How to Transform a Pool Noodle into A Tentacle

Watch the video tutorial here!

The Kraken is a legendary sea monster of maritime folklore. It's usually described as a giant octopus-like creature with massive tentacles that are used to drag ships to their doom beneath the waves. Let’s make a sculpture of one those iconic tentacles reaching through a porthole. 

This paper mache tutorial will show you how to transform a  pool noodle into an octopus or kraken tentacle. I’ll walk you though it step-by-step below. You can also check out the tutorial video here.

You'll need the following tools and supplies to DIY your own pool noodle tentacle craft: 

• pool noodle

• fibreboard wreath form (or something similar) 

• fencing wire

• masking tape

• papermache supplies

• cardboard (or pressboard)

• white glue

• DAS air-dry clay

• painting supplies

• bread knife, craft knife

• painting tools

• drill (optional)

• spoon, comb, kitchen scrubby

​​STEP 1: Shape the Noodle

• ​Use a kitchen bread knife to saw through the foam.

• Carve the foam away to create a long, tapered tentacle. Cut off any extra length

• Use a scrap to fill the hole in the noodle.

STEP 2: Attach Wire

• ​Use a kitchen bread knife to saw through the foam.

• Carve the foam away to create a long, tapered tentacle. Cut off any extra length

• Use a scrap to fill the hole in the noodle

STEP 3: Bend the Tentacle

• Bend the tentacle into shape.

• Check how your sculpture looks from different angles.

• Consider how the sculpture will sit against the wall and adjust or trim if needed.

​STEP 4: Create The Base

• Cut some circles for the base of the sculpture. You can use a couple layers of corrugated cardboard or some pressboard or plywood for this.

• Secure the tentacle to the base using the wires and lots of hot glue.

​​STEP 5: Paper Mache

• Apply several layers of paper mache to the sculpture. Cover the noodle and the circular base.

• 4-6 layers of paper mache will give your sculpture enough strength to hold a small lamp.

STEP 6: Apply Paper Clay

• Cover the dried paper mache with a thin layer of paper clay. This will add lots of strength to the finished sculpture.

• Press the clay onto the sculpture with the back of a spoon.

• Use a raking technique with a comb to smooth out bumps in the clay. Smooth out the rake lines with a damp kitchen scrubby.

STEP 7: Add Suction Cups

• Roll small balls of clay and press the handle of a paintbrush partway into the center.

• With the ball still on the paintbrush, dip it into some glue.

• Press the gluey-ball onto the tentacle and pull out the paintbrush.

• Make the suction cups bigger as you move down the sculpture.

STEP 8: Assemble the Porthole

• Glue the wreath form to the sculpture.

• Add a backing to hide the wires.

• Flush up the sides and fill any gaps.

STEP 9: Paint and Finish

• Use your favourite paint technique to paint your project.

• A glossy clearcoat can make the project look wet - like the kraken just climbed up from the depths of the ocean!

STEP 10: Attach Hardware and Hang

• Add a sawtooth hanger or some screws and picture-wire to the back of your sculpture.

• Use weight-appropriate hanging hardware to mount it on the wall.

And now you have a kick-ass kraken sculpture! You can check out the tutorial video below or find lots of other budget-friendly sculpting projects on my YouTube Channel.

If you give this technique a try, it would make my day if you’d share it with me. I’m @JaneSawyerMakes on TikTok, Instagram, Pinterest, Reddit, Threads,  and Twitter (X). Please share and pin this article!