Check out this ocean theme paper craft that doubles as a cool STEAM activity too! Our ocean craft is a terrific way to explore how 3D images can be created. Take your two dimensional ocean activities up a notch with our printable 3D under the sea template. Create an ocean paper craft project that is perfect for older kids too!
How To Make 3D Art
What is 3D art and craft all about? A three dimensional craft explores height, width, and depth in the space that it occupies. There are two important processes for creating a 3D craft. These processes are called additive and subtractive (there’s a bit of math for your STEAM)!
Additive is the process of using your materials to build up the craft, Subtractive is the process of removing pieces of material to create depth. This 3D ocean paper craft uses the additive process to build up the materials and create the three dimensional effect.
More 3D art characteristics include balance, proportion, and rhythm which you will see as you build this ocean craft! Rhythm refers to the repetitive lines or shapes which you can see with the frames. Balance is how the pieces work with one another (not stand up) and proportion is all about how the elements work with one another and look like they belong together.
The frames you will create are also considered forms. They are solid, geometric shapes or organic shapes that take-up space and create volume and mass for the project. More awesome math to add into your ocean STEAM project!
FREE Printable Ocean Activities Guide!
Under The Sea 3D Paper Craft
Supplies:
- Ocean printable
- Colored cardstock papers
- Craft foam sheets
- Pencil
- Scissors
- X-acto knife
- Craft glue
Instructions:
Step 1: Select 5 different shades of blue colored craft paper or cardstock. Decide how you want to layer the papers. We went from light to dark.
Trace the layer and background on the chosen colored papers. Cut out the middle parts of the top layer using an xacto knife.
Step 2: Keeping the final background paper intact cut the middle traced parts for the rest of the layers. Arrange the prepared layers accordingly to check the layouts.
Step 3: Grab the background paper and cut out a 1 cm thin bordered frame (same height and width as the background).
Step 4: Attach the frame with the background paper, making sure that all 4 sides of the paper and the frame are matched nicely.
Step 5: Place and glue the 1st layer (with the smallest middle cutout) on the top of the frame attached to the background.
Step 6: One by one, glue the next frame and then the next layer to complete the 3d underwater layer craft.
Step 7: Select different colored cardstock papers and craft papers. Trace the underwater items (plants, fishes etc.) and cut them out using scissors. Attach googly eyes to the paper fishes, use black marker to trace details on them and other items.
Step 8: Glue the underwater paper plants between the water layers.
Step 9: Attach the paper fishes to the layers and you have a fun ocean theme paper craft!
More Fun Ocean Activities
Check out our list of ocean crafts and ocean science experiments, as well as ocean activities that are perfect for preschoolers.
- Glowing Jellyfish Craft
- Blubber Science Experiment
- Salt Dough Starfish
- Salt Watercolor Ocean Painting
- Ocean Waves Activity
- Map The Ocean Floor
Printable Ocean STEM Project Pack
Perfect for kids in Kindergarten through Upper Elementary School! Grab this Ocean printable project pack and read the reviews!
- 10+ Ocean theme science activities with journal pages, supply lists, set up and process, and science information. Easy to set up, fun, and fit into your available time, even if it’s limited!
- 10+ Printable Ocean STEM challenges that are simple but engaging for home or classroom.
- Engaging Ocean theme activities include a tide pool pack, oil spill pack, marine food chain pack, and more!
- Ocean Theme STEM Story and challenges perfect for going on a STEM adventure in the classroom!
- Learn about Jacques Cousteau with a workbook activity
- Explore the ocean layers and create an ocean layer jar!
- Ocean Extras include I-Spy pages, bingo games, coloring sheets, and more for early finishers!
- BONUS: Ocean Science Camp Week Pullout (note some duplicate activities but organized for convenience)
- BONUS: Ocean STEM Challenge Calendar Pullout (note some duplicate activities but organized for convenience)
