"The richness I achieve comes from nature, the source of my inspiration."
— Claude Monet

At WonderPlay, we believe the world is already full of inspiration. Creating begins with noticing.

Choose one invitation or explore them all. Follow your child's curiosity, experiment with different materials, and enjoy the process of creating together. There isn't a right or wrong way to create—just another way to discover the world.

Invitation 1: Colors of the Sea

Wonder Together

What colors do you notice when you look at the ocean?

Think beyond blue.

Can you find greens?
Grays?
Sandy tans?
Foamy whites?
Sunset oranges?
Seaweed browns?

You'll Need

  • Thick paper towel

  • Washable markers

  • Spray bottle with water

  • Tray or plate

  • Optional: fish-shaped paper towel cutout

Start Here

Decorate the paper towel using colors inspired by the ocean. Encourage your child to draw favorite lines, dots, zigzags, circles, or any designs they'd like.

Place the paper towel on a tray and lightly mist it with water.

Watch as the colors spread, blend, and create beautiful watercolor-like patterns.

No two creations will ever look exactly alike.

Extend the Wonder

  • Compare your artwork to photos of the ocean.

  • Try creating colors inspired by a beach sunrise or sunset.

  • Talk about how water changes things in nature.

Invitation 2: OceanPatterns

Wonder Together

What patterns can you find along the shoreline?

Look closely at shells, rocks, driftwood, seaweed, feathers, and other natural treasures.

You'll Need

  • Shells

  • Rocks

  • Twigs

  • Sand

  • Cardstock

  • Glue

Start Here

Arrange your treasures into repeating patterns.

ABAB

AAB

ABC

Growing patterns

Random nature-inspired designs

Once you're happy with your design, glue everything in place to create a beautiful piece of ocean-inspired art.

Extend the Wonder

  • Can you make a spiral like a shell?

  • Which objects repeat in nature?

  • Create patterns by size, color, or texture.

Invitation 3: Sand Drawings

Wonder Together

If you could draw something found at the beach, what would it be?

You'll Need

  • Cardstock, watercolor paper, or cardboard

  • School glue

  • Q-tips

  • Sand

  • Tray

Start Here

Dip a Q-tip into glue and draw anything inspired by the ocean.

Maybe it's...

  • a wave

  • a fish

  • a shell

  • a crab

  • sea grass

  • or simply swirling lines

Sprinkle sand over the glue.

Shake off the extra and reveal your textured artwork.

Extend the Wonder

Try using different kinds of sand or adding tiny shells once the glue dries.

Invitation 4: Ocean Texture Prints

Wonder Together

The ocean is full of interesting textures.

Some things feel smooth.
Others feel rough.
Some are bumpy.
Some are ridged.

You'll Need

  • Bubble wrap

  • Corrugated cardboard

  • Mesh produce bags

  • Seashells

  • Leaves

  • Washable paint

  • Paper

Start Here

Dip different textured objects lightly into paint.

Press them onto paper to discover the marks each one makes.

Layer your prints to create an ocean-inspired artwork.

Extend the Wonder

  • Which texture reminds you of fish scales?

  • Which one looks like waves?

  • Which reminds you of coral?

  • What other textures can you find outside?

Start by exploring what you already have at home or can gather from nature. If you need a few extra supplies, click the images below to browse some of our favorite recommendations.
Return to Real Ocean Life

As an Amazon Associate, WonderPlay earns from qualifying purchases. If you shop through these links, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting WonderPlay!