This paper plate jellyfish craft is frugal, fun, and super easy to make. It’s a delightful activity for summer homeschool lessons, ocean-themed activities, or even a fun rainy day project.
This craft uses just a few supplies that you probably already have at home. Grab some pipe cleaners, paper plates, paint, and googly eyes and you’ll be ready to create an adorable jellyfish! Not only is this craft an easy way to make a splash for under-the-sea themes, but it’s also perfect for letter “J” fun.
I’m sharing easy-to-follow steps (with pictures), creative ideas for variations, and a simple supplies list to help you enjoy this craft with your kids.
Enjoy Simple Jellyfish Fun with Your Kids
Need an easy way to boost your summer or ocean theme? Maybe you’d like a budget-friendly way to give your kids a hands-on project for Letter J? Or perhaps you’re planning an under the sea party and some adorable decorations?
Well, I really think that you’re going to love this paper plate jellyfish craft with pipe cleaner tentacles!
When we made this paper plate jellyfish, it turned into a much bigger and better experience than I could have imagined. I was working on the Letter “J” with my little guys as part of our summer homeschool fun. The craft was a fantastic fit for our relaxed homeschool preschool and my older boys couldn’t resist jumping in to help.
Watching all of my boys get creative, painting their jellyfish and choosing their own pipe cleaner “tentacles,” was such a blast. Plus, the simplicity of the project made it easy for everyone, no matter their age, to join in.
I loved how each jellyfish turned out uniquely and my boys were so proud to show off their creations. It’s the kind of craft that sparks creativity and builds fine motor skills. If you’re looking for a simple, enjoyable, and meaningful craft to try with your children, this one’s definitely worth adding to your list. Get the full tutorial and dive into your own jellyfish-making adventure!
Oh, and you can also use this craft to celebrate World Jellyfish Day on November 9!
What You’ll Need for This Jellyfish Project
Here are some more reasons why this craft totally rocks – it only uses a few materials! To make it easier to enjoy this creative project, I highly recommend that you gather these supplies prior to starting. These materials are what you need to create jellyfish that look like the examples in the tutorial:
- Paper plate
- Blue paint
- Paintbrush
- Pipe cleaners (any colors you like)
- Hole punch
- Googly eyes
- Glue
If you have extra time or the inclination, customize your jellyfish. Add a bit of glitter to your paint. Use a rainbow of colors for pretty tentacles. Stickers and markers can add cool details.
If you’d rather not use paint, I totally get it! Try tempera paint sticks (like Kwik Stix) to keep this craft as mess-free as possible.
Also, if you’re working on Letter J lessons, shape the bottom of your pipe cleaner tentacles like a hook to look like “Jj”.
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Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Your Cute Jellyfish
Prepare the paper plate.
Cut the paper plate in half. You’ll only need one half. Paint the paper plate blue (or any ocean color you like). Let it dry completely.
Add holes.
Punch holes along the straight, cut edge of the plate. Space them out evenly.
Add tentacles and googly eyes.
Thread pipe cleaners through each hole. Fold and twist them to secure. These will be your jellyfish’s wiggly tentacles. Glue two googly eyes onto the painted side of the plate to give your jellyfish a cute face.
Optional: Add glitter, sequins, or extra decorations for a sparkling jellyfish.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Paper Plate Jellyfish Craft
This paper plate jellyfish craft is perfect for children of all ages! Younger kids (preschool and early elementary) will enjoy the hands-on aspects. Older students can get creative by adding extra details to their jellyfish.
Absolutely! You can substitute pipe cleaners with string, yarn, or ribbon. If you don’t have googly eyes, you can draw the eyes on with markers or use buttons or small circles of paper.
More Frugal and Fun Ocean Activities
There are so many amazing ways to have more under the sea fun with your students. In addition to books and videos, I encourage you to try these free printable and activities with ocean themes:
- Torn Paper Shark Craft (with free printable shark templates)
- DIY Ocean Slime
- Under the Sea Mindfulness Activities
- Ocean Creatures Handprint Art Templates
- Mermaid Slime
- Ocean Color by Number Pages
⭐ Oh my starfish! I think this paper plate jellyfish is simply adorable! How will you be using this activity with your children? Please share (and any questions you may have) in the comments area at the bottom of this post!
