Engage kids in a fun and educational crafting activity with our DIY guide for paper plate jellyfish. Perfect for ocean-themed parties, school projects, or quality family time. Transform simple materials into whimsical decorations that bring the beauty of the ocean home. Dive into a memorable crafting adventure!

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This adorable paper plate jellyfish craft is a great way for kids of all ages to have lots of fun making these ocean animals.

This paper plate jellyfish craft is perfect for spending some good time with your creative kiddo and having fun. They're so easy to make that even new crafters can get in on the action.

Are you ready to bring the ocean's shimmering fairies into your homes? Let's get started.

Ocean Craft for Kids

Kids are mesmerized by ocean animals - sea horses, sharks, and jellyfish. It is why my favorite summer craft to do with mine always involves a paper plate jellyfish! This easy and fun paper plate craft is perfect for kids of all ages.

Depending on your child's age, you can also make this craft educational. Tell them more about a jellyfish's life, how they live, and what they eat. I have some facts you can share with your little genius.

Fun Facts About Jellyfish

There are glow-in-the-dark jellyfish in the world
Jellyfish have no brains, bones, or hearts
They are made of 95% water
Sharks and sea turtles make quick meals out of jellyfish

Don't miss our other Jellyfish Fun including our How to Draw a Jellyfish.

Tips and Tricks for Paper Plate Crafts

Failed and messy craft projects can be a bummer. It makes kids sad, and it's a waste of material too. So, to make sure you get everything right, I have a few tips for you:

Make sure the paper plate is dry. If it's too wet, the paint will not stick.
Use non-toxic and washable markers and paint. This way, it's safe for your kids to touch the art supplies.
Make sure your child is wearing an art smock or apron. This way, the paint won't get on their clothes.

Check out these other Paper Plate Crafts!

Shark Craft

Fish Craft

Frog Craft

Paper Plate Bird Feeder

Fox Craft

What Variations Can I Try?

All the crafts I share on my website are easy to tweak. If you're out of a material, you can use substitute material without worrying about the result.

Here are some ways to play around with this one:

If you don't have googly eyes, you can use a black marker to draw directly on the paper plate
You can use patterned color plates and paint them in a single color
Use whatever painting technique your kid likes
You can trace your child's hand or use a printable template of a handprint

Benefits of Craft for Kids

Parents want to make "productive" use of their child's time. They want them to learn along the way. And so, crafting might not seem like the perfect idea. But that's only a myth. Crafting isn't only fun and games. It has a lot of benefits.

First, it is a way to polish your child's fine motor skills. They learn how to hold pencils, use scissors and paste things. As well as maintain their concentration and focus. They learn to stay on task and complete their project without losing interest or motivation halfway.

Crafting can also help teach kids basic principles such as patience, following instructions, and problem-solving.

Jellyfish Paper Plate Craft Supplies

Paper plates
Cardstock - assorted colors
Acrylic paint - your color of choice
Googly eyes, large
Scissors
Glue stick

How To Make Paper Plate Jellyfish

Begin by painting a paper plate in your color of choice. The apparent color choices are pinks, purples, or blues, but you can paint in whatever color you’d like. We chose magenta. Let the paint dry completely.

trace hands on paper for handprint jellyfish

Now, while the plate is drying, trace a handprint on the cardstock in your choice of colors. You will need 3 handprints in 3 different colors.

Cut out the handprints.

When the paint on the paper plate is dry, cut the plate in half.

glue hands to back of half paper plate jellyfish

Glue the 3 handprints to the bottom flat edge of one-half of the cut paper plate.

Finally, glue large googly eyes in place.

With the other half of the paper plate, it’s now easy to make another jellyfish! Life always swims better with buddies!

Other Fun Ocean Activities You'll Enjoy

Paper Plate Jellyfish

Course Kids Crafts

Cook Time 30

Total Time 30

Servings Paper Plate Jellyfish

Author Alli Ward

Equipment

Scissors

Ingredients

Instructions

Begin by painting a paper plate in your color of choice. The apparent color choices are pinks, purples, or blues, but you can paint in whatever color you’d like. We chose magenta. Let the paint dry completely.
Now, while the plate is drying, trace a handprint on the cardstock in your choice of colors. You will need 3 handprints in 3 different colors.
Cut out the handprints.
When the paint on the paper plate is dry, cut the plate in half.
Glue the 3 handprints to the bottom flat edge of one-half of the cut paper plate.
Finally, glue large googly eyes in place.
With the other half of the paper plate, it’s now easy to make another jellyfish! Life always swims better with buddies!