Storybook Summer post by Tonya of Create-Celebrate-Explore.

My kids love everything about the ocean.  I’m not sure if it’s because we live in California and spend a lot of time at the beach, or whether it could be from visiting numerous aquariums.  One of their many sea life books on their playroom bookshelf is See Under the Sea by Kate Davies.  It explores the coral reefs, and dives deep down into the ocean to explore the creatures that live there, and as an added bonus, it’s a flap book, so kids get extra special surprises as they delve into the deep waters.

Here are some fun crafts for little ones who love under the sea adventures.

PAPER CRAFTS

The twins made these in Kinder as part of their sea life study.  The top picture is a crayon drawing, painted over with watercolors, then we attached images of the kids as deep sea divers exploring the the deep blue sea they had created.

The crab, and whale are simple paper crafts.  These were helping the kids with their scissor skills, and then attaching paper in the correct spaces to create the images.

AQUARIUM DIORAMA

Aquarium diorama’s are very popular with kids and are simple and fun to make.   All you need to create these are:

• 2 paper plates
• a sheet of clear plastic or vinyl
• foam sea life stickers
• glue
• sand (we used a little from the sandpit in our backyard)
• Blue paint and brushes

Cut a hole in one of the paper plates and have your child paint both with blue paint.  Once dry, have them attach the sand using glue, then work their way up, adding the plants, then sea creatures.  Staple the clear plastic to the inside of the paper plate with the hole, then staple both plates together.

Don’t forget a special under the sea themed treat for your little crafters.

PARTY TREATS

We had a lot of fun making these, and used an assortment of items, but the primary things you need are blue jell-o and plastic souffle cups.

Some of the jell-o cups we placed candy sharks and swedish fish in once the jell-o had begun to set.  For the others, I spread a little Cool Whip on half the ocean, then topped with crushed Graham Crackers to create waves and sand.  We made the starfish and shells by melting candy melts and pouring them into shell candy molds.  We topped a few with fun cocktail umbrella’s and placed little glass marker mermaid’s in the water swimming to the surface.

I hope your kids love these fun under the sea themed crafts and treats.  Have a wonderful summer everyone, and I hope you continue to enjoy the rest of the Storybook Summer series.

Tonya Staab is a freelance writer, and the creative mind behind Create-Celebrate-Explore where she shares craft tutorials, recipes, party planning, decorating, and travel tips.  She has three kids (twin kindergarteners and a teen) and can often be found covered in flour and glitter.