Swim Library

The kids still can’t get enough of Nemo, Dory and the crew from Finding Nemo. The family is jonesing for a vacay in the sun, sand and tide.  Whatever the reason for the ocean obsession, it’s easy to make a splash with aquatic themed art. Waterworks Aquatics Swim School cast our net and collected seriously awesome under-the-sea aquatic arts & crafts; scroll down to discover easy projects perfect for exploring marine life(no scuba gear required!)

1. Paper Bag Jellyfish
These jellyfish won’t sting anyone, but they’ll get everyone’s attention. Paper lunch bags are a must, any paint colors will do (the brighter, the better!) and of course, googly eyes to give your jellies some attitude.

2. Wrap-Up Foil Fish
You won’t be dining on these foil wrapped fish. Instead, your aquatic adventurers can create their very own school of swimmers. Little kids can use paint and older crafters may want to try oil pastels(if you’ve got em’) or go-to sharpie markers in bright colors.

3. Carboard Octopus
Make a wiggly, six legged friend with recycled materials. Grab a toilet paper or paper towel roll, paint, googly eyes, scissors(supervision please!) and a giggly kid.

4. Ocean in an Egg Carton
It seems like egg-cartons are the foundation of  Grab blue paint, shells, jewels and gems, add in some coral-colored paper and the kids will be able to create their very own life-under-the-sea.

5. Clothespin Mermaids
Your little Ariel adorers will flip their (imaginary) tails when you set up this adorable art project. Collect items like yarn, glitter and funky foam and any other mermaid accessory. We’re thinking the mini-mermaids crafted out of clothespins are already pretty awesome but the imaginary play to follow? Priceless.

6. Soda Bottle Fish
It’s paper mache the easy way with a colorful plastic bottle fish. Artistic mama Lindsey suggests it’s best to prep ahead by making enough forms for each kiddo(you’ll be handling the sharp tools!), cutting out plenty of colorful paper, adding some glue, then leaving the fishy business up to them.

7. Mini Aquarium
It’s like your own travel-sized fish tank. Not to mention–for parents with wee ones–a handy way to use up any empty baby food jars. Be sure to have other essential items on hand like glue, paint and of course, foam fishies.

8. Fork Puffer Fish
Use a fork to create a puffer fish with paint and paper rather than fuel that living-on-the-edge foodie streak. Kids will delight to watch the prickly creature come to life (gotta love the crazy eyes on this guy) with careful tine tapping! Simple materials include paint, paper and of course, a fork.

9. Sea Turtle Treat Tray
Not only will your seafaring folk enjoy crafting their very own sea turtle, but they’ll love that you can add a treat under his shell! You’ll have to have strong and sturdy paper plates for this project, as well as markers, gems (for glamming up that turtle shell) and of course, treats to hide (and then share!)

10. Footprint Sharks
You won’t have to wait for Shark Week to roll around to enjoy creating fins. Little feet can be the template for these big fish, with tiny toes making the perfect “fin”. Craft blogger and mama Stacey suggests having LOTS of baby wipes on hand, and her tutorial explains how to get that perfect shade of gray.

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