Finger Octopus

They float, swim, and squeeze into narrow spaces, but can octopuses dance? See how a Crayola Cutter and your own eight fingers can make this talented creature perform on land as well as it does in the ocean!

1. Think about the octopuses you have seen in aquariums or in photos. These very intelligent creatures move gracefully in their watery world. How would they move here on land? Would they be able to manage all eight arms without stumbling when they do a simple dance?

2. To make a dancing octopus puppet, use Crayola Erasable Colored Pencils to sketch a large, silly octopus face on paper. Use the colored pencils and Crayola Markers to color your sketch and add details. Draw eight circles (big enough for your fingers to poke through) below the face for the octopus’s arms.

3. Place your drawing on the cutting mat. Use your Crayola Cutter according to the package directions. Hold the Cutter at a 90-degree angle for best results. Cut out the eight finger holes. Cut out around the entire octopus.

4. Put your fingers in the holes. Wiggle them to make your octopus dance and do tricks.

Adult supervision is required for any arts & crafts project.

Sharp Point— CAUTION: Contains a functional sharp point and should not be used by children under 4 years. Close adult supervision is required and adult assistance may be needed.

Ocean Keepsake Box

Fascinating Fireflies

Silly, Smelly Halloween Garland

Crafts

crayola supplies

• Erasable Colored Pencils
• Markers
• Crayola Cutter

household supplies

• white paper

"After the children finished their puppets, they made a glittery, fancy stage for an Octopus Variety Show performance. We had giggles galore!"
Priscilla B., after-school volunteer.

"My boys designed other animals, too, with this idea. The zany elephant and worm puppets helped them master the letters E and W. "
Tim D., home-school parent of twins, age 6.

Octopuses are very smart creatures. Some scientists think they may be as intelligent as dogs! Frieda, an octopus living at Hellabrunn Zoo in Munich, has learned how to open jars under water. She places her whole body over the jar and then grips onto the lid with the suckers on her arms. A quick twist of her body opens the jar. She won't open just any jar, however. Only jars filled with her favorite treats of clams, crab, and shrimp get her attention.