Summer brings long afternoons, bright sunshine, and plenty of time for indoor and outdoor fun. When the midday sun gets a little too warm, bring the excitement inside with a cool, colorful project. Summer is here, so let’s get our creativity swimming!
This Crepe Paper and Thumbprint Fish Paint Brush craft is a simple, engaging activity that brings the ocean right to your kitchen table. It combines bright summer colors with hands-on sensory play. You and your little ones will love creating this vibrant underwater masterpiece to hang on the refrigerator.
Craft Supplies You Need
We are going to paint the colors of the ocean on paper! Gather these simple materials before you sit down to craft:
- Summer Paint Brush Printable – from our landing page
- White Cardstock Paper
- Light Blue Cardstock Paper
- Crayons, Markers or Coloring Pencils
- Crepe Paper {two shades of blue}
- Craft Scissors
- Glue Stick or School Glue
- Washable Ink Pads {we used pink and orange}
Directions:
Set up a crafting area where kids can work comfortably. Cover the table with a plastic tablecloth or kraft paper to keep things mess-free. Encourage your little artists to wear an apron or an old t-shirt to protect their clothes.
- First things first, grab the free “summer paint brush” file {listed above in the supply list} and print it out on white cardstock paper.
- Use your crayons to color in the brush design.
- Now trim it out with scissors, along with the text box. Set the pieces aside for now.
- Next, it’s time for the thumbprint FISH! Have the kids press their index finger on the ink pad, then on another sheet of blue cardstock paper. Once they’re finished, help them decorate each one to look like a fish. Set it aside for now.
- Now for the “paint” in the craft. Cut or tear the crepe paper into small, irregular pieces. Aim for pieces around 2-3 inches in size. If kids are old enough, they can do the tearing themselves, which is a great way to develop fine motor skills.
- Give each child a sheet of light blue construction paper. Using glue, have them randomly place the crepe paper pieces across the page to create a colorful, textured background. Encourage overlapping pieces to add depth and vibrancy.
- After placing the crepe paper, assist them in gluing the paintbrush cutout, making it look like the “paint” is flowing from the brush.
- To finish the Crepe Paper Ocean & Paint Brush Activity, have kids trim out their fish designs from earlier. Help them glue them all over the crepe paper design. The goal is to mimic the look of fish swimming in the crepe paper “water.”
- Now you can stop here or add any other embellishments you see fit, to give it your own personal spin!
- Then display your Crepe Paper Paint Brush and Fingerprint Fish Craft proudly for ALL to see!!
RELATED —> Handprint Fish Bowl Keepsake
This Crepe Paper and Thumbprint Fish Paint Brush craft is a wonderful way to celebrate the sunny season. It lets your kids dive into art while keeping the mess totally manageable.
We hope you try this fun activity with your family. Gather your supplies, clear off the table, and let your imagination swim wild!
