June 08: World Oceans day: Let’s make an ocean mobile!
Moving Art Inspired by the Sea: Students create a hanging ocean mobile using collaged sea creatures in the style of Eric Carle, exploring balance, movement, and storytelling through art.
Intro (5min)
1. What’s a Mobile?
Explain: A mobile is a hanging artwork that moves gently in the air. when we create a mobile that includes sea creatures, it can look as if they are swimming, and moving in the water.
2. Eric Carle Style
Eric Carle is the author of the most popular Children’s book ‘the very hungry caterpillar. His pictures had a very distinct style, shown below. Here is how he painted textured papers → cut shapes → built animals/ pictures
You will need:
Painted/colored/textured paper (Eric Carle-style)
Small pieces of cardboard (for backing)
Scissors, glue
String or thread
Hole puncher or tape
Sticks from outside or straws, (1 per mobile)
Guide
Step 1: Paint paper for Collage (15 mins)
Each student paint a texture inspired by the ocean in various colors on a4 paper
While it is drying, sketch out the ocean animals you want to make on a rough paper.
Step 2: Make the sea creatures (45 mins)
Cut 3–5 sea animals or corals / plants from painted paper, focusing on highlighting their main qualities, such as movement, color etc.
Feel free to exchange collage paper between students
Tip: Use layers, bold shapes, textures, and color both sides
Step 3: Assemble the Mobile (15 min)
Tape or tie strings to each creature
Tie strings to a stick/hanger at different lengths
You can join the class into groups so they can share a stick / mobile if needed.
Check balance, rearrange if needed
