This watermelon stamp craft is a simple, colorful, and super fun summer activity to enjoy with your kids.
Using just a pool noodle and some paint, you can create adorable watermelon slice prints. This project is perfect for summer homeschool days, library programs, or classroom activities. It’s great for all ages for fine motor skills and math.
I’ve got easy step-by-step instructions (and pictures) for you. Plus, I’m sharing tips and creative ideas for how to use your watermelon prints.
Pool Noodle + Paint = Watermelon Stamping Fun
Want to celebrate summer with your kids in a creative way? Maybe you’re learning about fruits (or the letter “Ww”? Perhaps you’d like a low-prep craft that kids will love?
Well, this watermelon stamp activity is a must-try and sure to be a hit!
I just love when inspiration strikes in the middle of everyday life. I’m always searching for new ways to enjoy frugal projects with my boys, especially when we’re soaking up some summer homeschool fun.
One afternoon, I was cutting up a juicy watermelon for a healthy snack. When I looked over at one of our old pool noodles (the kind that’s been through water battles, DIY swords, and who knows what else), I had a lightbulb moment.
Let’s slice up that pool noodle just like the watermelon and turn it into a stamp! The boys loved the idea and jumped in to help. We had a blast seeing how our watermelon slices turned out. Some boys made full circle stamps while others went with half slices. And my youngest really got into it. He cut his pool noodle slice into quarters and smaller pieces. Before I knew it, we were combining art with a math activity featuring fractions.
We’re used to eating seedless watermelon so I thought it was brilliant when my middle boy suggested painting on watermelon seeds. I totally forgot about the seeds! We had such an awesome time with one simple and frugal project that used supplies we already had around the house.
What You’ll Need to Make for This Watermelon Stamp Project
For this activity, you only need a few supplies. I recommend that an adult cuts the pool noodle with sharp scissors or craft knife.
- Pool noodle
- Red, green, and black paint
- Paper plate or paint tray
- Thin paintbrush
- White paper or cardstock
If you’d like your watermelon art to have some special touches, consider using glitter glue or markers.
How to Make Your DIY Pool Noodle Stamps for Watermelon Craft
Cut the Pool Noodle:
Use scissors (or craft knife) to carefully cut the pool noodle into thick slices (about 1–2 inches wide). Each slice will become a watermelon stamp.
Stamp the Watermelon Slices and Fill In the Circles:
Dip the flat end of the pool noodle slice into the red paint. Press it firmly onto the paper several times to create circular watermelon shapes. Use a paintbrush to fill in the inside of each stamped circle with red paint, making the color more solid and vibrant.
Add the Green Rind and Black Seeds:
Using a thin paintbrush and green paint, carefully paint a rind around the edge of each red circle to resemble a watermelon slice. Finish your watermelon by adding small black seeds in the red area using black paint and a thin brush.
Creative Ideas for Making and Enjoying Your Watermelon Stamp Craft
Want to try different shapes for your watermelon slices? We did, too! You don’t have to stop at full circles. Slice the pool noodle in half for semi-circles or quarters for a unique “watermelon wedge” look.
A few other cool things to try are:
- Add Texture: Use a toothpick or fork to lightly score the surface of the pool noodle stamp before painting. This step adds an interesting texture to your watermelon prints.
- Use Fingerprints for Seeds: Instead of painting seeds with a brush, have your child dip their finger in black paint and add fingerprint “seeds” for a more personalized look.
- Layer for a Watermelon Collage: Stamp a bunch of watermelon circles or slices. Let dry. Leave as-is OR cut them out and glue together for a larger project.
While this craft is a excellent experience on its own, you can also use it to:
- Make Watermelon-Themed Cards or Wrapping Paper: Use your pool noodle stamp on folded cardstock for sweet summer cards. You can also stamp it on white or brown kraft paper for DIY gift wrap.
- Make a Watermelon Banner: Use a large sheet of paper. OR cut out your prints and string them together with twine for a summer decoration.
- Use wit DIY Sidewalk Chalk Paint: Take your art project outside and make watermelons using sidewalk chalk paint. Totally fun outdoor decoration!
- Enjoy as part of your Watermelon Day (August 3) celebration!
Frequently Asked Questions About Pool Noodle Stamp Crafts
This craft is perfect for preschool through upper elementary. Younger kids will enjoy the sensory and stamping fun, as well as can practice counting (seeds). Older students can explore patterns, symmetry, and fractions.
Washable tempera or acrylic paint both work well. We used red and green for the classic watermelon look. I suggest that you protect your workspace with a tray or table covering.
Yes! If you rinse and dry them after use, the pool noodle stamps can be reused for more stamping fun or other craft projects.
No worries! You can try using a kitchen sponge cut into circles or even cardboard tubes. The texture and effect will be a little different, but still fun!
Keep Your Watermelon Fun for Kids Going!
Once you get started with this activities featuring this yummy fruit, you’ll want to extend all that fun. Enjoy other watermelon crafts, printables, games, books, and accessories, like:
Watermelons!: A My Incredible World Picture Book for Children (My Incredible World: Nature and Animal Picture Books for Children)Watermelon, WatermelonThe Watermelon SeedOne Watermelon SeedBananagrams Word-a-Melon: Family-Fun Word Search Game for Kids Age 6+Eureka Watermelon Stickers – Scented
Do you have any questions for me about doing this watermelon stamp craft using pool noodles with your kids? And what are your ideas for using? Please share in the comments area at the bottom of this post!
