Seal Craft Inspired by “Hoku The Seal’s Three Wishes” by Gill McBarnet

After reading “Hoku the Seal’s Three Wishes” by Gill McBarnet, we were inspired to create our own seal craft painting using a footprint and supplies we already had at home.

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Everyday items were used to create a colorful, unique underwater coral reef system with many different textures and layers.

This easy-to-do, Hawaiian Monk Seal craft is perfect for kids of all ages and can be as simple or as detailed as the artist likes. It also makes a wonderful keepsake gift to always remember those tiny, precious feet.

Let’s dive in and get started!

We are proud to be brand ambassadors for Hawaiian Children’s Books. Please use code: perhapsthisis for 15% off your purchases at www.hawaiianchildrensbooks.shop .

Check out our review of Hoku the Seal’s Three Wishes as well as, other Hawaiian Children’s Books by Gill McBarnet.

Craft Supplies Needed for Seal Craft

• Blue card stock or construction paper
• Non-toxic paints
• Paint brush
• Fork
• Spoon
• Butter knife
• Cotton swabs
• Cotton balls
• Toothpicks
• Black marker

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Take Child’s Footprint

Paint child’s foot using a gray non-toxic paint, and have child step onto the sheet of blue paper.

We found it easiest to have child stand (like a flamingo) while their foot gets painted and place the paper on the ground for them to step on.

2. Add Flippers

Have child paint flippers onto the footprint, using a paintbrush.

We are proud to be brand ambassadors for Hawaiian Children’s Books. Please use code: perhapsthisis for 15% off your purchases at www.hawaiianchildrensbooks.shop .

3. Add Coral Reef

Create an underwater coral reef formation using the fork, spoon, butter knife, cotton balls and paintbrush.

We Created Our Coral Reef Textures as Follows:

• Fork: Paint the teeth of the fork (bottom side) and press down on paper to create coral. (shown in red)
• Spoon: Paint the handle of the spoon and press down on paper to create coral structure. (shown in purple)
• Butter Knife: Paint one side of the butter knife and press down on paper to create seaweed. (shown in light green)
• Cotton Balls: Dip cotton ball in paint and press down to create coral. Select a second color to repeat the step, on top of the same print. (shown in pink/yellow)
• Paint Brush: Use to create long strands of sea grass. (shown in dark green)

4. Add Bubbles and Face

Dip tip of cotton swab in paint and “dot” paper to create bubbles.

Using a black marker, add a face once footprint area is dry. Use toothpick dipped in white to add “sparkle” dot to each eye.

5. Add Texture to Body of Seal

Select a different shade of gray and add texture to the seal by blotting the paintbrush across its body.

6. Display Your Work of Art!

Be sure to show off your artist’s unique, underwater world.

Select the perfect location at home (or school) to showcase their creativity for everyone to enjoy. Aloha!

“Hawaiian Children’s Books” Reviews

Gill McBarnet, and her family, have captured the feeling of Hawaii in the pages of her books. Below, are my reviews of the “Hawaiian Children’s Books” stories you’ll find on my ohana’s bookshelf.

• The Goodnight Gecko
• The Shark Who Learned a Lesson
• Hoku the Seal’s Three Wishes
• Gecko Hide-and-Seek
• The Brave Little Turtle
• Tikki Turtle’s Quest
• How the Geckos Learned to Chirp
• The Whale Who Wanted to Be Small

We are proud to be brand ambassadors for Hawaiian Children’s Books. Please use code: perhapsthisis for 15% off your purchases at www.hawaiianchildrensbooks.shop .

Read About Our Hawaiian Adventures:

• What to Pack for Hawaii ~ Top 10 Things You Don’t Want to Forget!
• “Over 50 Amazing Resources for Kids, All About Hawaii”
• Introducing “Hawaiian Children’s Books” by Gill McBarnet (Maui author)

Maui

• Maui Humane Society, Beach Buddies Program ~ Volunteer on Vacation
• Your Bliss Cafe, Organic Shave Ice
• Volunteering at O’o Organic Farm 
• Maui Ocean Center, Aquarium
• Stargazing at Haleakala National Park
• Best Snorkeling in Maui ~ Molokini Crater & Turtle Arches Cruise with Pacific Whale Foundation
• The Best Luau in Maui ~ The ‘Aha’aina Wailea Luau, at Grand Wailea Resort

Big Island

• Hilo Tropical Waterfall Tour with Hawaii Forest and Trail
• Kona House Condo
• Giving Back on Vacation: Hawai’i Wildlife Center
• Meet the Artist; Mattie Mae Larson of Upcycle Hawaii (Big Island, plastic pollution, marine debris, unique wearable art.)
• Upcycle Hawaii ~ A Peek Inside their Studio
• A Visit with Upcycle Hawaii to One of the Most Plastic Polluted Beaches in the World
• One Aloha Organic Shave Ice

Be sure to check out our Top 30 Gift Ideas for Travelers. It is full of unique gift ideas for those in your life who love to travel… or to add to your own personal carry-on.  We’ve even included the one item we won’t go to Disney without! It might surprise you!