I made this interactive toy for a neighbor's little girl using items I had on hand. The "squiggly" part at the top of the straw makes the body and paperclips make the "tail". Just squeeze the bottle and watch the "octopus" float up and down in the bottle. It's a fun toy even with those googly eyes looking at you from inside the bottle!! Adult supervision may be needed to squeeze the bottle as a child may not have enough strength. One quick thought... this is a great stress reliever! I keep one in my kitchen for when I have "one of those days". Something about watching those googly-eyed little guys floating around just makes me happy!!

Supplies

Clear plastic water bottle (without any print if possible)

Plastic Straws

1" Paper clips

Scissors

Craft eyeballs

Glue gun

Glue sticks

Step 1: FILL WATER BOTTLE

Fill water bottle to about 1" to 2" from top. Set aside.

Step 2: CUT STRAWS

Cut straws about 1/4" from bendable area on either end. Length should be around 3".

Step 3: MATCH PAPERCLIP COLORS

Match paperclip colors to straws and bend each straw section in half. Have 2 craft eyeballs (for each) ready for gluing.

Step 4: SLIDE PAPERCLIPS

Slide paperclips onto each co-ordinating straw and push up as far as possible. This will keep the straw section folded.

Step 5: ADD PAPERCLIPS AND EYES

Add 2 paperclips to first paperclip. Using a glue gun, place a bead of hot glue where eyes go. Carefully attach eyes pressing down gently.

Step 6: DETERMINE NUMBER OF PAPERCLIPS

You may need more than 2 paperclips added to the first. Determine this by dropping your octopus in the bottle (containing water). Place the lid on the bottle and squeeze it a few times. If the octopus's don't move, you may have to adjust the number of paperclips added. If they float - add one more paperclip. If they sink - remove a paperclip. All depends on the weight and thickness of the straws as well as the weight and thickness of the paperclips.

Step 7: OCTOPUS IN MOTION!

There you have it!! Your own octopus' in motion! Please note the orange colored octopus isn't moving as much as the others. The number of paperclips will have to be adjusted and he should be as active as his little friends....