Cardboard pirate ship craft for 6-year-olds
This project is for six-year-olds decorating a flat pirate ship rather than building a working model. Adult helpers can pre-cut the cardboard hull and sail shapes.
What to buy
Flat corrugated cardboard ship shapes
6
Brown washable tempera paint
1 bottle
Foam paintbrushes
6
White cardstock sail shapes
6
Blue construction paper
6 sheets
Black construction paper
6 sheets
Red yarn lengths
12
Gold foil star stickers
2 sheets
Glue sticks
6
Washable tacky glue
1 bottle
Large wiggle eyes
12
Who this list is for
Six-year-olds can decorate a flat pirate ship with this cardboard craft. It is for a simple art project, not a working model boat, and adult helpers can prepare the ship hull and sail shapes ahead of time.
How to use this list
Give each child a flat corrugated cardboard ship shape and a foam paintbrush. Paint the hull with brown washable tempera paint, then set it aside briefly. Add a white cardstock sail shape, blue construction paper water, black construction paper details, red yarn lengths, gold foil star stickers, and large wiggle eyes with glue.
Common mistakes
Do not make the cardboard ship into a three-dimensional boat that must float or stand up. Use a small amount of washable tacky glue for yarn and wiggle eyes, since too much can slide on painted cardboard. Let painted hulls dry before adding paper and sticker details.
What is on this list
You need six flat corrugated cardboard ship shapes, brown washable tempera paint, six foam paintbrushes, and six white cardstock sail shapes. The list also includes blue and black construction paper, 12 red yarn lengths, gold foil star stickers, glue sticks, washable tacky glue, and 12 large wiggle eyes. Cross off items already on hand.
When you are done
Place each ship flat until the paint and glue have dried. Gather extra yarn, paper scraps, and stickers, then use the finished pirate ships as wall art or a calm pretend-play prop.
FAQ
Who is "Cardboard pirate ship craft for 6-year-olds" for?
Six-year-olds can decorate a flat pirate ship with this cardboard craft. It is for a simple art project, not a working model boat, and adult helpers can prepare the ship hull and sail shapes ahead of time.
How should I use "Cardboard pirate ship craft for 6-year-olds"?
Give each child a flat corrugated cardboard ship shape and a foam paintbrush. Paint the hull with brown washable tempera paint, then set it aside briefly. Add a white cardstock sail shape, blue construction paper water, black construction paper details, red yarn lengths, gold foil star stickers, and large wiggle eyes with glue.
What should I skip or avoid with "Cardboard pirate ship craft for 6-year-olds"?
Do not make the cardboard ship into a three-dimensional boat that must float or stand up. Use a small amount of washable tacky glue for yarn and wiggle eyes, since too much can slide on painted cardboard. Let painted hulls dry before adding paper and sticker details.
What is on the "Cardboard pirate ship craft for 6-year-olds" list?
You need six flat corrugated cardboard ship shapes, brown washable tempera paint, six foam paintbrushes, and six white cardstock sail shapes. The list also includes blue and black construction paper, 12 red yarn lengths, gold foil star stickers, glue sticks, washable tacky glue, and 12 large wiggle eyes. Cross off items already on hand.
What should I do when I am done?
Place each ship flat until the paint and glue have dried. Gather extra yarn, paper scraps, and stickers, then use the finished pirate ships as wall art or a calm pretend-play prop.
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For general planning only. Valedo does not guarantee this list’s accuracy, completeness, or suitability. Verify information before relying on it. Not a substitute for professional advice or safety training.