When I was planning Lincoln's Octonauts birthday party, I knew I wanted some sort of craft for the kids to do. I went back and forth between this idea (a Sea Anemone Pipe Cleaner craft) and a Paper Plate Aquarium, but the anemone ultimately required less prep, so it was the one we chose! My kids love sea creatures, so I thought it would be really fun to make an anemone - I knew they would use it after the party to play with their ocean themed toys! Sea Anemone Pipe Cleaner Craft Supplies Needed: -Pipe Cleaners in whatever colors you choose (about 50-60 per anemone) -Small, Round Plastic Canvas (I used 3") -Scissors 1. Cut all the pipe cleaners in half. You could leave them full length, or you could cut them in various lengths...for the sake of time, I cut mine all the same. 2. Insert each end of one piece of pipe cleaner through one side of the plastic canvas, pull tight, and twist to hold in place. See photos below for further visuals. I 3. Continue in this manner, filling the spaces closely. I found that the overall look of the anemone was fuller and more realistic when I used almost every hole in the canvas versus skipping over them to use fewer pipe cleaners. Below: an example of what the bottom of a canvas looks like when a four-year-old actually makes the craft. It still turns out really cute - just not as full! 4. Continue to fill in the spaces until all have been covered. 5. Arrange as desired and enjoy! Our anemones were a big hit. My kids think they're cool, and they loved the sensory-friendly craft project. Bonus piece of info which can double as a warning: anemones sting and it turns out that pipe cleaners have a stinging effect when exposed as they are in this craft. The kids and I actually think it's more realistic and cool, but some people may not agree with us! I'm dreaming up more unusual sea creature crafts...what should we make next?!