Easy Paper Bag Jelly Fish Craft for Kids
Kids will love creating their very own colorful sea creatures with this Easy Paper Bag Jelly Fish Craft! It’s a simple, hands-on project that’s perfect for preschoolers and young crafters who want to celebrate summer! You can also use this little craft for learning more about the ocean and with under the sea themes.
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With just a few basic supplies, little ones can design, decorate, and play with their new jellyfish friends. Follow along for easy, step-by-step instructions that turn craft time into a fun, ocean-themed adventure!
For more sea fun, see our Easy Octopus Toilet Paper Roll Craft and these 19+ Easy DIY Fish Crafts for Kids.
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📌What You’ll Need
Paintbrush
Water
Scissors
Googly eyes
Black marker
Pencil
✨How to Make a Paper Bag Jelly Fish
Step 1: Paint the Bag
Start by painting your paper bag with watercolor paints. You can stick to one color or blend a few together for a fun, ocean-inspired look. Set the bag aside and let it dry completely before moving on.
Step 2: Add the Eyes
Once the paint is dry, glue two googly eyes near the top flap of the bag.
Step 3: Plan Your Tentacles
Use a pencil to lightly mark out where you’ll cut the tentacles. This helps keep the strips even and gives a nice, full look.
Step 4: Cut the Tentacles
With scissors, cut wavy or curved strips from the bottom edge of the bag upward. Stop cutting once you reach the folded base of the bag. Keep going until you’ve made 6–8 tentacles (or more if you want a super fringe-y jellyfish!).
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Add a little mouth if you didn’t earlier and fluff out the tentacles.
Your jellyfish is ready to swim into your next sea-themed craft session!
💡Helpful Tips
- Use thicker paper bags to prevent tearing when painting or cutting the tentacles.
- Try a plastic placemat or tray under the bag while painting to keep surfaces clean and mess-free.
- Let kids mix colors! Watercolors blend beautifully, and the dried effect gives each jellyfish a unique, ocean-y vibe.
- Pre-cut tentacles if you’re working with toddlers or younger kids who aren’t confident with scissors yet.
- Want extra movement? Lightly curl the tentacle strips around a pencil to give them a fun, wavy look.
- Add embellishments: Try sequins, glitter glue, or stickers to give your jellyfish a little sparkle.
- Hang them up: Use string or clothespins to turn finished jellyfish into a colorful under-the-sea classroom display or mobile!
And that’s it — your cute little jellyfish are ready to swim around! This craft is such an easy, fun way to keep the kids busy and creative. Hope you had as much fun making them as we did! Can’t wait to see what you’ll craft next.
Easy Jelly Fish Craft for Kids
Supplies & Materials
- Paper lunch bags
- Watercolor paints and brush
- Googly eyes
- Black marker
- Pencil
- Scissors
- Glue
Instructions
- Paint the paper bag with watercolors and let it dry completely.
- Glue two googly eyes to the top flap of the bag. Optional: Draw a mouth or smile underneath with a marker.
- Use a pencil to mark even spaces for tentacles along the bottom edge of the bag.
- Cut curved strips from the bottom up toward the folded base. Stop just before the fold.
- Add any final details like a face or extra decorations.
