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Easy Jellyfish Craft for Kids

📝 This post, Dome Lid Jellyfish Craft for Kids, was originally published in 2013 and has been updated with new information and resources.

This idea came to me in the middle of the night! For some reason, I started thinking about Starbucks’ dome-shaped drink lids and suddenly had the idea to turn them into jellyfish. The next day, I stopped by my local Starbucks, ordered my tea, and asked if they had a few extra dome lids. They were happy to give me some, and we headed home to create!

This simple recycled craft turned out even better than I imagined. The clear dome lids make the perfect jellyfish hood, while ribbon, fabric, and beads create beautiful tentacles that sway in the breeze. Whether you’re studying ocean animals, celebrating summer, or just looking for a unique craft to make with kids, these jellyfish are sure to be a hit.

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Fun Jellyfish Facts for Kids

Before you start crafting, here are a few fun facts about jellyfish!

• Jellyfish are not actually fish.
• Jellyfish have been around longer than the dinosaurs.
• A group of jellyfish is called a bloom.
• A large bloom can contain more than 100,000 jellyfish.
• Jellyfish do not have brains.
• Some jellyfish are poisonous, while others are harmless.
• Sea turtles are one of the jellyfish’s natural predators.
• Some jellyfish are as large as a person, while others are as tiny as a pinhead.

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Why Kids Love the Jellyfish Craft

Jellyfish are some of the most fascinating creatures in the ocean. Their flowing tentacles, bright colors, and graceful movements naturally capture children’s imaginations. Making a jellyfish craft is a fun way to combine creativity with a little science, making it a perfect activity for an ocean unit, beach theme, or rainy afternoon at home.

How to Make a Dome Lid Jellyfish Craft

Materials Needed for the Jellyfish Craft

✔️ Clear plastic dome lids
✔️ Shimmery fabric
✔️ Ribbon or organza ribbon
✔️ Beads
✔️ Thread
✔️ Hot glue gun
✔️ Scissors
✔️ Tape

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Directions

Begin by placing a small piece of tape over the hole at the top of the dome lid. You’ll be adding hot glue to this spot later, and the tape will keep the glue from slipping through the hole.

Choose the fabric you would like to use for the jellyfish’s hood. Trace a circle slightly larger than the dome lid and cut it out. The circle doesn’t need to be perfect because the edges will be tucked into the lid.

Warm up your hot glue gun and place a small dab of glue at the top of the dome lid. Carefully lay the fabric over the dome and press it into place.

Continue adding small amounts of hot glue around the outside of the lid as you attach the rest of the fabric. Once the outside is covered, add hot glue to the inside edge of the lid and tuck the extra fabric inside.

Your finished jellyfish hood should look something like this.

After making our first jellyfish this way, we decided to experiment with a few different looks. On some, we tucked all of the fabric neatly inside the lid. On others, we left the fabric hanging loose or only tucked it in slightly. All three versions turned out beautifully, so choose the style you like best!

Now it’s time to add the tentacles! We used strips of shimmery fabric, organza ribbon, thread, and beads to create a variety of textures.

Some tentacles were simply strips of fabric. For others, we added beads and tied knots at the ends to keep them in place. We did the same with the ribbon and the thread. Each material created a slightly different look, but together they looked just like tentacles floating through the water.

Arrange the tentacles inside the dome lid and attach them with hot glue. Mix and match materials to give your jellyfish lots of texture and movement.

The final step is to attach a piece of thread for hanging. Slide the thread through a bead and tie a knot so it cannot slip back through. Hot glue the bead to the inside of the jellyfish’s hood and allow it to dry completely.

Once the glue is dry, your jellyfish is ready to hang!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use lids from other cups?

Absolutely! While I used Starbucks dome lids, any clear plastic dome lid will work. Smoothie shops, coffee shops, convenience stores, and many fast-food restaurants use similar lids, making this a great recycled craft.

What age is this craft best for?

This project works well for preschoolers through elementary-aged children. Younger children will need an adult to handle the hot glue gun, while older kids can do much of the decorating themselves.

What else can I use for the tentacles?

Ribbon, yarn, curling ribbon, tulle, streamers, embroidery floss, and tissue paper all make great tentacles. Try mixing several materials together for extra texture.

Where can I display my jellyfish?

These jellyfish look beautiful hanging in a sunny windowfrom the ceiling, on a porch, or outside where they can gently sway in the breeze. They also make wonderful decorations for an ocean-themed classroom or bedroom.

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Wrapping Up

One of my favorite things about this project is that it all started with a simple cup lid and a middle-of-the-night idea! Inspiration really can come from anywhere.

These jellyfish are inexpensive to make, fun to customize, and beautiful to display. Whether you’re creating them during an ocean unit, at summer camp, or simply looking for a unique recycled craft, I hope they inspire a little creativity and a lot of smiles.

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