confetti, and cutting out shapes from pieces of construction paper helps with hand/eye coordination
Calming Space
Art activities can provide a safe space for children who are feeling upset or frustrated and need to calm down.
Following Directions
Projects that require kids to follow step by step directions are great for working on listening and reading comprehension skills.
Materials needed for the Octopus Ocean Craft:
- Large paper plate
- Blue craft paint
- Blue yarn
- Paint brush
- Hole punch
- Self stick googly eyes (or glue if they aren’t self stick)
- Black permanent marker
- Scissors
How To Make Octopus With Paper Plate and Yarn:
INSTRUCTIONS FOR MAKING THE OCTOPUS PAPER PLATE CRAFT:
Cut your paper plate in half.
Paint one side of the paper plate (I normally use the white side) with the blue paint. Apply a second coat if needed and allow to completely dry.
Using the hole punch, punch 8 holes across the bottom flat part of the plate. Space the holes out as evenly as possible.
Cut 8 pieces of yarn into 12 inch long pieces.
Place the yarn through the hole going from the painted side to the unpainted side. Tie a knot on the unpainted side. Repeat with the rest of the pieces of yarn and punched out holes.
Stick or glue the googly eyes onto the paper plate and draw a mouth.
Display and enjoy your fun octopus craft!
Other Options For This DIY Octopus Craft:
Try Ribbon or Streamers
Use colorful ribbon or streamers instead of yarn for the tentacles on your paper plate octopus for preschool.
Make It Sparkle
Add some glitter detail to your octopus using glitter paint, glitter glue, or by making glue designs and sprinkling glitter on them.
Different Sizes
Try creating a smaller paper plate craft octopus by using smaller size plates.
Bubble Wrap Texture
Press bubble wrap in paint and dab it onto your paper plate to create a fun pattern on your octopus.
Pretend Play
Use your paper octopus in an ocean themed sensory bin for some pretend play fun!
More from our Shop
Find even more engaging activities in the Life Over C’s shop!