Looking for an easy ocean craft to make with the kids? This Dollar Store Paper Plate Octopus Craft is colorful, inexpensive, and comes together in about 30 minutes using supplies you can find at your local dollar store.
Kids will have fun painting, cutting, stamping, and assembling their own smiling octopus while practicing important early learning skills along the way.
Whether you’re studying ocean animals, planning a summer activity, or simply looking for a fun afternoon craft, this adorable paper plate octopus is sure to be a hit.
What Kids Will Learn
This easy paper plate octopus craft is more than just a fun afternoon activity. As children cut, paint, and decorate their friendly sea creature, they’ll build important skills while learning a little about life under the sea.
- Fine motor skills through cutting, painting, and gluing.
- Creativity by choosing colors, patterns, and facial expressions.
- Following directions as they complete each step.
- Ocean science by learning about octopuses and their habitat.
- Counting and observation while exploring the octopus’s eight arms and unique features.
If your kids enjoy ocean-themed activities, be sure to check out our Paper Plate Jellyfish Craft, Craft Stick Sea Turtle, Toilet Paper Roll Octopus, Craft Stick Narwhal, and Paper Plate Fish Craft for even more underwater fun.
While making your octopus, talk with your kids about these amazing sea creatures!
- Octopuses have eight arms, not tentacles.
- They can change color to help camouflage themselves.
- They are considered some of the smartest animals in the ocean.
Want to learn more about octopuses? Visit the Smithsonian Ocean website for fascinating kid-friendly facts about these amazing sea creatures.
Materials:
- Paper Plate
- Wiggle Eyes (40mm)
- Cardstock – Purple
- Craft Paint – Dark Purple, Light Purple, Pink
- Glue Gun and Glue Sticks –
- Paintbrush
- Scissors
- Pencil, with new eraser
- Permanent Marker, Black
- Sponge Dabber, Round
- PATTERNS
Instructions:
A little fun fact from my grandson, who’s currently fascinated by Giant Pacific Octopuses: despite what many people think, octopuses don’t have tentacles. They actually have eight arms! I love learning these little tidbits from my grandkids while we’re crafting together.
STEP ONE
Gather all supplies. Basecoat the outside of the paper plate with purple acrylic craft paint. Let dry, and apply a second coat, if necessary.
STEP TWO
Fold the bottom edge of the paper plate up to the inner circle and crease the fold. Cut along the fold line with scissors.
STEP THREE
Download and print the octopus patterns, then cut out with scissors. Trace each of the eight arms once onto purple cardstock with a pencil.
You could also use colored craft foam, construction paper, or craft felt for this project.
STEP FOUR
Cut out the octopus arms with scissors making sure to cut inside the traced lines for a clean, finished project.
STEP FIVE
Using the photo as a guide, dry fit the eight arms around the bottom of the paper plate, then attach them with a glue gun and glue sticks.
PRO TIP: You can use liquid craft glue for this project, but you will have to wait for it to dry.
STEP SIX
To create the suckers by dipping a new pencil eraser into light purple acrylic craft paint and stamping down the length of each arm. Let paint dry. You could also use small buttons or pom poms to create the suckers.
STEP SEVEN
Attach two wiggle eyes to the paper plate octopus with a glue gun and glue sticks.
STEP EIGHT
Create cheeks by dipping a round sponge dabber in pink acrylic craft paint and stamping on either side of the octopus’s face. Let paint dry.
STEP NINE
To finish, draw a mouth from cheek to cheek on the paper plate octopus with a permanent black marker.
Tips
- Paint the paper plate before cutting it for easier coverage.
- Let the paint dry completely before attaching the arms.
- Count the arms together as you glue them on for a little math practice.
- If working with younger children, cut the arms ahead of time.
- Add glitter or sequins for an extra sparkly ocean creature.
Fun Ways to Customize Your Octopus
- Paint it pink, blue, orange, or rainbow colors.
- Add glitter paint for a sparkly sea creature.
- Use metallic markers to create shiny tentacles.
- Give your octopus funny eyebrows or different facial expressions.
- Add a bow, pirate hat, or tiny crown.
- Make a whole family of octopuses in different sizes.
FAQs
Can I use construction paper instead of cardstock?
Yes! Construction paper, craft foam, or felt all work well for the arms.
What age is this craft best for?
Children ages 4 and up can enjoy this project with adult assistance. Older children can complete most of it independently.
Can I use white school glue instead of a glue gun?
Absolutely. White craft glue works well, although you’ll need to allow extra drying time.
Can we make different colored octopuses?
Definitely! Try blue, teal, pink, orange, or rainbow-colored octopuses for a fun twist.
How long does this craft take?
Plan on about 30 minutes, plus a little extra drying time for the paint.
Can I use a different size paper plate?
Yes! A standard dinner-size paper plate works best, but smaller plates can be used to make baby octopuses. Just remember to shorten the arms to keep the proportions looking right.
This cheerful Paper Plate Octopus Craft proves that you don’t need expensive supplies to create something fun. With just a paper plate, cardstock, paint, and a few Dollar Store basics, kids can create an adorable ocean friend they’ll be proud to display.
If you make one, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Be sure to leave a comment below and share your finished octopus on social media by tagging Creative Cynchronicity.
Looking for more easy kids’ crafts?
- Browse our Dollar Store crafts for kids
- Explore our Ocean Crafts
- See all our Paper Plate Crafts
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