This summer we all live in a yellow submarine (well, we can pretend). For my library we created a submarine photo op. I got a sea backdrop cloth, purchased yellow bulletin board paper, then put out a call for cardboard. I hit the jackpot with a patron bringing in a massive box that had held a piece of furniture.
I’ve learned from prior projects to plan before jumping in. After measuring out the piece I wanted to use, I used graph paper and a scale of two inches to a foot to help me lay out the portholes, top and propeller. The long thin box my bulletin paper came in was an excellent pillar to hold up the piece, adhered with duct tape. I cut out the circles over a cutting mat on a large table.
The bottom was covered in some leftover water bulletin board paper. I wrapped the submarine in yellow paper, drawing pie shapes over the port holes to cut, and wrapped them in to the back, taping them down. I filled in the lines for the top with a thick marker, and created a shiny porthole out of duct tape. (Tip, to cut shapes from duct tape, put the tape on paper, cut, then peel off. I used construction paper for the fins and propeller and stuck those on with school glue. I happened to have some sign letter stickers, but I could have used my Cricut to make lettering. I cut out the porthole frames, drew on bolts with a marker, then glued the frames on. If I was doing this again, I would make a handle using cable ties punched through the cardboard before I put the paper on.
Now we’re ready for our Oceans of Possibilities summer reading kick-off next Saturday! Well, this is ready at least. I have a train table I want to repaint as a “boat” table, as well as many other preparations.
