Make a Splash with this adorable Paper Plate Octopus, a fun and easy kids craft where colorful paper chains become wiggly tentacles!

Paper Plate Octopus Craft

This colorful octopus craft is giving me all the summer vibes! The tentacles are made from a rainbow of paper chains, so they actually wiggle and move like a real octopus!

This easy paper plate craft can be made by a wide range of ages. Preschoolers and younger kids can make this with a little help (perhaps the grown-ups pre-cut the paper strips). Older kids can handle it by themselves and can get creative decorating, giving the octopus its own unique look and personality!

I’ve always loved paper crafts because you don’t have to run out to the store to buy a lot of expensive supplies. You can make this paper plate octopus craft with simple supplies that you might already have on hand: a paper plate, construction paper, scissors, etc.

So let’s get started!

Supplies:

For your convenience in creating this craft, we’ve included shop-able ad links to some of the products used; disclosure policy available here.

Paper Plate
Craft Paint
Cardstock (in assorted colors)
Large Googly Eyes
Stapler or Tape
Scissors

Instructions

Paint the top surface of the paper plate in your favorite color of craft paint. Allow to dry completely, then glue google eyes at the top of the plate.
While the paint is drying, cut 1 inch strips of different colors of cardstock. You will need 8 different colors of cardstock, one color for each of the 8 octopus tentacles. You can make the tentacles as long or short as you like; we used 6 strips (loops) for each tentacle.
Staple the ends of one strip around the bottom edge of the paper plate. Repeat until you have the beginning loop (start of each tentacle) of each color attached to the plate.
Start with the first color and bring another strip of paper through the initial loop and staple or tape the ends together to form a second loop in the chain. Continue until you have created all 8 chains, for 8 colorful tentacles.

Prep Tips

Paint – You can use any color of paint that you like for this craft. We used a bright purple that matched one of the colors of cardstock. If making with small kids, I recommend using washable craft paint in case they get any paint on hands, clothes, etc.
Paper – Either cardstock or construction paper will work for this craft. We secured the loops with staples because it is fast, but smaller kids may use tape or glue, or have an adult help with making the loops.
Eyes – You can use any size you like for the googly eyes, but anywhere in the 2 inch – 3 inch range would probably fit best. They also make self-adhesive eyes which would be really easy for kids to work with. If you don’t have googly eyes on hand and want to go ahead and get crafting, you can cut eyes out of white cardstock and draw the pupils with marker.

More Easy Paper Crafts For Kids

Printable Directions

If you tried this craft and had fun, please rate it!

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