Looking for a fun and colourful ocean-themed craft to make with the kids? This DIY Jellyfish Craft is a brilliant way to transform everyday recycled materials into a magical under-the-sea decoration. Using a recycled plastic lid, colourful pipe cleaners, ribbons and sparkly crystal embellishments, you can create a beautiful jellyfish that looks like it's floating through the ocean.
Perfect for rainy afternoons, school holiday activities or an under-the-sea themed crafting session, this recycled craft is simple to make and full of opportunities for creativity. Best of all, every jellyfish can be completely unique!
Difficulty: Easy
Time: Approximately 20-30 minutes
Perfect for: Kids' crafts, ocean-themed activities, recycled crafts, school holiday fun and classroom displays.
What You'll Need
- • A recycled plastic lid
- • Pipe cleaners in two different colours
- • Ribbon
- • Scissors
- • A pen
- • Crystal embellishments
- • String for hanging
How to Make a Recycled Jellyfish
1. Create the Jellyfish Body
Start by taking your recycled plastic lid. This will become the body of your jellyfish. Not only is this a fantastic way to reuse materials you already have at home, but it also forms the perfect shape for your sea creature.
2. Add the Tentacles
Choose two pipe cleaners in contrasting colours. Take the first pair and wrap them over and around the edge of the lid, creating the start of your jellyfish's tentacles.
3. Secure Them in Place
Twist the ends of the two pipe cleaners together firmly to secure them. These colourful strands will form the jellyfish's flowing tentacles.
4. Continue Around the Lid
Keep adding pairs of pipe cleaners around the entire edge of the lid, alternating between your chosen colours. Continue until the whole lid is covered and your jellyfish has plenty of tentacles ready to drift through the imaginary ocean.
5. Add Colourful Ribbons
Cut ribbons into a variety of lengths to create movement and texture. Tie the ribbons onto the pipe cleaner tentacles, mixing colours and lengths for a fun, flowing effect. The ribbons will help your jellyfish sway and shimmer when it's hanging up.
6. Create Curly, Wiggly Tentacles
For a realistic jellyfish look, gently wrap each pipe cleaner around a pen. Carefully slide the pen out and watch the pipe cleaner spring into a curly shape. Repeat for all the tentacles to create a wonderful wavy effect.
7. Add Some Sparkle
Now for the finishing touches! Decorate your jellyfish with crystal embellishments, attaching them to both the tentacles and the pipe cleaner-wrapped lid. The sparkles will catch the light beautifully and make your jellyfish look extra magical.
Finally, attach a piece of string to the top of the jellyfish and hang it up. Display your colourful creation in a bedroom, playroom or classroom to bring a splash of ocean-inspired fun indoors.
Why You'll Love This Jellyfish Craft
This easy jellyfish craft is a wonderful way to encourage creativity while giving recycled materials a new lease of life. Children can experiment with different colour combinations, ribbon lengths and embellishments to create their own unique sea creatures.
Whether you're exploring an ocean topic, looking for a recycled craft for kids, or simply searching for a fun afternoon activity, this sparkly DIY jellyfish is sure to make a splash!
