Some outstanding talented people put together this amazing display of the bottom of the ocean for our Vacation Bible School.
Our theme was Ocean Commotion. I attempted to take pictures of all the wonderful under the sea decorations and ideas so you can get inspired for your under-the-sea party, little mermaid party, or even luau.
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Since I first made this post, we have hosted a second VBS with an under the sea theme. I’ve included some of those new pictures in the mix.
So, get ready to entertain in style with these stunning underwater inspired DIY decor ideas.
The Main Under the Sea Decorations Stage
When you entered the sanctuary, the stage gave the immediate feeling of being under the sea.
The sea backdrops and water effects on the top picture are just plastic tablecloths cut in strips (leaving a couple of inches at the top), and each strip stretched outward every couple of inches.
I used this fun technique in my DIY Jellyfish costume where I show in more detail how it’s done.
They added a lot of painted sea creatures, fish netting, and more ocean life decorations for more deep-sea fun.
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Fish Under the Sea Decorations
Quick and easy, this dynamic school of colorful paper fish worked beautifully to cover a large walled area.
We made a sea fish cutouts template to distribute to several ladies so each fish would be exactly the same. It’s a great way to decorate a large area with an underwater scene for cheap.
We used the same technique 5 years later and these coral reef fish cutouts still look amazing!
We almost covered the entire room! The fish template is available for free download here.
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Another large wall and a simple technique of hanging plastic tablecloths was an easy way to make waves. The Dollar Store fishes were a striking and inexpensive addition.
Always go check out your local Dollar Store, it will probably have some perfect supplies for any under the sea themed party.
Amazing Homemade Coral Reefs
Pool noodles coral reefs are very popular because they’re so easy to make.
Colorful pool noodles cut in all kinds of ways made interesting coral reefs and made great sea party decorations. The sea urchins were little foam balls pocked with toothpicks and spray painted red.
Create a stunning coral reef out of tissue paper, floral mesh, pool noodles, and other household items. See the tutorial on how to make a coral reef decoration.
These coral reefs make perfect decorations for any under-the-sea theme party. Think how great they would look next to mermaid dessert tables or as part of a Finding Nemo photo booth.
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Also, check out how to make a miniature coral reef that would make great table decorations for any sea birthday party or baby shower table and would delight your guests.
The coral on the reef above is mostly made with coffee filters that have been dyed in different colors.
There’s a lot you can do with cardboard box fillers, tubes, and egg cartons. I encourage you to check out the coral reef decoration tutorial post which goes into the details of all these amazing coral reefs.
More Sea Creatures Decorations
Fish and sea critters crafted from colorful paper plates are amazingly simple and a bright way to cover a big wall. Love the black ray! What a great idea!
These jellyfish made from paper lanterns create a lot of impact. The tails are strips of plastic tablecloths ripped and stretched.
Adding to the sea life, this balloon octopus attached to the ceiling looked down on all the kids engaging in fun activities on their underwater adventures.
And finally, someone made Noah’s Ark on top of the waves made with crepe paper.
You can make all of these sea party ideas without buying expensive sea party supplies. I hope you feel inspired and go check out all the under the sea party related posts:
It’s good to share. Pin these under the sea decorations and ideas for later:
Thank you for the great ideas. Very much appreciated!
I love your ideas . You are super pro and original! I am gonna use some for my turning 2 year old baby girl
Now in this time of cov19 let s see what can I find.
And since I won t have a party. I do want some deco
To make the day feel special for her.
Thanks
You’re most welcome. Thank you for your kind words.
What material did you use to paint the background in the first set of 3 pictures? The one that’s blue with the cave on them.
It’s just cardboard on a wood frame.
Hi. What a cute set up! Can you let me know what paper you used for the school of fish on the fish wall? I already downloaded the template but I like that specific color combination and was wondering if you got a packet of multi color paper any where specific?
Thanks so much!
Thank you so much! I honestly don’t remember which color packs I bought but I’m pretty sure I bought them at Wal-mart. I used a bunch of colors I already had at home too. I can’t wait to see yours!
Im in love with the fish wall! Can you let me know how to download the free template? The link below seens to be dead. Thanm you!
Thank you, Jelena,
The link is a text link right below the long fish wall picture. It is hidden by the sign-up box. As soon as you fill in the sign-up form you’ll see the link underneath.
This is one of the most incredible set I’ve ever seen. Please tell me where you got the backdrop with lights behind the sheer curtains. And what kind of lights you usef. Appsolutly lovely!!
Hi Connie, thanks so much. I’m not sure which backdrop you’re referring to. But I didn’t decorate the stage. I just took photos…
I am completely floored ..at the bottom of the sea, by your creativity! What an amazing experience this must have been for the children if all this effort when into making the surroundings so awesome!
Thank you so much for your kind words Marguerite. It was a group effort. That was the best theme we have done so far!
What scripture(s) did you focus on? This is such a cute idea!!!
Hi Jessie, Thanks for your kind comment. It was a theme from Answers in Genesis. I’m sure you can find the theme on their website.
Seriously, I don’t know where to start! All the details are adorable and perfect ! Love this party so much
It was such a good time. Thanks!
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Absolutely LOVE so many of your ideas! Going to use many of your ideas for a Cub Scout Blue and Gold Banquet “Cubs Under the Sea”. I wish I had an idea how much it cost to make each piece, to know whether or not I can get various materials. Also, where do you get floral mesh?? Does it come in different widths? If so, how wide do I want to purchase? Someone gave me some to make I wreath, but I think it’s not wide enough for this project. The stuff I have is probably 3 or 4 inches wide.
Thank you for your kind comments Edwina. If you go to the Coral Reef Decoration post there’s a link for the kind of floral mesh I used. https://www.pressprintparty.com/diy/party-decorations/make-coral-reef-decoration-sea-party/
I would recommend a 20″ wide mesh. You should be able to buy it a the fake floral department of any craft store.
The cheapest craft in here is the paper fish school. It also has such a great impact. Have a great time decorating.
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