Whales! These majestic giants of the ocean capture the imagination of children young and old. Their playful spirit, impressive size, and beautiful songs make them a popular theme for arts and crafts.
Whether you’re looking for a rainy day activity, a project for a classroom ocean unit, or a fun way to celebrate a trip to the aquarium, there’s a perfect whale craft out there for you and your little ones.
This ultimate guide dives into 23 creative whale crafts, catering to a variety of ages and skill levels.
From simple paper plate crafts to more intricate projects, get ready to unleash your inner artist and explore the underwater world!
Egg Carton Whale:
Transform a recycled egg carton into a charming whale! Cut out an oval for the body, paint it blue, and add googly eyes and a yarn spout. Bonus points for glitter scales!
Fingerprint Whales:
This adorable craft is perfect for toddlers. Let your child dip their thumb in blue paint and press it onto paper to create the whale’s body. Then add a black fingerprint for the eye and a red one for the mouth.
Sock Puppet Whale:
Give an old sock a new life! Cut out a whale shape from the sock and decorate it with fabric scraps for the eye and mouth. Add a popsicle stick for a handle, and your child has a cuddly and interactive whale puppet.
Cupcake Liner Whale:
Cupcake liners make the perfect base for a quick and colorful whale craft. Cut a whale shape from a blue liner and glue it onto a piece of construction paper. Decorate with markers and glitter for a vibrant ocean scene.
Spray Bottle Whales:
Let your little ones unleash their inner Jackson Pollocks! Fill a spray bottle with diluted blue paint and let them “paint” a whale shape on paper. The splatters will create a unique and impressive whale design.
Preschool Fun (Ages 4-6):
Paper Plate Whale:
This classic craft is always a hit. Cut a whale shape from a paper plate and paint it blue. Add details like a black eye, a white belly, and a yarn spout. Punch a hole in the top and tie a string to create a charming whale mobile.
Pop-Up Whale Card:
Make a card that pops with personality! Fold a piece of construction paper in half. Cut out a whale shape from one side and glue it to the inside so it pops up when the card is opened. Decorate the front of the card with ocean scenery and a message.
Paper Bag Whale Puppet:
Brown paper bags become friendly whales with a little creativity! Cut out a whale shape from the bag and decorate it with paint, markers, and construction paper fins. Add googly eyes and a yarn spout for extra play value.
Yarn-Wrapped Whale:
Transform a cardboard tube from toilet paper or paper towels into a beautiful whale. Wrap the tube with yarn in various shades of blue. Cut out fins and a tail from construction paper and glue them on.
Bubble Wrap Whale Print:
Who knew bubble wrap could be so artistic? Cut a whale shape from cardboard and let your child “paint” it with blue paint on bubble wrap. The bubbles will create a cool textured effect.
Elementary Extravaganza (Ages 7-9):
Origami Whale:
Folding paper into a 3D whale is a fun challenge for older kids. There are many origami whale tutorials available online with varying difficulty levels. For a beginner option, try a simple origami “box” whale.
Stained Glass Whale:
Create a dazzling effect with a stained glass whale craft! Use colored tissue paper cut into small squares to create the whale’s body on a clear contact paper sheet. Hang it in the window for a beautiful ocean scene.
Salt Dough Whale:
Salt dough is a versatile and inexpensive material for crafting. Mix flour, salt, and water to create dough and then sculpt a whale shape. Decorate it with buttons or beads for the eyes and bake it until hardened.
Recycled Plastic Bottle Whale:
Give a new life to a plastic bottle! Cut the bottle in half and shape it into a whale. Paint it blue and decorate it with markers or construction paper for fins and details.
Melted Crayon Whale:
This craft combines science and art! Grate crayons in various shades of blue and sprinkle them onto a white canvas. Use a hairdryer to melt the crayons, creating a vibrant and unique whale design.
Dive Deeper: Crafting Adventures for Tweens and Teens (Ages 10+)
Nature Whale Collage:
Embrace the beauty of nature with a collage! Collect natural materials like leaves, twigs, and pebbles. Use these elements to create a textured whale design on cardboard or canvas.
Sewn Fabric Whale:
For crafty teens, a sewn fabric whale is a fun project. Use felt or other fabric scraps to create different colored pieces for the whale’s body and fins. Sew them together to create a soft and cuddly whale toy.
Paper Mache Whale:
Transform a balloon into a magnificent 3D whale! Blow up a balloon and cover it with strips of paper dipped in a flour and water paste. Once dry, pop the balloon and paint your paper mache whale.
Newspaper Whale Sculpture:
Turn recycled newspapers into a stunning whale sculpture! Crumple newspaper sheets to create the whale’s body shape. Secure them with tape and masking tape. Cover the sculpture with paper mache and paint it for a unique ocean centerpiece.
Clay Whale:
Sculpting with clay allows for creative freedom. Use modeling clay or air-dry clay to mold a realistic or whimsical whale. Add details like barnacles or textured fins for extra realism.
Whale Learning & Activities:
Life-Size Cardboard Whale:
Feeling adventurous? Create a life-size whale out of cardboard boxes! This is a great collaborative project for a classroom or group activity. Paint the whale and decorate it with facts and information about whales.
Whale Migration Map:
Learn about whale migration patterns with a creative map! Use a large piece of paper or fabric to create a world map. Trace the migration routes of different whale species with yarn or ribbons. Mark the feeding and breeding grounds with colorful pins or stickers.
DIY Whale Show:
Put on a whale show in your living room! Research different types of whales and create costumes or puppets for each one. Write a short script about whales and their ocean environment. Perform your show for family and friends!
Bonus Tips:
- Gather your materials beforehand. Having everything on hand keeps the crafting process smooth and avoids frustration.
- Protect your workspace with newspaper or a tablecloth, especially for younger children.
- Let your child’s creativity flow! Don’t be afraid to get messy and experiment with different techniques.
- Most importantly, have fun! Crafting with your child is a great way to bond, learn, and create lasting memories.
So, there you have it! With 23 creative whale crafts to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect project to spark your child’s imagination and celebrate the wonders of the ocean. Set sail on a crafting adventure and dive deep into the world of whales!
