Are you looking for more ways to encourage imaginative play in your kids? Sometimes our kids become so inundated with toys, their imagination muscles get weak and boredom skyrockets. A few key toys, like these DIY mermaid and narwhal hand puppets, are perfect for encouraging play without the avalanche of stuff in their bedrooms.

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Collage of Hand puppets on wood background with text overlay: DIY Mermaid and Narwhal Hand Puppets

[bctt tweet=”Does it feel like your kids have a million toys but are always bored? These DIY mermaid and narwhal hand puppets encourage play without the toy avalanche. ” username=”diyadulation”]

I honestly believe in the power of imagination. Not only for kids, but for adults as well. Imaginative people are the problem solvers.

These are the people who can cope with difficulties because they have creative solutions. Imagination is what creates awesome stories like Harry Potter. I want my kids to grow up with as much imaginative power as possible.

That’s why I will always make fun toys for them like these DIY mermaid and narwhal hand puppets.

Hand puppets on wood background

Materials for DIY Mermaid and Narwhal Hand Puppets

Teal and Blue Silicon Potholders (I found mine at Dollar Tree but here are similar ones)
Scissors
Yarn (similar)
Small Notebook
E6000
Glitter Pompoms in Various Sizes
Hot Glue Gun and Glue
Silver Glitter Foam (I used the one from this pack)
Assorted Googly Eyes

mermaid hand puppet

Mermaid Hand Puppet

teal potholder next to scissors

Step 1

First, remove all of the tags from your potholders.

Notebook and skein of yarn

Yarn Wrapped Around the Notebook

Step 2

Next, pull out your skein of yarn and wrap the end around a small notebook 10-20 times.

Yarn wrapped around a notebook

Step 3

Cut the end of the yard still attached to the skein.

Step 4

Then cut a second small piece of yarn from your skein.

Yarn wrapped around a notebook

Step 5

Tie the small piece of yarn around your wrapped yarn as pictured.

Yarn wrapped around a notebook

Tied together strands of yarn next to a pair of scissors

Step 6

Next, cut through your wrapped yarn on the opposite side of your notebook.

dot of glue on a potholder next to strands of yarn

yarn glued to teal potholder

Step 7

Put a dab of E6000 on the top center of your potholder and attach your yarn.

teal potholder next to googly eyes

mermaid hand puppet

Step 8

Lastly, glue on 2 googly eyes toward the opening of the potholder. See the picture above for reference.

Note:

I chose the googly eyes with eyelashes for a more girly look.

blue narwhal hand puppet

Narwhal Hand Puppet

small sparkly pompoms

glued together sparkly pompom

Step 1

Start by hot gluing 4 pompoms together, with the largest on the bottom and the smallest on top.

pompom on a blue potholder

Step 2

Next, glue the pompom “horn” to the top center of the potholder with E6000.

Tip:

I definitely recommend using a blue potholder for this one. It makes the puppet look more like a whale.

blue potholder next to googly eyes

blue narwhal hand puppet

Step 3

Then, choose 2 googly eyes for your narwhal and glue them to the potholder with E6000.

Note:

I chose a smaller size for this puppet because I thought it looked adorable. The eyes are also yellow which contrasts nicely with the blue potholder.

Step 4

Set your puppet to the side and pull out a piece of silver glitter foam.

small piece of glitter foam next to a pair of scissors

Step 5

Next, cut a tongue out of the silver glitter foam.

blue narwhal hand puppet

Step 6

Lastly, use E6000 to glue your tongue into the opening of the potholder (where the pot would go).

Now your kids will be ready for all of their undersea adventures with these DIY mermaid and narwhal hand puppets! Even better, you can breath easier without all of those toys cluttering up your home. Come back later this month to find out how to make this fun Mad Scientist Hand Puppet! Until then, the the pretend play begin.

See where I’m linking up!

Don’t Forget to Pin It!

Collage of Hand puppets on wood background with text overlay: DIY Mermaid and Narwhal Hand Puppets

More Ideas You’ll Love:

Can you ever have to many kids craft ideas? When you’re a busy mom of 3 the answer is an emphatic no! That’s why this week I’m bringing you 10 more easy summertime kids crafts.

Collage of kids crafts with text overlay: 10 Easy Summertime Kids Crafts

[bctt tweet=”Already run out of summer activities for the kiddos? Here are 10 more easy summertime kids crafts to help you out!” username=”diyadulation”]

A couple of weeks ago, I had an expected few days away from the kids. It wasn’t unexpected because I didn’t know about it, more like I forgot. So when my sister and brother-brother-in-law text me letting me know what time they were picking them up, that’s when I remembered.

At first, I was stoked. Hubs was in Hawaii prepping for his upcoming annual training and frankly, I could use the break. Enter day 2 without the kiddos and I was bored out of my mind.

I learned a valuable lesson. I don’t need as much of a “break” from my kiddos as the day to day leads me to believe. We love getting creative together. I love playing games with them. I love doing activities with them like these.

Handmade Journals for Summer (5 Minutes for Mom)

Journals are always a great idea. They encourage kids to develop their writing and drawing. They teach emotional awareness and control. That’s why I will always share awesome DIY ones like these.

Finding Dory Summer Ice Rescue Sensory Play (Squirrels of a Feather)

When the sun is beating down on you, find icy ways to cool down like this sensory play idea. She’s also go a great tip to help the ice melt faster when it seems to take forever.

Summer Fun with Bottle Caps (Suzy’s Sitcom)

Do you have an excess of bottle caps from all of your summer running and sports? Turn them into adorable bracelets with this awesome tutorial.

Easy DIY Sidewalk Chalk Paint (Hello Creative Family)

Sidewalk chalk paint? Yes please! This DIY version is bright and vibrant which makes the play that much more fun.

Jellyfish Paper Plate Craft (Cookies, Coffee, and Crafts)

I love jellyfish. They are absolutely fascinating creatures and were one of my favorites to teach kids about when I worked at the aquarium in college. Easy crafts like these are the perfect jumping off point to teach your kids about jellyfish.

DIY Troll Inspired Flip Flops (Dazzle While Frazzled)

Let your kiddos showcase their Trolls love with these fun flip-flops! The ones she made are pink but you could easily make them in any color your kid wants.

DIY Bomb Pop Chalk Popsicles (Jennifer Perkins)

If chalk paint isn’t your thing then try these chalk popsicles instead. The best part is they’re easy to store for later when you’re done playing.

Rainbow Bird Streamers (Frog Prince Paperie)

Ah, rainbow fun. It’s summertime kids crafts like these that you find yourself wishing you had made one for you. Save yourself the regret and go ahead and make one now.

Minions Kids Craft (C’mon Get Crafty)

Do your kids love Minions? This easy paint craft is perfect for them. She seriously makes it easy enough that kids of all ages can get in on the fun!

Popsicle Stick Army Men Craft (DIY Adulation)

Since every mom on the planet has a plethora of popsicle sticks, why not turn them into these adorable army men? They are super easy to make and don’t hurt nearly as much if your kids forget to pick them up and you step on one!

Instead of craving a break from your kiddos, keep them entertained on the tough days with these easy summertime kids crafts. I can tell you from experience that it doesn’t take long before you are craving all of the snuggles, chaos, and love that comes with the mom life. Soak all of it in and whip up something creative along the way.

Now it’s time to start the Merry Monday Link Party! Share your latest creations with us below. Then check out what everyone else is sharing!

Don’t Forget to Pin It!

Collage of kids crafts with text overlay: 10 Easy Summertime Kids Crafts

Step 5

Have her paint the rocks to coordinate with the scene she painted on the canvas. For example, my daughter painted a person, a flower, and a sun.

Tip:

This gets messier than the canvas painting so you may want to place a piece of newspaper on the table before unleashing your kids with the rocks and paint.

Step 7 (Optional)

Once the painted rocks have dried, cover them with acrylic sealant in a well-ventilated area. Then set them aside to dry again.

Note:

This step is totally optional but it will make the painted rocks more durable and long lasting for play.

Child painted canvas and rocks with text overlay: DIY Painted Canvas Play Mat

How much fun is this DIY painted canvas play set? My daughter loves playing pretend house with it just like it is a dollhouse. Seriously adorable. Your kiddos can create whatever scene they want which is what makes it so fun.

We used a small canvas but it would be awesome with a larger one (which I think we’ll try next). Your kids can create an entire world to play in with their painted rocks. This will keep them entertained long enough for you to enjoy a cup of coffee and a shower this summer. Score!