Paint Splat Dolphin Craft Idea For Kids

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UPDATE FOR 2026 - To reduce storage costs and download fees, we recently made some changes to our website. The password for all our files this year is GLUEDTOMYCRAFTS2026. No sign-up is required to download our free printables! You can enjoy our printables without creating an account or paying for Box.com. Simply follow the download instructions on our FAQ PAGE.

Summer is the perfect season to dive into fun and creative projects with your kids. Ocean-themed crafts bring the magic of the beach right to your kitchen table.

Our new paint splat dolphin craft is a wonderful way to spend a sunny afternoon indoors. It combines easy art techniques with cute sea creatures to create a beautiful masterpiece your little ones will proudly display.

This project uses a highly engaging “smoosh” painting method. It is practically mess-free and provides an exciting reveal for kids of all ages.

Craft Supplies:

To get started on this underwater adventure, gather the following supplies:

Dolphin Printable – on box.com – password is GLUEDTOMYCRAFTS2026
White Cardstock Paper
Crayons, Markers or Coloring Pencils
Scissors
Light Cardstock Paper
Blue Tulip Puffy Paint
School Glue
Small Googly Eyes

UPDATE FOR 2026 – To reduce storage costs and download fees, we recently made some changes to our website. The password for all our files this year is GLUEDTOMYCRAFTS2026. Our printables are still free to you. Please see our FAQ page for more info on downloading our free files.

Directions:

First print the free DOLPHIN printable listed above on a single sheet of white cardstock paper.
Color in and cut out one of the dolphin designs from the printable. Set it aside.
Now grab your blue cardstock paper.
Fold it in half {either direction works!}
Now unfold and squirt some light blue & dark blue fabric paint on one side of the paper. Just a few squiggles will do. Just be sure to keep the paint inside the paper and not to close to the open edge. Also, less is more!
Once the paint is down, go ahead and carefully fold up/squish your piece of paper together again.
Rub your hand all over the folded piece, so the paint will make a symmetrical splat inside.
Now carefully unfold your piece to reveal your “water” design.
If desired, sprinkle some loose craft glitter on top of the wet puffy paint design.
To finish the swimming dolphin craft – glue the dolphin cutout in place, on top of the paint splatter design. It should now look like the dolphin is swimming in the water.
When you are done crafting, set aside to let it dry completely before displaying proudly.

RELATED —> Paper Plate Dolphin Craft Idea For Kids

We hope you have a fantastic time making this ocean-themed project together! Crafting isn’t just about creating something beautiful – it’s about building lasting memories through laughter, imagination, and hands-on fun. Every swirl of paint and each playful detail become little moments you and your loved ones will remember for years to come.

Share your unique paint splat dolphins with us on social media by tagging @GluedToMyCrafts – we genuinely love seeing all the creative ways you bring these ideas to life! Happy crafting, my friends!