Ahoy, ocean lovers – it’s World Ocean Day!

Every year on June 8th we celebrate the deep blue seas that cover over 70% of our Earth. It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn more about marine life, explore the wonders beneath the waves and discover ways we can help protect our oceans!

Here at eatsleepdoodle, we’re huge fans of all things aquatic – so we figured what better time than today to launch our brand-new under the sea color-in tablecloth!

From wonderful whales and delightful dolphins to curious crabs and awesome octopuses – there’s so much marine life to color in and explore! Plus, with fin-tastic facts and a matching under the sea learning resource page, it’s perfect for hours of creative fun and ocean-themed education. And, as with all our products, it's reusable! Simply pop the tablecloth in the wash and the magic ink disappears – ready to be colored in again and again!

 

Unfortunately though, it’s not all smooth sailing for our oceans. From plastic pollution and oil spills to climate change and overfishing, marine life continues to face serious threats. Millions of tons of plastic waste end up in the ocean each year, harming fish, seabirds, turtles and other wildlife. On top of that, rising ocean temperatures and damaged ecosystems also put fragile, yet vital, habitats like coral reefs at risk. So, as we dive into another World Ocean Day, it’s more important than ever to take action!

As a brand committed to sustainability, we’re passionate about protecting our blue planet and all the amazing creatures that call it home. We're working hard to reduce our environmental impact – including our ongoing commitment to moving all our products to plastic-free packaging – and encouraging small everyday changes that make a big difference. You can read more about our sustainability efforts and actions you can take here!

So, to celebrate World Ocean Day and encourage creative yet sustainable fun, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite eco-friendly ocean crafts for kids – all making use of recycled or everyday household and craft materials you probably already have lying around at home!

 

Paper Plate Fish

Turn a simple paper plate into a colorful underwater pal! This super easy craft is perfect for little ones – all you need are paper plates, some paints or coloring pens and a bit of snipping and sticking.

Whether they recreate their favorite fishy characters, mix and match patterns and colors or dream up their very own ocean creatures, kids can let their imaginations set sail as they get creative and celebrate all things under the sea!

 

Egg Carton Whales

Who knew egg cartons could be so splash-tastic? With a lick of paint, some snipped-out fins and a curly felt tip water spout, your leftover cartons can be transformed into the most adorable mini whales! Whether you're making just one or a whole pod, this upcycled craft is a whale of a time and a fab way to reuse materials you already have at home.

Bonus points if your whales come in all colors of the rainbow!

 

DIY Cardboard Stingray

Simple, speedy and seriously cute – this stingray craft is perfect for even the littlest ocean explorers! All you need is some cardboard (cereal boxes work a treat!) and a trusty toilet roll tube to build your very own swooping stingray. It’s the ultimate eco-friendly make: fun to decorate, fab to play with and completely recyclable when the adventure is over. A craft that is shelf-worthy and sustainable? Yes please!

 

Plastic Bottle Fish

Turn trash into treasure with this creative upcycle! Grab an old plastic bottle, snip off the end (grown-up supervision recommended!) then simply pinch and staple to create a super effective fish-shaped friend to decorate!

Plus, you can also go plastic-free and use a toilet roll instead – easy, fun and even more eco-friendly!

Once finished, they’re perfect for a whole host of different uses. Whether you attach to a stick and turn your fish into puppets, add some string to make a funky ocean mobile or simply show off your masterpiece, the possibilities are endless!

 

Layers of the Ocean Chalk Art

Dive into learning and creativity with this outdoor ocean-inspired activity! Using our handy layers of the ocean resource page, kids can create their own colorful diagram showing the ocean’s depths and doodle their favorite sea creatures.

A brilliant way to get outside and combine arty fun with learning, it all disappears with a bit of rain.

Or, if they’d prefer their masterpiece to last a little longer, our color-in under the sea pillowcase is the perfect upgrade! With our signature wash-out fabric pens, they’ll still have the freedom to wash it all away and start again – just without leaving this decision up to mother nature!

 

Cereal Box Aquarium

Transform an everyday cereal box into a magical underwater world! With a bit of cutting, a splash of coloring and a wash of creativity, kids can turn this humble box into their very own 3D aquarium, filled with fishy friends, coral reefs, seaweed and maybe even a sneaky shark or two! It’s a brilliant way to get crafty with recycled materials, use up craft scraps and makes a fab display for any ocean lover’s room!

 

Pom Pom Turtle

If you’re looking for something cute, look no further – this craft is turtle-y adorable!

Not only do kids get to make their very own fluffy turtle friend, but they’ll also learn how to create a pom pom from scratch – double the fun! Simply add the cardboard body complete with a smiley face and flippers and you’ve got yourself a turtle buddy who’s ready to waddle into any adventure!

 

Paint Your Own Rock Fish

Who knew a few pebbles could be so fin-tastic? This super simple craft turns everyday rocks into a whole shoal of colorful fishy friends! Great for outdoor play or decorating the garden, they’re fun to make and even more fun to keep. We especially love how all ages can take part in this activity, making it perfect for the whole family to get involved in the fun!

Bonus tip: use waterproof paint and a dab of varnish to help your rock pals weather the elements and stay looking fabulous for years to come!

 

Blow Painting Ocean

Ready to make some waves?

This playful painting technique uses air to swirl paint across your canvas, creating a stunning ocean effect that’s totally unique every time. Using just a straw, some water and a few shades of blue and white paint, you’ll be blown away by how a little puffing can create a picture that looks just like crashing ocean waves!

And with very little skill required, all ages can have a go – though, like the real ocean, things might get a little splashy, so we recommend laying down some newspaper to catch the spills!

Not only is this craft super fun and easy, but you’ll be left with a gorgeous, one-of-a-kind seascape that you’ll be proud to hang on the wall!

 

Shell Trinket Dishes

This last one is perfect for older kids, teens and grown-up crafters alike – and the end result is so pretty, you’ll want to keep it on display!

Despite looking like something from a boutique gift shop, these gorgeous trinket dishes are surprisingly simple to make. All you need is a patterned napkin you love, a shell and a little decoupage magic. Add a hint of gold around the edges for that extra wow-factor, seal it all up and ta-da – you’ve got a beautiful handmade décor piece that no one will believe you've made yourself! These make fabulous handmade gifts too – if you can bear to give them away!

 

We hope you’ve loved this round-up of ocean-inspired crafts as much as we’ve loved creating it! From playful pom pom turtles to beautiful shell trinket dishes, there’s something for every age and ability in this sea-sational list.

Whether you’re getting creative with recycled bits and bobs or making masterpieces to treasure, each activity is a fun way to celebrate the wonders of our oceans – and a great opportunity to chat about why protecting them matters!

And don’t forget – our brand-new under the sea tablecloth is available now! Swimming with amazing sea creatures to color in and discover, it’s the creative, educational and screen-free activity to add a splash of sustainable fun to your summer!

So, grab your scissors, paintbrushes and the recycling box… and get ready to make a splash this World Ocean Day!

 

Don’t forget, you can get in touch with us on social media and share your adventures and coloring creations by using #eatsleepdoodle – we always love to see what you’re up to! You can also tag us on Instagram (@eatsleepdoodle_), Facebook (@eatsleepdoodlehq) and TikTok (@eatsleepdoodle).