Gone Fishing: Ocean Creatures Workshop

Engaging Kids’ Art Workshops for Libraries & Vacation Care Programs

Age Group: 5–12 years
Duration: 1 hour (+ 30 min setup/clean-up)
Group Size: Up to 15 students per session (contact us for larger groups – options available)
Materials: All supplied
Room Requirements: Chairs and tables, access to toilets, bins supplied
Suitable For: Library sessions, Vacation Care programs
Availability: Book now for Spring 2026 & Summer 2026–7 school holidays
Pricing: Per group, not per child

Workshop Overview

Cast your net and discover amazing ocean creatures to build, decorate, and bring to life in a playful sea adventure!

In this hands-on kids art workshop, participants imagine they are ocean explorers who have just pulled in a mysterious fishing net full of sea life. Using a variety of creative materials, children design and build their own imaginative ocean creatures and bring them to life through storytelling and playful roleplay.

This engaging workshop encourages creativity, collaboration and imaginative storytelling while introducing simple maker-art building techniques using everyday materials.

Gone Fishing: Ocean Creatures Workshop is part of our Library & Vacation Care Art Workshops program, designed for libraries and vacation care venues across Western Sydney, The Hills District, Penrith and the Blue Mountains.

Creative & Learning Outcomes

Creative

• Build imaginative sea creatures using pool noodles & other mixed materials

Literature

• Imagine the ocean story behind the creatures caught in the net

STEAM / Maker Art

• Assemble diverse materials to construct unique 3D creatures

Social Connections

• Roleplay interactions between sea creatures and share ideas with the group

Wellbeing

• Encourages confidence, problem-solving and expressive play

Materials & Setup

All materials are provided, including:

• Pool noodles and paper shapes
• Wooden skewers and craft sticks
• Pipe cleaners and recycled craft materials
• Paper and decorative elements
• Blue paper used to create an “ocean pond” display

Children combine these materials to design their own imaginative sea creatures.

Room setup required: Chairs and tables, access to toilets, bins supplied.

Activity Outline

Step 1 – Cast the Net

Children imagine pulling in a mysterious fishing net full of unusual ocean life.

Step 2 – Build Your Creature

Using a variety of materials, participants construct their own imaginative sea creature.

Step 3 – Ocean Storytelling

Kids imagine what their creature might say and how it interacts with other creatures in the ocean.

Step 4 – Ocean Display & Photos

Creations are placed into the blue “ocean pond” where the group can view and photograph their underwater world.

Why Libraries & Vacation Care Programs Love This Workshop

• Encourages creativity, storytelling and maker-art skills
• Ideal for library programs and vacation care activities
• All materials provided – a hassle-free session for organisers
• Fun, interactive and confidence-building for kids
• Sessions designed to support creativity, wellbeing and collaboration

Location & Availability

Workshops are available for libraries and vacation care programs across Western Sydney, The Hills District, Penrith, the Blue Mountains and surrounding NSW regions.

If you’re located outside these areas, please get in touch — Elaine is always happy to discuss options where possible.

Elaine travels to your library or vacation care venue and delivers all workshops on-site. Multiple sessions can be scheduled on the same day, subject to availability.

Meet the Art facilitator – Elaine Butler

Elaine Butler is a kids book author, illustrator and arts educator.

With over 30 years of experience in arts education, Elaine brings a unique blend of creativity, storytelling and visual arts to every workshop.

Her programs offer an engaging, hands-on approach that nurtures imagination, creative confidence and wellbeing. Through her artwork, books and creative wellness philosophy, Elaine inspires children to explore, create and discover their own artistic voice.

Why Work With Elaine?

Elaine brings warmth, creativity and over 30 years of arts education experience to every session. Her workshops offer meaningful, calm and imaginative learning experiences that children enjoy and remember.

What venues love:

✔️ Over 30 years experience as a visual arts educator
✔️ Engaging, calm and inclusive teaching style
✔️ Strong group management and smooth session flow
✔️ Hands-on activities that boost creativity and confidence
✔️ Creative wellbeing woven into each workshop
✔️ No-prep, low-stress experience for libraries and vacation care venues
✔️ Professional-quality artwork outcomes students are proud of
✔️ Sessions that support wellbeing, focus and self-expression

Hands-on learning. Real creativity. Real art. Real collaboration.

Enquire or Book

If you’d like to discuss availability, session options, or how this workshop can fit into your venue’s program, please get in touch.

We are currently taking bookings for Spring 2026 and the Summer 2026–7 school holidays.

👉 Enquire or book using the online form

☎️ Or contact us to discuss dates and options.

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