We’re teaming up with our friends at Finding Stuff Club on a series of fun, interactive activities inspired by our travels in Portugal. Finding Stuff Club is on a mission to find the best stuff on the internet that will engage kids (and adults, too!). Together, we’re hoping to bring a slice of Portugal into your home.
In this first activity, learn how to make a sardine stamp out of a sponge. Sardines are popular treats in Portugal, and we’ve created two versions of the activity for you and your kids to do together—one basic version designed for ages 4+ and a more advanced version designed for ages 10+. Download both versions here and read on for step-by-step instructions with photos.
Basic Sardine Activity:
Step 1: Gather materials.
- Printed template on page 2 of the printable instructions
- Marker
- Sponge
- Scissors
- Paint
- Palette paper or a surface to mix
- Construction paper or a surface to stamp
Step 2: Follow the directions on the stencil paper and cut out the shapes labeled.
Step 3: Place the shapes on the sponge and trace with your marker.
Step 4: Cut out the shapes from your sponge to create the sardine.
Step 5: Dip the sponge sardine in paint and start stamping onto your construction paper.
The final result should look something like this:
Advanced Sardine Activity:
Step 1: Gather materials.
- Printed templates on pages 3-5 of the printable instructions
- Sponge
- Craft knife
- Paint
- Palette paper or a surface to mix
- Canvas tote, construction paper, or other object to decorate
Step 2: Using the craft knife, cut out the printed stencils labeled on the instructions.
Step 3: Place your stencils on the desired area of your tote bag, construction paper, or other object you’re decorating and dab a sponge with paint to create the sardine shape.
Step 4: Have fun with mixing colors and creating designs by layering on the pattern stencils.
Step 5: Peel back the stencils to reveal your patterns and designs.
Step 6: Continue the process until you have a design you love. Let air dry before use.
The final product should look something like this:
Don’t forget to tag @teacollection and @findingstuffclub on Instagram so we can see your final creations! Stay tuned for more activities like this inspired by our travels through Portugal, and check out our latest styles here.
