Eco-Friendly Paper Chain Octopus Craft

Turn scrap paper and recycled materials into an adorable octopus with chain-link legs!

Introduction

What You’ll Make: In this fun, eco-conscious activity, kids will create a colorful octopus using recycled paper scraps to form chain-link tentacles.

Why It’s Eco-Friendly: This craft helps reduce paper waste by repurposing old magazines, used printer paper, or leftover construction paper, making it a great way to teach sustainability through creativity.

Materials Needed

Scrap paper (old magazines, construction paper, newspaper, or used printer paper)
Scissors
Glue stick or tape
Recycled cardboard or thick paper (for the octopus head)
Markers or crayons (optional, for decorating)
Googly eyes (optional or draw them yourself!)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Tentacles

Cut recycled paper into strips about 1 inch wide and 6 inches long.
You’ll need at least 6-8 strips for each leg (total of 48–64 strips for all 8 tentacles).

Step 2: Create the Paper Chains

Take one strip and form a loop, gluing or taping the ends together.
Loop another strip through the first one and secure.
Continue until each tentacle has a full chain.

Step 3: Make the Octopus Head

Cut a semi-circle or oval shape from recycled cardboard or thick paper.
Decorate it with markers, crayons, or even patterned paper scraps.
Add googly eyes or draw your own.

Step 4: Attach the Tentacles

Flip the head over and glue or tape each paper chain to the back, arranging them like arms under the octopus.

Step 5: Display Your Octopus!

Hang it on the wall, door, or create a whole ocean scene with friends’ crafts.

Final Touches

Add personality by drawing a smile or unique patterns on your octopus.
Try using paper in ocean-themed colors like blue, purple, or coral.

Eco-Tip

Use glue sparingly and reuse paper from your recycle bin to make each tentacle unique and colorful without buying new supplies.

Use It & Shell-ebrate Its Impact

Ideas for How to Use It

Add to an ocean-themed classroom or bedroom wall.
Use in storytelling or puppet shows.
Include it in a school project about marine life or recycling.

Why It’s Eco-Friendly

Uses paper that would otherwise be thrown away.
Encourages creativity without creating additional waste.
Teaches kids how small changes, like reusing materials, can help protect marine life.

Craft guide donated by Vanessa Ramirez @justteachme

Want to donate a craft guide? Email us at info@savingtheseas.org and we will send you our template!