Craft Stick Octopus
Get ready for an undersea crafting adventure with this adorable octopus popsicle stick craft! Perfect for kids of all ages, this fun and easy project is sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face.
Crafting your own octopus is a breeze with supplies you likely already have at home, or you can easily pick them up at your local dollar store, big box store, or online. This versatile project uses jumbo craft sticks, wiggle eyes, paint, beads, and craft felt to create a whimsical ocean animal that kids will love.
Even preschoolers can join in on the fun, making this an ideal activity for classrooms, home crafting, summer camp, or parties. Once completed, these charming octopus creations can brighten up any space as decor, party decorations, or even fridge magnets and hanging ornaments.
Who Will Enjoy This Octopus Craft?
This octopus craft is perfect for kids of all ages. Preschoolers will delight in painting and adding wiggle eyes to their sea creatures, while older kids can take creative liberties with unique color schemes and decorations. Parents, teachers, and camp counselors will appreciate the simplicity and versatility of this ocean animal craft, as it’s engaging and quick to complete.
When to Make This Octopus Craft
- Ocean Party: Add a splash of creativity to your ocean-themed party by letting guests craft their own octopus creations. These can even double as party favors!
- Ocean Unit Study: Bring learning to life by incorporating this sea animal craft into an ocean unit study. It’s a hands-on way to explore marine life.
- Beach Vacation: Keep kids entertained on a rainy vacation day or get them excited for the trip by creating ocean-themed crafts.
- Party Craft: This easy and fun activity will be a hit at any gathering, providing a memorable takeaway for guests.
- Just for Fun: Sometimes, you just need a simple and enjoyable project to brighten the day.
- Summer Camp: This preschool ocean craft is a fantastic addition to any summer camp program, keeping kids engaged and creative.
Why You’ll Love This Octopus Craft
There are so many reasons to love this popsicle stick craft! First, it’s incredibly easy and quick, taking about 30 minutes to complete. The supplies are simple and inexpensive—you might already have many of them at home. This craft is highly versatile, offering endless options for customization.
Whether you’re looking for a fun activity for kids, a unique party decor idea, or a meaningful classroom project, this octopus craft checks all the boxes. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to encourage creativity and fine motor skills in children.
Tips and Tricks for Making the Octopus
- Use markers or crayons instead of paint for a mess-free crafting experience.
- For younger children, preglue the craft sticks and/or precut the felt pieces to make the assembly easier.
- Get creative with decorations! Swap out pearl beads for pompoms, sequins, rhinestones, or buttons.
- Change up the colors to match your decor or let kids use their favorite shades.
- Craft glue is great for little ones, but hot glue works well for a quicker assembly.
- Don’t have craft felt? Use foam or paper instead—it’ll still look fantastic!
Now that you know all about this delightful octopus craft, it’s time to gather your supplies and start creating. Follow our step-by-step tutorial and use the free template to make your very own ocean animal masterpiece. Let’s dive in!
How to Make an Octopus Craft
Materials:
- Jumbo Craft Sticks
- Wiggle Eyes
- Craft Felt – Lavender & Pink
- Self-Adhesive Pearls
- Black Marker
- Liquid Craft Glue or Glue Gun and Glue Sticks
- Lavender Craft Paint
- Paintbrush
- Scissors
- Printed Pattern
Instructions:
To create the octopus tentacles, create two plus (+) signs by gluing two sets of two jumbo craft sticks in the center with glue.
*We used a glue gun and glue sticks for the tutorial, but you can use liquid glue if you prefer.
Layer the octopus tentacles in a plus sign (+) and an (x) configuration with glue.
Paint the octopus tenacles with lavender craft paint.
Let dry, and apply a second coat, if necessary.
Download, print, and cut out the octopus’ pattern.
Trace the head onto lavender craft felt with a black marker.
Cut out the pattern with scissors. Make sure to cut inside the traced lines so you end up with a clean finished project.
Attach the head to the tentacles with glue.
Attach two wiggle eyes with glue.
Cut out two circles from pink craft felt and glue to either side of the octopus’ eyes for the cheeks.
Place three self-adhesive pearls on each octopus tentacle as the suckers or suction cups.
To finish, draw a smile from cheek to cheek with a black marker.
With its ease, charm, and versatility, the octopus popsicle stick craft is a wonderful activity for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for an ocean party, a classroom project, or just a rainy afternoon at home, these cheerful sea creatures are sure to bring joy. Gather your supplies, download the free template, and get ready to make waves with this delightful craft!
