Easy Handprint Octopus Craft for Toddlers
Learn how to make this easy handprint octopus craft for toddlers! This DIY octopus art is a fun ocean theme kids craft for preschool or at home just for fun.
Engaging in hands-on activities not only sparks joy but also fosters essential developmental skills in our little ones. Which is why I try to do as many hands-on activities like crafts and sensory play as possible for my toddlers.
Right now my kids are loving tracing their hands, so we have been trying to make some handprint crafts. This time, we made an octopus handprint craft that my kids loved, so I figured I would share it with you.
Kids love anything related to the beach, so you can find tons of octopus art projects, but this is a super simple octopus activity that works great for homeschool, teaching about the ocean animals, or just for fun!
With just a few simple materials and some enthusiastic little hands, you’ll embark on a journey of creativity and discovery alongside your toddler. Let’s dive in and create a paper octopus craft together!
Benefits of Making An Octopus Craft with Kids
Before getting into how to make this simple octopus craft for toddlers, I wanted to briefly talk about a few of the key benefits your child will get from making this fun summer craft!
While you may only be wanting to make this octopus preschool craft for fun, your kids will automatically learn the following:
First and foremost, they will enhance their fine motor skills as they manipulate materials, grasp objects, and engage in the tactile experience of crafting. This is especially true if you let them cut out the construction paper pieces from the free template.
Additionally, this activity promotes color recognition as children select their preferred colors for their octopus.
They will also learn how to follow verbal instructions and interaction during the crafting process which encourages language development and comprehension.
Overall, this octopus craft for toddlers with paper provides a fun and educational experience that stimulates creativity and cognitive growth in young children.
Even though it is super easy to put together, it offers some great benefits too!
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How to Make This Handprint Octopus Craft
Here is how to make your own octopus handprint art with your kids:
Supplies
Instructions
Select different colored craft papers for the handprint octopus craft. The template includes patterns for the head, blush, spots and 2 handprint layouts (for the tentacles). Trace and cut out the patterns.
While I included the handprint layouts to give you an idea of what to do, I think you should trace your child’s hand and cut those out instead. It will be much more fun that way!
Take the two handprint cutouts and join them side by side using craft glue.
Attach the head pattern on the palm side of the joined handprint patterns.
Glue the spot cutouts on the top part of the head pattern.
Attach 2 googly eyes along the top part of the head pattern.
Attach the blush cutouts on both cheeks of the handprint octopus pattern.
Use black sharpie or marker to draw the mouth-line of the octopus. Add more details to this craft if you want to.
Handprint Octopus Craft
Materials
- Pencil
- Scissors
- Colored construction paper
- Googly eyes
- Craft glue
- Sharpie
- Free printable template
Instructions
- Select different colored craft papers for the handprint octopus craft. The template includes patterns for the head, blush, spots and 2 handprint layouts (for the tentacles). Trace and cut out the patterns.
- While I included the handprint layouts to give you an idea of what to do, I think you should trace your child's hand and cut those out instead. It will be much more fun that way!
- Take the two handprint cutouts and join them side by side using craft glue.
- Attach the head pattern on the palm side of the joined handprint patterns.
- Glue the spot cutouts on the top part of the head pattern.
- Attach 2 googly eyes along the top part of the head pattern.
- Attach the blush cutouts on both cheeks of the handprint octopus pattern.
- Use black sharpie or marker to draw the mouth-line of the octopus. Add more details to this craft if you want to.
Variations to This Octopus Handprint Art
While this handprint octopus activity for preschool is charming as is, there are endless possibilities for how to make this octopus unique and special.
Here are a few ideas to help inspire you:
Mixed Media Octopus: Encourage children to explore different textures by incorporating materials such as tissue paper, yarn, or fabric scraps to add dimension to their octopus.
Underwater Scene: Extend the craft by creating an entire underwater scene! Add sea creatures, seaweed, and bubbles using paper cutouts or drawing materials to complement the handprint octopus.
Themed Octopuses: Tailor the craft to fit a specific theme or holiday. For example, use orange and black paint for a Halloween-themed octopus or pastel colors for a spring-inspired creation.
Glow-in-the-Dark Octopus: Use glow-in-the-dark paint to create an enchanting octopus that lights up the night. This variation adds an extra element of excitement and wonder to the crafting experience. My kids love glow in the dark things (like this glow in the dark slime we made), so this would be fun to try next time!
These are just a few more octopus arts and crafts for preschoolers, but the options of octopus craft ideas are pretty endless!
Octopus Craft for Toddlers Wrap-Up
Crafting with toddlers is not just about creating cute decorations; it’s about building lasting memories and fostering important developmental skills.
This free printable handprint octopus craft offers a delightful opportunity for parents, caregivers, and little ones to bond over a fun and educational activity.
As you embark on your crafting adventure, remember to celebrate the uniqueness of each creation and cherish the moments spent together with this fun octopus art project. Happy crafting!
Check out more handprint craft ideas:
